MassMutual Ascend: Best Interest Standard Coming to Multiple States

The following states recently adopted the new NAIC Best Interest Standard:

• North Carolina: January 1, 2023
• Alaska: November 23, 2022

Producers in these states who completed a four-credit training course before the effective date must complete one of the following within six months of the effective date.

• A new four-credit training course; or
• A one-credit training that covers the new standards and requirements.

Producers who did not complete a four-credit training course before the effective date must do so prior to their first sale.

Please visit MassMutual's Best Interest Resource Center for more information.

Updated CFDs

As part of the Best Interest Standard, updated Client Financial Disclosures (CFDs) are available to help you capture all required client data, identify the annuity that best addresses the client's unique needs, and then document the basis for the recommendation.

MassMutual will continue to accept the previous versions through December 30, 2022. If a previous version is submitted after this date, paperwork will be considered Not In Good Order (NIGO) and could result in processing delays.

Please note:

• All producers on the application must complete the Producer's Statement(s) section of the CFDs. 

• There are separate CFD versions for contracts owned by an irrevocable trust. 

The updated forms will be available on MassMutual's electronic platforms prior to the NIGO date.

If you have any questions, call us today at 866-568-9649!