BROKER DEALER SELLING AGREEMENT
BROKER DEALER SELLING AGREEMENT
This Broker-Dealer Selling Agreement (hereinafter
“Agreement”) is made by and between PRUCO SECURITIES, LLC (hereinafter
"Distributor"), The Prudential Insurance Company of America (hereinafter “Prudential
”), Pruco Life Insurance Company (hereinafter “PLIC) and Pruco Life Insurance
Company of New Jersey (hereinafter “PLNJ”), (hereinafter, the preceding
three entities referred to collectively as the “Company”), and Broker
Dealer (hereinafter "Broker-Dealer"), and together with Broker-Dealer’s
duly licensed affiliates set forth on the Schedule A, attached hereto and made a
part hereof (hereinafter the “Affiliates”)
Whereas, Company is
an issuer of variable life contracts (hereinafter “Contracts”) identified
on attached Schedule B and have appointed Distributor as the sole principal underwriter
of such Contracts; and
Whereas, Company is also an issuer of certain traditional
life policies that are not considered securities under the federal securities laws
(hereinafter “Policies”), which Policies are identified on attached Schedule
B: and
Whereas, the Contracts are duly registered under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (hereinafter “Securities Act”), or private placement
variable contracts which are exempt from registration under the Securities Act and
qualified under applicable insurance laws, and the Policies are not registered under
the Securities Act and are duly qualified under applicable insurance laws; and
Whereas, Distributor, Company, and Broker-Dealer wish to enter into an agreement
to have Broker-Dealer solicit application for Contracts; and Company and Broker-Dealer
wish to enter into an agreement to have Broker-Dealer solicit applications for Policies.
Now, therefore, for good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which
is acknowledged hereby, and intending to be legally bound, the parties agree as
follows:
I. | Appointment/Authorization |
Pursuant to the authority delegated to it by the Company, Distributor hereby authorizes Broker-Dealer, and/or the Affiliates during the term of this Agreement, to solicit applications for Contracts. Additionally, the Company hereby appoints Broker-Dealer and/or its Affiliates during the term of this Agreement as a non-exclusive agent to solicit applications for Policies. Such Contracts and Policies are identified as Eligible Products in a List of Eligible Products that is identified as Schedule B, attached hereto and made a part hereof. Distributor or the Company may update or amend Schedule B, which will be effective upon notice, as defined in Section XX, (hereinafter, “Notice”) to the Broker-Dealer that a new or amended Schedule B has been issued. It is agreed and understood by the parties that Distributor does not distribute nor act in any capacity with respect to Policies and the Broker-Dealer and its Affiliates, if any, shall have no arrangement with Distributor with respect to such Policies.
II. | Authority and Undertakings of the Broker-Dealer | |
A. | With regard to Contracts and Policies, Broker-Dealer is authorized hereby to: |
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1. | solicit,
procure and submit applications for Contracts of the Company through Registered
Representatives (defined below), provided that both the Broker-Dealer (and/or the
Affiliates) and the Registered Representatives are properly licensed, registered
and state appointed to do so, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations
and the Company’s Licensing, Appointment and Registration policy, as amended
from time to time. “Registered Representative” is defined as a duly registered
representative of Broker-Dealer, in good standing, with the authority to sell Contracts
as required by the National Association of Securities Dealers (hereinafter “NASD”) and who is appointed as a non exclusive agent of the Company and properly
licensed and appointed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and the
Company’s Licensing, Appointment and Registration policy, as amended from time
to time. |
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2. | solicit,
procure and submit applications for Policies of the Company through Registered Representatives
or through Brokers (defined below), provided that both the Broker-Dealer (and/or
the Affiliates) and either the applicable Registered Representative or Broker are
properly licensed and state appointed to do so, in accordance with applicable law
and regulations and the Company’s Licensing, Appointment and Registration policy,
as amended from time to time. For purposes of this agreement, “Broker”
is defined as an individual employed by or associated with Broker-Dealer who is
not a Registered Representative of Broker-Dealer and who is appointed as a non-exclusive
agent of the Company. |
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B. |
Broker-Dealer agrees to the following undertakings in its capacity as a Broker-Dealer
with regard to its Registered Representatives and Brokers for Contracts and Policies:
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1. | Broker-Dealer
has full responsibility for the training and supervision of all Registered Representatives
and Brokers who are engaged, directly or indirectly, in the offer, sale and/or administration
of Contracts and Policies to ensure that they are in compliance with all applicable
federal, state and local laws and regulations and all rules and procedures of the
Company (which rules and procedures may be changed by the Company at its own discretion.)
