The Commissions Module equips participants with a practical understanding of how compensation flows across carriers, BGAs, and advisors, and why it is central to advisor retention and firm health. The course covers first-year, renewal, and trail commissions, as well as product-specific differences across life, annuities, hybrids, long-term care, and Medicare products. Learners will explore inforce transactions that impact pay, regulatory considerations in states like New York, and how to resolve commission errors quickly to maintain trust. The module also introduces the role of technology and reporting systems in reconciling payments, managing hierarchies, and ensuring compliance. By the end, participants will be able to interpret statements, anticipate commission impacts, and support accurate, timely compensation across diverse product lines. Lesson Overview: Commission Basics This lesson reviews how producers are appointed, how rates are set, and how compensation schedules work. It explains the role of delivery requirements, commission frequency, and payment methods in determining when and how advisors are paid. Learners gain a foundation for understanding the flow of commissions. Learning Objectives Understand the role of appointment paperwork in setting up commissions. Explain how commissionable premium differs from total premium. Recognize the importance of delivery requirements in triggering payment. Identify common commission frequencies and payment cycles. COURSE CONTRIBUTORS Leah Mahoney – EVP - Operations  Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc. Kayla Doherty –  Customer Operations Analyst  Securian Jon Duvall – Director, Commissions and PlanAdmin  Ash Brokerage Lionel Gusti – IT, Commissions Manager Innovative Solutions Insurance Services, LLC  Jason Kidd – Senior Vice President Innovative Solutions Insurance Services, LLC Katie Spinner – Director of Commission Operations Ash Brokerage Jim Tigrak – Commission Analyst Simplicity Los Angeles Jessica Schultz – Licensing & Commission Supervisor   Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc. Allie Munson – Commission Specialist Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc.   Read more

The Commissions Module equips participants with a practical understanding of how compensation flows across carriers, BGAs, and advisors, and why it is central to advisor retention and firm health. The course covers first-year, renewal, and trail commissions, as well as product-specific differences across life, annuities, hybrids, long-term care, and Medicare products. Learners will explore inforce transactions that impact pay, regulatory considerations in states like New York, and how to resolve commission errors quickly to maintain trust. The module also introduces the role of technology and reporting systems in reconciling payments, managing hierarchies, and ensuring compliance. By the end, participants will be able to interpret statements, anticipate commission impacts, and support accurate, timely compensation across diverse product lines. Lesson Overview: General Product Overview This module of the Nailba Case Design Certificate coursework introduces the fundamentals of life insurance, emphasizing its significance in both wealth protection and wealth accumulation. It outlines the benefits of life insurance, including risk management, estate planning, and cash value accumulation, while also differentiating between term and permanent life insurance products. Participants will gain an understanding of how each product type operates, along with the associated benefits and potential drawbacks, setting the stage for more in-depth exploration in future modules. Learning Objectives Understand the basic concepts and purpose of life insurance. Identify the key benefits and common uses of life insurance in risk management and wealth planning. Differentiate between term and permanent life insurance products, recognizing the features and advantages of each. COURSE CONTRIBUTORS Leah Mahoney – EVP - Operations  Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc. Kayla Doherty –  Customer Operations Analyst  Securian Jon Duvall – Director, Commissions and PlanAdmin  Ash Brokerage Lionel Gusti – IT, Commissions Manager Innovative Solutions Insurance Services, LLC  Jason Kidd – Senior Vice President Innovative Solutions Insurance Services, LLC Katie Spinner – Director of Commission Operations Ash Brokerage Jim Tigrak – Commission Analyst Simplicity Los Angeles Jessica Schultz – Licensing & Commission Supervisor   Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc. Allie Munson – Commission Specialist Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc.   Read more

The Commissions Module equips participants with a practical understanding of how compensation flows across carriers, BGAs, and advisors, and why it is central to advisor retention and firm health. The course covers first-year, renewal, and trail commissions, as well as product-specific differences across life, annuities, hybrids, long-term care, and Medicare products. Learners will explore inforce transactions that impact pay, regulatory considerations in states like New York, and how to resolve commission errors quickly to maintain trust. The module also introduces the role of technology and reporting systems in reconciling payments, managing hierarchies, and ensuring compliance. By the end, participants will be able to interpret statements, anticipate commission impacts, and support accurate, timely compensation across diverse product lines. Lesson Overview: Key Terms This lesson introduces the core terminology used in commissions, including commissionable premium, target premium, overrides, bonuses, and spread commissions. Learners will also explore concepts like chargebacks, renewals, and rolling targets. Understanding these terms is essential for interpreting statements and contracts. Learning Objectives Define commissionable premium, target premium, and excess premium. Differentiate between commissions, overrides, and bonuses. Explain rolling targets and how they affect long-term compensation. Recognize chargebacks, renewals, and spread commissions. COURSE CONTRIBUTORS Leah Mahoney – EVP - Operations  Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc. Kayla Doherty –  Customer Operations Analyst  Securian Jon Duvall – Director, Commissions and PlanAdmin  Ash Brokerage Lionel Gusti – IT, Commissions Manager Innovative Solutions Insurance Services, LLC  Jason Kidd – Senior Vice President Innovative Solutions Insurance Services, LLC Katie Spinner – Director of Commission Operations Ash Brokerage Jim Tigrak – Commission Analyst Simplicity Los Angeles Jessica Schultz – Licensing & Commission Supervisor   Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc. Allie Munson – Commission Specialist Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc.   Read more

