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Showing posts from August, 2025

South Dakota Regulatory Update: Continuing Education Changes Starting January 2025

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 Attention South Dakota producers! The South Dakota Division of Insurance has released new continuing education guidelines designed to simplify compliance and eliminate prior confusion. Beginning January 1, 2025, these revisions affect training for long-term care insurance as well as the way course rosters are handled. Long-Term Care Insurance Training Updates (ARSD 20:06:21:74): Producers authorized to sell long-term care insurance are now required to complete their four-hour ongoing training within their two-year license renewal cycle, by the last day of their birth month. Previously, training was due every even-numbered year, regardless of renewal schedules. This adjustment eliminates conflicting timelines and ensures training aligns with each producer’s renewal cycle. [ Administrative Rule 20:06:21:74 | South Dakota Legislature ] Simplified Course Roster Management (ARSD 20:06:18:05.01): Providers no longer need to secure “original signatures” when collecting course rosters...

FINRA Regulatory Notice 25-01: 2025 Broker-Dealer & Investment Adviser Renewal Guide As the new year begins, regulatory compliance remains a top priority for Broker-Dealers (BDs), Investment Advisers (IAs), and related entities. FINRA’s Regulatory Notice 25-01 (Regulatory Notice 25-01 | FINRA.org) outlines critical information about the 2025 renewal process, including final statements, payment deadlines, and procedures for addressing discrepancies. Staying informed is essential to ensure seamless registration renewals and avoid penalties. What is Regulatory Notice 25-01? Issued by FINRA, this notice provides guidance for the 2025 renewal cycle, covering registration fees for broker-dealers, investment adviser firms, agents, representatives, and branches. The notice aims to help firms navigate the Final Statements available on January 2, 2025, reconcile fees, and complete payments accurately and on time. (https://www.finra.org/filing-reporting/e-bill/user-guide#Renewal_Alert) Key Dates and Deadlines January 2, 2025: Final Statements became available in E-Bill, (https://ews.finra.org/auth/logon?realm=ews&goto=https://gateway.finra.org:443/app) reflecting any adjustments since the Preliminary Statements issued in November. January 24, 2025: Deadline to pay any outstanding fees or report discrepancies to FINRA. Payment and Refund Processes Firms must review their Final Statements and ensure all fees are paid by the January 24 deadline. Payments can be made through: ( https://www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/broker-dealers/annual-renewal/payment-options ) E-Bill (preferred) Wire transfer Check Overpayments have been credited to firms’ Flex-Funding Accounts, and refund requests can be submitted after January 27, 2025. (https://www.finra.org/industry/e-bill-user-guide#Refunds) Renewal Reports CRD/IARD systems provide detailed renewal reports, which include registrations renewed for 2025. Firms should carefully examine these reports to verify registration accuracy and include them in their permanent records. (https://www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/broker-dealers/annual-renewal#reports) Reporting Discrepancies If discrepancies are identified, firms must report them in writing to FINRA by the January 24 deadline. Supporting documentation, along with the Final Statement, should be sent to FINRA’s Registration & Disclosure – Regulatory Services & Operations office. Takeaways The 2025 renewal process is well underway, and adhering to deadlines is crucial for maintaining compliance. Firms should review their Final Statements, confirm payments, and address discrepancies promptly to avoid any interruptions in their operations. For additional information, refer to FINRA’s Renewal Program resources or contact their Support Center at (301) 869-6699. You can find additional resources on the following webpages: FINRA’s Renewal Program page (for BDs) IARD Renewal Program page (for IAs) Additional contact information is as follows: FINRA Registration & Disclosure – Regulatory Services & Operations 9509 Key West Avenue Rockville, MD 20850 Phone: 301.869.6699 Website: https://www.finra.org/