Broker-Dealer shall establish and implement reasonable procedures for periodic inspection
and supervision of sales practices of its Registered Representatives. Additionally,
Broker-Dealer shall establish, maintain, and enforce a supervisory system, as set
forth by the NASD Conduct Rules, to supervise the activities of each Registered
Representative and Broker that is reasonably designed to achieve compliance with
applicable securities laws and regulations, and with the applicable rules of the
NASD. |
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2. | Broker-Dealer
shall be responsible for determining the suitability for recommendations and sales
for Registered Representatives and Brokers of Contracts and Policies. Broker-Dealer
shall be solely responsible for determining the suitability of recommendations for
purchases and sales of Contracts that are made by its Registered Representatives.
Broker-Dealer shall take steps to ensure that Registered Representatives appointed
by it shall not make recommendations to an applicant to purchase a Contract in the
absence of reasonable grounds to believe that the purchase of the Contract is suitable
for such applicant, in |
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accordance
with applicable laws and regulations including NASD Rules, regulations and administrative
policies. |
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3. | Broker-Dealer
shall be responsible for the delivery of all Contracts and Policies, amendments
thereto and all other documents to each Contract and Policy owner, and shall ensure
that all other delivery requirements have been satisfied, promptly and in accordance
with the Company’s delivery requirements; require return of unplaced Contracts
and Policies; review all applications before submitting them to the Company and
will submit only those applications that have been properly completed and for which
Broker-Dealer or its Affiliates, Registered Representatives and Brokers have the
licenses and appointments required by the Company. |
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4. | Broker-Dealer
is authorized to designate Registered Representatives and Brokers for appointment
by Company to solicit applications for Contracts and Policies. Broker-Dealer shall
not propose a Registered Representative or Broker for appointment unless he or she
duly is licensed as an insurance agent in the state(s) in which it is proposed he
or she shall solicit applications for Contracts and/or Policies and, if he or she
is to sell Contracts, is a registered representative of Broker-Dealer. Broker-Dealer
shall assist the Company in the appointment of Registered Representatives and Brokers
in conformance with applicable insurance laws and such rules and procedures as may
be established by Company. Broker-Dealer shall conduct a thorough and diligent
investigation of the trustworthiness, competence, character, reputation and criminal
background of each Registered Representative or Broker that satisfies the requirements
for appointment of an agent in each state the individual is to be appointed, the
Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (18 U.S.C. Sect. 1033 and
1034) (hereinafter the “Crime Xxxx”) and, as applicable, federal securities
regulations and NASD rules prior to proposing them for appointment and any other
applicable laws. Broker-Dealer shall recommend for appointment only those Registered
Representatives or Brokers known to be of good character, trustworthy, financially
responsible and competent to serve as an agent for Company, and who otherwise qualify
for appointments under the applicable state insurance laws when proposed for appointment.
Additionally, the Broker-Dealer shall notify the Company immediately if the Broker-Dealer
has knowledge that any person who was recommended for appointment and who was appointed
by the Company no longer meets the qualification requirements of applicable state
insurance laws. The Company shall have sole discretion to appoint, refuse to appoint,
discontinue, or terminate the appointment of any Registered Representative or Broker.
Upon the Company giving Notice to Broker-Dealer of its withdrawal of authority of
a Registered Representative or Broker to solicit applications, Broker-Dealer will
immediately ensure that any such Registered Representative or Brokers cease all
such activities. |
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5. | Broker-Dealer
shall assist Contract and Policy owners in obtaining prompt service from the Company
with respect to the administration of Contracts and Policies and in maintaining
their coverage. |
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III. | Limitations of Broker-Dealer’s Authority | |
Broker-Dealer’s authority is limited to what is authorized in Section II. This
Section is intended to provide examples, not an entire listing of actions that are
outside the authority granted in Section II. Broker-Dealer agrees that its authority
is limited to the solicitation and marketing of Contracts or Policies in accordance
with this Agreement. Broker-Dealer represents and agrees on behalf of itself, its
Registered Representatives, Brokers and Affiliates that none of them will act in
a manner not authorized by this Agreement and that any such unauthorized actions,
including but not limited to, the following actions, would be considered a breach
of this Agreement: |
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A. | make, alter,
modify or discharge any Contract or Policy or other form; waive any provision or
condition of a Contract or Policy; bind the Company; extend the time of paying any
premium; accept or receive promissory notes for payment of premium. |
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B. | adjust
or settle any claim, or commit the Company or Distributor with respect to any claim,
incur any expense or liability on account of the Company or Distributor except as
specifically directed or authorized in writing by the Company or Distributor.