The Commissions Module equips participants with a practical understanding of how compensation flows across carriers, BGAs, and advisors, and why it is central to advisor retention and firm health. The course covers first-year, renewal, and trail commissions, as well as product-specific differences across life, annuities, hybrids, long-term care, and Medicare products. Learners will explore inforce transactions that impact pay, regulatory considerations in states like New York, and how to resolve commission errors quickly to maintain trust. The module also introduces the role of technology and reporting systems in reconciling payments, managing hierarchies, and ensuring compliance. By the end, participants will be able to interpret statements, anticipate commission impacts, and support accurate, timely compensation across diverse product lines. Lesson Overview: Carrier vs. BGA vs. Advisor Perspectives This lesson explores the insurance distribution pyramid, showing how carriers, BGAs, and advisors each view commissions differently. It examines responsibilities, relationships, and compensation flows across the three levels. Emphasis is placed on how clear communication and understanding roles avoids confusion. Learning Objectives Describe the carrier’s role in setting rates, rules, and paying commissions. Explain how BGAs serve as intermediaries and advocates for advisors. Recognize how advisors depend on BGAs for support and commission accuracy. Compare how compensation flows under direct pay and LOA models. COURSE CONTRIBUTORS Leah Mahoney – EVP - Operations  Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc. Kayla Doherty –  Customer Operations Analyst  Securian Jon Duvall – Director, Commissions and PlanAdmin  Ash Brokerage Lionel Gusti – IT, Commissions Manager Innovative Solutions Insurance Services, LLC  Jason Kidd – Senior Vice President Innovative Solutions Insurance Services, LLC Katie Spinner – Director of Commission Operations Ash Brokerage Jim Tigrak – Commission Analyst Simplicity Los Angeles Jessica Schultz – Licensing & Commission Supervisor   Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc. Allie Munson – Commission Specialist Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc.   Read more

The Commissions Module equips participants with a practical understanding of how compensation flows across carriers, BGAs, and advisors, and why it is central to advisor retention and firm health. The course covers first-year, renewal, and trail commissions, as well as product-specific differences across life, annuities, hybrids, long-term care, and Medicare products. Learners will explore inforce transactions that impact pay, regulatory considerations in states like New York, and how to resolve commission errors quickly to maintain trust. The module also introduces the role of technology and reporting systems in reconciling payments, managing hierarchies, and ensuring compliance. By the end, participants will be able to interpret statements, anticipate commission impacts, and support accurate, timely compensation across diverse product lines. Lesson Overview: Why are Commissions Important? This lesson explains why commissions are central to the insurance industry and the primary source of advisor income. It highlights how commissions motivate advisors to sell, support clients, and remain in the business despite high attrition rates. Learners will see how commission accuracy impacts advisor trust, retention, and the overall distribution system. Learning Objectives Understand why commissions are the main form of advisor compensation. Explain how commissions drive advisor retention and client service. Recognize common factors that delay or reduce commissions. Identify the role of a commissions analyst in ensuring accuracy. COURSE CONTRIBUTORS Leah Mahoney – EVP - Operations  Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc. Kayla Doherty –  Customer Operations Analyst  Securian Jon Duvall – Director, Commissions and PlanAdmin  Ash Brokerage Lionel Gusti – IT, Commissions Manager Innovative Solutions Insurance Services, LLC  Jason Kidd – Senior Vice President Innovative Solutions Insurance Services, LLC Katie Spinner – Director of Commission Operations Ash Brokerage Jim Tigrak – Commission Analyst Simplicity Los Angeles Jessica Schultz – Licensing & Commission Supervisor   Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc. Allie Munson – Commission Specialist Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc.   Read more

Whether you’re years away from retirement or actively considering a sale or merger, strategic succession planning can make or break your outcome. This session provides a high-level market overview, a practical timeline for preparation, and proven do’s and don’ts for everything from increasing your business’s value to ensuring a smooth integration. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for every stage of the journey — whether you’re a BGA, independent producer, or looking to acquire. Read more