This notice is a reminder that all ESI Registered Representatives have online access to view their individual licensing information, as it’s recorded in the Firm’s back office system. This information is provided to you as a means of verifying your licensing and appointment status prior to submitting business. It includes securities licenses sponsored, state securities registrations, variable authority, and variable appointments with carriers. Certain administrative roles within the agency, such as the new business processor, also have access to view their associated representatives’ licensing information.
ACCESSING INFORMATION
A document contains step-by-step instructions on how to access individual licensing information through the Activities and Commission Engine (“ACE”) is available on the NL agent portal. This information is populated from the back-office system and is regularly updated overnight.
HOW THIS HELPS YOU
Prior to meeting with a client or potential client, representatives should access ACE to ensure that they have the appropriate state securities registration, variable authority (if applicable), and carrier appointment for the business they expect to write. State securities regulations require that the broker/dealer, principals, and each registered representative must be registered in each state in which they solicit and/or conduct securities business. This includes obtaining a state securities registration in the client’s state of residence, prior to soliciting any securities transactions. If any of the necessary requirements are not reflected in ACE, the representative should work with their office manager to complete the necessary steps and obtain the licensing item(s) needed. Ensuring that all paperwork is received in good order (“IGO”) at ESI – which includes meeting all the necessary licensing/registration requirements – helps avoid processing delays and reduces the risk of ESI having to return paperwork to a client due to licensing issues.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I do if the status of any of my insurance license(s) changes?
Reps should notify ESI licensing of any changes in the status of their insurance licensing (i.e. adding a new license, terminating an existing one, or updates to the variable authority on any insurance license), as ESI does not automatically receive this information from either the states nor carriers. Changes to ESI’s back office system require manual processing, so it is incumbent on the representative to keep ESI informed of any changes to their insurance licenses.
Where do I find appointment paperwork?
If a carrier appointment is needed, the variable annuity appointment paperwork is located on the ESI website (VA Appointment forms). The representative must print complete and forward the appointment paperwork to ESI Licensing for processing. Please DO NOT send appointment paperwork directly to the carrier. Bypassing ESI Licensing does not allow the Firm to maintain accurate licensing/appointment information and may result in delayed or rejected new business and, possibly, the assessment of a $25 service fee.
When is my appointment active?
You will receive a confirmation email from ESI Licensing when a registration or carrier appointment is active. Attempting to submit or process business prior to receiving such confirmation may result in delayed or rejected new business.
Questions
If you have any questions about this requirement, please contact ESI Licensing at 800-344-7437.
TC116898(0920)1