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C. | expend,
nor contract for the expenditure of the funds of Company or Distributor, nor incur
any liability on behalf of Company or Distributor, without specific written authority
to do so from the Company or Distributor. |
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D. | make representations
as an agent of the Company or Distributor in any manner or for any purpose except
as specifically authorized by this Agreement. |
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E. | provide
or offer to provide any inducement not specified in the Contract or Policy or any
rebate, either directly or indirectly, to any person or entity, as an inducement
to purchase any Contract or Policy. |
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F. | obtain
signed forms from applicants or Contract/Policy owners unless the forms are completed
for submission to the Company. Registered Representatives or Brokers may not request
that an applicant or Contract/Policy owner pre-sign any Contract or Policy form
for use at a later date. |
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G. | deliver
or allow the delivery of a Contract or Policy unless the health of the proposed
insured(s) is in accordance with the Company’s requirements, if any, and, where
required, the first premium is paid in full. |
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H. | make any
misrepresentation or incomplete comparison for the purpose of inducing a potential
or actual Contract or Policy owner to purchase, convert, lapse, surrender all or
any portion of, forfeit, borrow from, or replace any Contract or Policy;
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I. | induce
or attempt to induce any Contract or Policy owner to replace or relinquish a Contract
or Policy or to withdraw values from a Contract or Policy when doing so would be
in violation of the Company’s Replacement Policy or any state or federal law
or regulation or not in the interest of the customer. |
COMB. BDSA_11-2007 | 4 of 18 |
J. | accept
any payments for Contracts or Policies, unless the funds are made payable to the
Company as provided in Section VIII. |
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K. | engage
in any insurance transaction that requires compensation disclosure, as determined
by the applicable law, without making such required compensation disclosure.
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IV. | Broker-Dealer Representations | |
Broker-Dealer represents and agrees on behalf of itself, its Registered Representatives
and Brokers: |
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A. | that solicitation
and all activities by Broker-Dealer shall be undertaken only in accordance with
applicable laws and regulations. No Registered Representative or Broker of Broker-Dealer
shall solicit applications for Contracts or Policies until the Registered Representative,
Broker and Broker-Dealer or its Affiliates are duly licensed and appointed by Company
in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and in accordance with the Company’s Licensing, Appointment, and Registration Policy, in the appropriate states
or other jurisdictions. |
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B. | that neither
it nor its Registered Representatives or Brokers are authorized by Distributor or
Company to give any information or make any representation in connection with this
Agreement or the offering of the Contracts or Policies other than those contained
in the prospectus, if applicable, or other solicitation material authorized in writing
by Distributor or Company. |
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C. | to abide
by the Company’s policies and procedures related to the solicitation and sale
of Contracts and Policies, which are identified on Schedule C attached hereto and
made a part thereof. |
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D. | that it
is a registered broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
(hereinafter “1934 Act”) and a member in good standing of the NASD, and
that its Registered Representatives who will be soliciting applications for the
Contracts will be duly registered representatives of Broker-Dealer. Furthermore
that each one will be a registered representative in good standing, with authority
to sell the Contracts as required by the NASD. |
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E. | that, except
as disclosed to the Company on Broker-Dealer’s, Registered Representatives’ or Brokers’ application for appointment or otherwise in writing, neither
Broker-Dealer’s insurance license nor the insurance license of Registered Representative
or Broker has ever been revoked, suspended, or rescinded in any state or jurisdiction;
neither Broker-Dealer nor any Registered Representative or Broker has ever been
fined by any insurance regulator in an amount of $15,000 or more; and neither Broker-Dealer
nor any of its Registered Representatives or Brokers are currently the subject of
any disciplinary proceeding or investigation in any state or jurisdiction by any
Department of Insurance, Attorney General’s office or other government authority.