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 With the start of 2025, compliance obligations once again take center stage for Broker-Dealers (BDs), Investment Advisers (IAs), and associated firms. FINRA’s Regulatory Notice 25-01 (Regulatory Notice 25-01 | FINRA.org) provides important direction on the renewal cycle, addressing final invoices, due dates, and how to resolve discrepancies. Keeping current with these requirements is essential to maintain registration and prevent penalties. Understanding Regulatory Notice 25-01 Published by FINRA, this notice outlines the procedures for the 2025 renewal cycle, covering fees for broker-dealers, advisory firms, agents, representatives, and branch offices. The purpose is to help entities manage the Final Statements issued on January 2, 2025, reconcile charges, and make timely payments. ( https://www.finra.org/filing-reporting/e-bill/user-guide#Renewal_Alert ) Key Dates and Deadlines January 2, 2025: Final Statements were posted in E-Bill ( https://ews.finra.org/auth/logon?realm...

Florida Adjuster License Exam Explained: Difficulty Level and Preparation Guide

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 The Florida adjuster license exam is a major requirement for anyone looking to become a claims adjuster in the state. It evaluates your grasp of insurance fundamentals, Florida laws, and professional ethics—knowledge that’s essential to succeed in the field. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exam details, preparation methods, costs, and benefits. Whether you’re an individual candidate or an insurance organization supporting adjusters, this article will provide the clarity you need to move forward. What Is the Florida Adjuster License Exam? The exam is an official state-administered test designed to confirm that you can effectively assess and manage insurance claims. Passing this exam is a mandatory step toward earning your license, which is required for anyone handling claims in Florida. Exam Structure and Key Highlights Format: Multiple-choice questions that assess both practical and theoretical knowledge. Number of Questions: 100, with a two-hour completion window...

Alaska Adjuster License Exemptions: Updated 2025 Rules Following January Windstorms

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 After the destructive windstorms that hit Southcentral Alaska in January 2025—including Anchorage, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, and the Kenai Peninsula Borough—the Director of Insurance issued a catastrophe declaration under Alaska Statute (AS) 21.27.860. This declaration allows nonresident independent adjusters to apply for temporary exemptions in order to meet Alaska’s immediate claims needs. To review the full announcement, see bulletin B 25-02 here (B25-02.pdf) . What Adjusters Should Know About Exemptions Eligibility Only nonresident independent adjusters with an active license in good standing in their home state can qualify. Licenses designated as a “home state” are not considered valid for reciprocity. How to Apply Exemption and license requests must be submitted through NIPR.com . Temporary exemptions are initially valid for 90 days, but the Director may extend them if consumer demand requires it. Conditions and Restrictions Without an exemption, adjust...

Mastering Insurance License Oversight in Texas: Remain Compliant and Prevent Expensive Fines

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Managing insurance licenses in Texas requires careful attention to state rules and deadlines. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) sets clear expectations for agencies and producers, and falling short can lead to financial setbacks, penalties, or even loss of business opportunities. To succeed in this environment, agencies must not only understand the state-specific requirements but also adopt efficient systems that ensure ongoing compliance. Why Insurance License Management Matters in Texas In Texas, insurance agencies must comply with regulations that govern everything from insurance licensing to maintaining producer appointments. Missing renewal deadlines or overlooking a compliance requirement can quickly escalate into serious problems. For example, late renewals may result in fines, while lapsed licenses can prevent producers from legally conducting business. With the competitive nature of the Texas insurance market, no agency can afford such risks. Key Compliance Challenges...

The Smart Playbook for Onboarding Insurance Producers and Agents in 2025

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 Here’s something every insurance leader knows: onboarding producers and agents is rarely simple. From verifying licenses to meeting state-by-state compliance standards, the process can feel never-ending. But here’s the important part—it isn’t just clerical work. Onboarding has a direct impact on revenue growth, compliance health, and overall reputation. If you’ve asked yourself: How do I shorten the onboarding cycle without errors? What role does license management actually play? Is there a better, more automated way to handle everything? This guide is for you. Let’s break down the modern onboarding roadmap—and show how platforms like Agenzee are changing the way it’s done. What Producer and Agent Onboarding Really Involves Let’s start by clarifying terms. Producer vs. Agent —what’s the difference? Regulatory systems like NIPR formally use “producer” to describe anyone licensed to sell, solicit, or negotiate insurance. In daily language, though, “agent” is the m...

