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: Comparing Key Roles: Carrier, BGA & Advisors 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

The Inforce Certification provides a comprehensive understanding of the key aspects of life insurance policies once they are in force. This certification covers a range of topics related to policy services, technology, billing, changes, loans, and more. Participants will gain knowledge of how to manage policies post-issue, including understanding policy updates, billing processes, and critical policy changes. The course also includes guidance on the use of technology, such as online portals and software products, and addresses specific policy-related actions like reinstatements, conversions, and surrenders. It will also explore the financial implications of policy loans, collateral assignments, and premium financing. This certification is essential for those involved in life insurance policy administration and advisory services. Module Overview: Module 21: Contestability and Claims This module explains the contestability period in life insurance policies, detailing how insurers review claims for misrepresentation or omissions during this period. It also outlines the claims process, including the required information, beneficiary verification, and the typical timeline for claim processing. Learning Objectives Define the contestability period and its purpose in life insurance policies.  Explain how insurers investigate and handle claims within the contestability period.  Identify the key information required to initiate a claim.  Describe the steps in the claims process and the role of the beneficiary.  Understand the typical timeline and methods for claim form distribution.  COURSE CONTRIBUTORS Leah Mahoney – EVP - Operations  Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc. Kim Wilcox – Head of Wealth Management Specialists  Guardian Life Sandra Giordano – Manager, Shared Services Ash Brokerage Cheryl Visconti– Operations Manager Gallagher Alaina R. Winson – Operations Project Manager Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc.   Read more

The Inforce Certification provides a comprehensive understanding of the key aspects of life insurance policies once they are in force. This certification covers a range of topics related to policy services, technology, billing, changes, loans, and more. Participants will gain knowledge of how to manage policies post-issue, including understanding policy updates, billing processes, and critical policy changes. The course also includes guidance on the use of technology, such as online portals and software products, and addresses specific policy-related actions like reinstatements, conversions, and surrenders. It will also explore the financial implications of policy loans, collateral assignments, and premium financing. This certification is essential for those involved in life insurance policy administration and advisory services. Module Overview: Module 20: Tax Forms This module covers Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code, which defines requirements for life insurance policies to qualify for favorable tax treatment, including tax-deferred cash value growth and tax-free death benefits. It explains how ownership changes affect this section and defines Interpolated Terminal Reserves (ITR). Additionally, it covers the purpose of IRS Form 712 and when it is required. Learning Objectives Understand the purpose and implications of Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code. Identify the criteria a life insurance policy must meet to receive favorable tax treatment. Describe how Section 7702 affects ownership changes. Define Interpolated Terminal Reserves (ITR) and its use. Understand the purpose of IRS Form 712 and when it is required. COURSE CONTRIBUTORS Leah Mahoney – EVP - Operations  Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc. Kim Wilcox – Head of Wealth Management Specialists  Guardian Life Sandra Giordano – Manager, Shared Services Ash Brokerage Cheryl Visconti– Operations Manager Gallagher Alaina R. Winson – Operations Project Manager Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc.   Read more

The Inforce Certification provides a comprehensive understanding of the key aspects of life insurance policies once they are in force. This certification covers a range of topics related to policy services, technology, billing, changes, loans, and more. Participants will gain knowledge of how to manage policies post-issue, including understanding policy updates, billing processes, and critical policy changes. The course also includes guidance on the use of technology, such as online portals and software products, and addresses specific policy-related actions like reinstatements, conversions, and surrenders. It will also explore the financial implications of policy loans, collateral assignments, and premium financing. This certification is essential for those involved in life insurance policy administration and advisory services. Module Overview: Module 19: Annuity Withdrawals  This module outlines the complexities of annuity withdrawals, including fees, tax implications, and contract rules. It’ll discuss surrender charges, penalties, market value adjustments, early withdrawal tax penalties, and withholding options. It also explains the rules for accessing funds based on annuity type and withdrawal provisions or waivers. Learning Objectives Understand the various considerations involved in annuity withdrawals. Explain surrender charges, penalties, and market value adjustments that may apply during withdrawals. Understand the tax implications of annuity withdrawals, including penalties for early withdrawals. Describe the different rules and limitations for accessing funds from various types of annuities. Recognize situations where withdrawal charges may be waived. COURSE CONTRIBUTORS Leah Mahoney – EVP - Operations  Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc. Kim Wilcox – Head of Wealth Management Specialists  Guardian Life Sandra Giordano – Manager, Shared Services Ash Brokerage Cheryl Visconti– Operations Manager Gallagher Alaina R. Winson – Operations Project Manager Diversified Brokerage Services, Inc.   Read more