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F. | that, except
as disclosed to the Company on Broker-Dealer’s, Registered Representatives’ or Brokers applications for appointment or otherwise in writing, if Broker-Dealer
or any of its Registered Representatives or Brokers are or have ever been a registered
principal or representative of a member of the NASD, the said registration with
the NASD is not now and |
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never has
been suspended, revoked or canceled; that neither Broker-Dealer nor any of its Registered
Representatives and Brokers have ever been fined by the NASD or other self-regulatory
organization in an amount of $15,000 or more; that neither Broker-Dealer nor any
of its Registered Representatives or Brokers are currently the subject of any disciplinary
proceeding or investigation by the SEC or NASD; that neither Broker-Dealer nor any
of its Registered Representatives or Brokers have ever been convicted of any criminal
felony involving dishonesty or breach of trust or of any other offense set forth
in the Crime Xxxx; that Broker Dealer performs the due diligence required by law
to ensure that Broker Dealer, its officers, directors, employees engaging in the
business of insurance, Registered Representatives and Brokers are, and for the term
of this Agreement shall continue to be, in compliance with the requirements of the
Crime Xxxx. |
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G. | that Broker-Dealer,
upon request of Distributor and/or Company, shall, within thirty (30) days of receipt,
return to Distributor a questionnaire or certification regarding any regulatory,
civil and/or criminal proceedings, including arbitration, against the Broker-Dealer
or any Registered Representative or Broker commenced or concluded by any state insurance
or securities department, the NASD, the SEC, or other self-regulatory organization,
and/or in any court of competent jurisdiction during the twelve (12) month period
prior to the date of the questionnaire or certification. Broker-Dealer shall provide
Distributor with a full explanation regarding matters disclosed in the questionnaire
or certification. Broker-Dealer also agrees to send to Distributor, if requested
by Distributor, copies of all Disclosure Reporting Forms applicable to Registered
Representatives authorized to solicit applications for and sell the Contracts simultaneously
with filing such forms with the NASD. Additionally, Broker-Dealer shall notify Distributor
of any regulatory investigation, fine or sanction concerning an individual or firm
who is authorized to represent Distributor or Company under this Agreement.
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H. | that neither
Broker-Dealer nor any of its Registered Representatives or Brokers will solicit
applications for Contracts or Policies in any state, jurisdiction or commonwealth
unless the Contract or Policy has been approved for sale by the appropriate regulatory
authority in that state, jurisdiction or commonwealth. |
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I. | that Broker-Dealer
shall furnish the Company with proof of proper insurance licensing for itself and
its Affiliates, and its Registered Representatives and Brokers and its Affiliate’s Brokers. Broker-Dealer will also notify the Company in writing immediately
of the termination of the employment or affiliation of a Registered Representative
or Broker who is appointed to represent the Company pursuant to this Agreement.
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J. | that with
regard to life insurance Contracts and Policies Broker-Dealer agrees to submit to
the Company cases from Broker-Dealer which have been packaged for underwriting purposes.
Such case packages should include the application, a copy of the as-sold illustration,
all relevant financial information, and either copies of relevant attending physicians’ statements and other required medical information or a listing of the medical
underwriting requirements Broker-Dealer has ordered. Broker-Dealer further agrees
to submit informal or inquiry case packages for |
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underwriting purposes that include only the relevant information needed to assess
the risk; that in obtaining and assembling this information it is acting as the
representative of the applicant, proposed insured and not as an agent of the Company. |
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K. |
that Broker-Dealer agrees that all terms and conditions of this Agreement apply to
Broker-Dealer, any Affiliate of Broker-Dealer that is set forth in Schedule A, and
any Registered Representative or Broker of Broker-Dealer or any Affiliate who solicits
applications for Contracts and Policies on behalf of Broker-Dealer or its Affiliate;
Broker-Dealer further agrees to ensure that such Registered Representatives, Brokers
and Affiliates comply with all terms and conditions of this Agreement. Furthermore,
Broker-Dealer agrees to notify Company immediately if Broker-Dealer, its Registered
Representatives, Brokers or Affiliates breach any terms and conditions of this Agreement. |
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L. |
that no Contract or Policy shall be sold or used in any manner to or with a viatical
or life settlement company or be part of a viatical or life settlement. |
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M. |
that submission of an application for a Contract or Policy is proof that a registered
principal of the Broker-Dealer has approved the transaction in accordance with NASD
rules. |
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N. |
that for any Contract, Broker-Dealer warrants that the solicitation will be made
by use of currently effective prospectus for the Contract and the underlying funds
