Oklahoma Insurance Department adopts best interest annuity rule

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Insurance Department announced today that Oklahoma has adopted regulations enacting a “best interest” standard on annuity sales and recommendations based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Model Regulation (#275).

The amended regulations, which are located in Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 365:25-17, are set to go into effect on September 1, 2023. The rules require a producer to act in the best interest of consumers under the circumstances known at the time the recommendation is made.  

“The new rules will provide stronger protections for retirees and safeguard access for lower and middle-income families in the state,” Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready said.

Oklahoma is the 40th state to implement the NAIC model regulation, a template for states to create their own regulation governing annuity sales that would align with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation Best Interest providing robust consumer protection at the state and federal levels. 

Earlier this month, the OID issued a bulletin about the training requirements for producers involved in the sale, solicitation, or negotiation of annuities. The training requirements are now located in OAC 365:25-17-7.1. To learn more about annuities, visit https://www.oid.ok.gov/consumers/annuity/ or contact the OID at 800-522-0071.