2025 Massachusetts Appointment Renewals: Key Dates and Steps for Carriers

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 The clock is ticking for the Massachusetts company appointment renewal period. Invoices will be available starting July 19, 2025, at 8:00 AM Central Time , and the renewal window closes promptly on August 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM Central Time . Carriers that want to stay compliant — and avoid paying for unused appointments — should start preparing now. Termination Cutoff and Renewal Cycle All terminations must be processed no later than July 14, 2025 . Any new appointments added on or after July 1, 2025 , will not appear in the 2025 renewal billing; instead, they’ll roll over into the 2026 cycle. Renewed appointments will remain active through June 30, 2026 . There is no extension period after the renewal deadline — once it’s closed, it’s closed. Massachusetts Renewal Fees and Payment Process State renewal fee: $75 per license class for individuals or per member for business entities NIPR processing fee: 1% of the total state fees (minimum $5, maximum $1,000) Payments must ...

ICMG 2025 Mid-Year Meeting: The Place Where Opportunities Begin

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 On Thursday, August 21, 2025 , the Inter-Company Marketing Group ( ICMG ) will welcome industry professionals to its Mid-Year Meeting at the elegant Hotel Vin in Grapevine, Texas. This carefully planned half-day gathering is built for insurance and financial services leaders who want to expand their network, strengthen partnerships, and uncover new ways to grow their business. Our Licensing Administrator, Laura Crowell , who sits on the ICMG committee, offers an inside look at why this year’s meeting is a must-attend event. 5 Reasons to Be at the ICMG Mid-Year Meeting 1. Speed Networking That Connects You Fast Starting at 4:30 PM , the Speed Networking session offers a dynamic, rotating format where you’ll meet almost everyone in the room in just an hour. It’s the perfect way to spark new conversations and open doors to collaboration. 2. A Setting That Encourages Quality Interaction This isn’t a massive, overwhelming conference. The smaller, focused group ensures you can tr...

Insurance License Renewal Requirements for 2025–2026: How Frequently and What’s Evolving?

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 Staying compliant as an insurance professional in 2025–2026 means understanding not just when to renew your license—but how the process is changing. While the biennial renewal cycle still applies in most U.S. states, the mechanisms behind licensing are becoming more technology-driven, data-integrated, and tightly monitored by regulators. This article breaks down the latest license renewal policies, explores emerging tech integrations, and shares how agents can adapt to the ongoing evolution in compliance expectations. What’s Transforming the Renewal Process in 2025–2026? The two-year renewal schedule may still be standard, but the way agents interact with that process is undergoing major modernization, with technology and policy updates leading the charge. Online Renewals Are Practically Universal As of 2025, the majority of states either mandate or heavily promote digital platforms for license renewals. This shift eliminates paper-heavy workflows and introduces secure, pass...

Choosing an AMS in 2025? Ask These 10 Questions First

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  Why Your AMS Is More Than Just Another Tool In 2025, agencies aren’t just delivering results—they’re juggling remote collaboration, high client expectations, fast-paced project timelines, and ever-changing tech stacks. That’s where an Agency Management System (AMS) comes in. It’s not just another app—it’s the operating system for your agency. When chosen well, it saves time, boosts team productivity, and supports your long-term growth. But make the wrong choice, and you’ll find yourself tangled in inefficiencies, overspending, and frustrated employees. So before you sign up, make sure you ask these 10 practical questions . They’ll guide you to software that fits today—and doesn’t hold you back tomorrow. 1. Is It Built to Handle Growth? Why this matters: Your agency today is likely smaller than it’ll be next year. You need software that grows with you—without penalties or performance issues. What to ask: Can I add more users, clients, and data easily? Will the system...