and if required by state law, the Statement of Additional Information for the Contract;
that the prospectus will be delivered concurrently with each sales presentation
and that no statements shall be made to a client that are inconsistent with any
statement made in the prospectus. |
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O. |
that Broker-Dealer shall pay all expenses incurred by it in the performance of this
Agreement unless specifically provided for in this Agreement or in a writing signed
by the Company and/or Distributor and Broker-Dealer. |
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P. |
that with regard to any bank marketing, Broker-Dealer will comply with the disclosure
and advertising requirements implemented by the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of the Comptroller
of the Currency, the Office of Thrift Supervision and all other applicable laws
and requirements, including but not limited to disclosures with respect to the sale
or recommendation of Contracts and Policies, marketing material and illustrations. |
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Q. |
that Broker-Dealer shall notify Distributor and/or Company prior to recommending
a Registered Representative for appointment, if that Registered Representative has
been placed under heightened supervision by the Broker-Dealer. |
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R. |
to complete a permanent registration for the PrudentialXpress website at xxx.xxxxxxxxx.xxx
(hereinafter the “Website”) within 30 days of the effective date of this
Agreement. Use of the Website will be subject to the terms and conditions of the
Website. |
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S. |
for the term of the Agreement to access the Website no less frequently than once
every 90 days and to read and review the “Notices & Schedules” page
of the Licensing Section. |
COMB. BDSA_11-2007 | 7 of 18 |
T. | for the term of the Agreement, to maintain an active Website registration. | |||
V. | Independent Contractor | |||
Broker-Dealer is an independent contractor under this Agreement. Nothing herein contained
shall make Broker-Dealer, or any Registered Representative or Broker, an employee
of Company or Distributor. Neither Broker-Dealer nor its Registered Representatives
or Brokers, shall hold themselves out to be employees of Company or Distributor
in any dealings with the public. Broker-Dealer, its Registered Representatives and
Brokers are free to exercise independent judgment as to the time, place and means
of performing the authority granted, subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement. Broker-Dealer’s business and any services provided by Broker-Dealer,
its Registered Representatives or Brokers, other than those authorized by this Agreement,
are not and will not be represented to be the business of the Company. |
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VI. | Obligations Of The Company And Distributor | |||
A. |
Company and Distributor reserve the right at any time, and without notice to withdraw
and limit the offering of Contracts or Policies or interest in any accounts relating
thereto. |
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B. |
Distributor, during the term of this Agreement, will advise Broker-Dealer of the
issuance by the SEC of any stop order with respect to the registration statements
or any amendments thereto or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose
or for any other purpose relating to the registration and/or offering of the Contracts
and of any other action or circumstance that may prevent the lawful sale of any
Contract in any state or jurisdiction. |
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C. |
During the term of this Agreement, Distributor shall promptly advise Broker-Dealer
of any amendment to any registration statement or any amendment or supplement to
any prospectus included within the registration statement. |
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VII. | Sales, Advertising And Marketing Materials | |||
Broker-Dealer agrees that any material it develops, approves or uses for sales, training,
explanatory or other purposes that mentions by name the Contracts or Policies, the
Distributor or the Company (or an affiliate of the Company or any logos of any of
them) will not be used without the prior written consent of the appropriate party
(Company or Distributor). Broker-Dealer, its Registered Representative or Brokers
will not publish, issue, circulate, or use in any manner whatsoever any advertisements
or marketing materials describing or referring to the Company or Distributor, the
Contracts or the Policies, or any product of the Company unless such advertisements
or marketing materials have been approved in writing in advance by the appropriate
party (Company or Distributor) and such approval has not been withdrawn. |
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Broker-Dealer, its Registered Representatives and Brokers will not misrepresent the
Contracts or Policies or the Company and Distributor and will make no oral or written
representation which is inconsistent with the terms of the Contracts or Policies
or with the information in any illustration or sales literature furnished by the
Company. |
COMB. BDSA_11-2007 | 8 of 18 |
VIII. | Payments | |||
A. |
Neither Broker-Dealer nor its Registered Representatives or Brokers can accept cash
or any other form of payment made payable to the Broker-Dealer or any Registered
Representative or Broker. |
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B. |
Broker-Dealer may accept a check or money order made payable to the Company, but
only for Contracts and Policies and under the following circumstances: |
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1. | when the application
and the check are submitted simultaneously and the Company’s standards for
prepaid applications have been met, or |
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2. | the Company’s delivery requirements have been met and the Contract or Policy has been delivered. |
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C. |
The check or money order must be forwarded to the Company within one business day
of receipt by the Broker-Dealer, its Registered Representative or Broker. |
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IX. | Compensation | |||
A. |
Company shall arrange for the payment of compensation to Broker-Dealer or its Affiliate,
if applicable, as compensation for the sale of Policies by a Registered Representative
or Broker of Broker-Dealer. With respect to sales of Contracts by a Registered Representative
of Broker-Dealer, Distributor shall cause Company to arrange for the payment of
compensation to Broker-Dealer or its Affiliate, if applicable and allowable under
federal law. The amount of compensation payable under this section (hereinafter
“Compensation”) shall be in accordance with the Company’s Commission
Schedule in effect as of the date of issue, as determined by the Company for each
Contract or Policy. If the Company determines the Broker-Dealer is eligible for
any expense allowances or a Compensation arrangement that differs from the commission
schedules posted to the Website, such Compensation will be communicated to the Broker-
Dealer in writing in a separate Schedule. No Compensation is payable unless the
Broker-Dealer and the Registered Representative or Broker have first complied with
all applicable insurance laws, rules and regulations and such payments would not
constitute a violation of such insurance laws, rules and regulations, anything in
this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding. The Broker-Dealer or Affiliate will
only be entitled to compensation for Contracts or Policies that have been submitted
by the Broker-Dealer, accepted by the Company, delivered to the Contract or Policy
owner and where all the requirements of the Company’s Licensing, Appointment
and Registration Policy have been satisfied (hereinafter “Contracts/Policies
Placed by Broker-Dealer”). |
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B. |
If the Company returns, for any reason, any premiums or purchase payments on any
Contract or Policy, the Broker-Dealer will have an immediate obligation to, and
will upon demand, repay the Company all the Compensation previously paid to the
Broker-Dealer or its Affiliate as a result of those premiums or purchase payments. |
COMB. BDSA_11-2007 | 9 of 18 |
C. |
The Company shall have and be entitled to exercise a right of offset for any amounts
due the Company, or any affiliate of the Company, from Broker-Dealer against any
and all Compensation otherwise payable to Broker-Dealer under this Agreement. |
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D. |
When two or more Broker-Dealers are involved in a sale, Compensation will be payable
in proportion as directed on the application or in a writing acceptable to the Company. |
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E. |
No further Compensation is payable to the Broker-Dealer or Affiliates after the Contract
sold by the Broker-Dealer has lapsed, or after the discontinuation of premium payments,
but should the Broker-Dealer secure the reinstatement of the Contract, while properly
licensed to do so, the Company will pay compensation to the Broker-Dealer on premiums
collected, as though the Contract had not lapsed. With regard to a Contract not
sold by the Broker-Dealer, but where the Broker-Dealer secures the reinstatement
and signs the reinstatement form, if the time between the lapse and reinstatement
is less than three months, no compensation shall be payable to the Broker-Dealer.
However, if the time between the lapse and the reinstatement is greater than three
months, all compensation (current and future) shall be payable to the Broker-Dealer
based upon the original issue date of the Contract. |
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F. | No compensation will be paid on any premium that is waived. | |||
G. |
If a Contract or Policy replaces, in whole or in part, a policy or contract or annuity
contract previously issued by this Company, the Company has the right to determine
what, if any, compensation will be allowed. |
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H. |
No Compensation will be paid on any Policy or Contract issued as a result of the
conversion of group life insurance. |
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I. |
Compensation set forth in the Schedule D of this Agreement is subject to change at
any time upon Notice to Broker-Dealer. Changes will not affect Compensation for
any Contract or Policy placed prior to the effective date of the change. |
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J. |
Service Compensation, if applicable as defined in Schedule D, shall be payable for
the period and upon the terms set forth in Schedule D. |
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K. |
No assignment of Compensation is valid against the Distributor and/or Company unless
directed by Broker-Dealer and agreed upon by Distributor and/or Company and unless
allowable under all applicable laws. |
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L. |
No Compensation is payable on any extra war risk premium which may be charged in
connection with any Contract or Policy. |
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M. |
If a Contract or Policy is changed to a different kind or amount, or if its date
is changed, the Company will recalculate Compensation as of the date of the change.
Additional Compensation will be paid or recaptured as a result of this calculation. |
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N. |
Compensation on premiums paid more than three months in advance are payable on the
date the premiums are due. |
COMB. BDSA_11-2007 | 10 of 18 |
O. |
No compensation shall be paid, and any compensation previously paid shall be returned
to the Company or Distributor on request, if the Company or Distributor, in its
sole discretion, determines not to issue the Contract(s) or Policy(s) applied for,
refunds the premium paid pursuant to any request by the Contract or Policy owner,
refunds any premium paid as the result of a complaint by the Contract or Policy
owner, or determines that any person or entity required to be licensed for the solicitation
of Contracts or Policies is not duly licensed to sell such Contracts or Policies
in the appropriate jurisdictions. |
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P. |
Upon the termination of this Agreement, the Company will pay Compensation to the
Broker-Dealer or its Affiliate on any renewal Compensation which would otherwise
be due on business placed with Company prior to the termination date of this Agreement
unless such receipt of renewal Compensation is determined to violate current directives
to the contrary as provided by the NASD, state or federal law or regulation or a
court of competent jurisdiction. |
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Q. |
Compensation due is vested to the Broker-Dealer for the period set forth in the attached
Schedule D and if such receipt of Compensation is permitted by applicable state
and federal law. |
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R. |
If any withdrawals are made from any Contract during the first twelve months of the
Contract, Company will recapture Compensation attributable to the withdrawal of
the premium, but not attributable to the withdrawal of the earnings on the premium. |
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S. |
Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if the transaction
is subject to the jurisdiction of the New York Insurance Department, no Compensation
in excess of the compensation limits established by the Insurance Law of the State
of New York will be due or payable by the Company to Broker-Dealer or its Affiliates. |
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T. |
The Company will determine the amount of Compensation payable for a Contract and
Policy placed by Broker-Dealer, which was not included in Schedule D at the time
of sale. |
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X. | Books And Records | |||
Broker-Dealer shall have the responsibility for maintaining its records and the records
of its Registered Representatives, Brokers and Affiliates. Broker-Dealer shall maintain
such other records as are required of it by applicable federal and state laws and
regulations and NASD rules. These records will be made available to the Distributor
and Company for inspection upon request, including after termination of this Agreement.
The books and records maintained by Broker-Dealer under the terms of this Agreement
that relate to the sale of the Contracts and Policies, shall be maintained so as
to clearly and accurately disclose the nature and details of the transactions as
required by appropriate laws, rules and regulations and for the period required
by law. Broker-Dealer and its Registered Representatives, Brokers and Affiliates
shall also comply with any record hold order issued by the Company. |
XI. | Complaints And Investigations | ||||
A. |
Broker-Dealer shall promptly provide Notice to Company and Distributor of any written
complaint or inquiry or notice of any investigation or proceeding (customer, regulatory,
judicial or |
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otherwise)
received by Broker-Dealer (or any Registered Representative or Broker) that relates
to any Contract or Policy or any activities undertaken in connection with this Agreement. |
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B. | The parties
jointly agree to cooperate fully with respect to any complaint, inquiry, investigation
or proceeding (customer, regulatory, judicial or otherwise) arising in connection
with this Agreement, including, but not limited to, any related customer complaint,
securities or insurance regulatory investigation or proceeding or judicial proceeding. |
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C. | Broker-Dealer
shall promptly provide Notice to Company and Distributor describing the handling
or determination in connection with any written complaint, inquiry or investigation
proceeding described in paragraph A of this section. |
XII. | Term of Agreement; Suspension; Termination; Survival |
A. |
This Agreement shall be in force from its Effective Date and thereafter shall remain
in force, except that either party may unilaterally terminate this Agreement upon
thirty (30) days’ Notice to the other party of its intention to do so. |
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B. | This Agreement may be terminated for cause by the Company and/or Distributor for, but not limited to, any of the following reasons: | |||
1. | fraud by Broker-Dealer, Registered Representatives or Brokers; | |||
2. | material misrepresentations
by Broker-Dealer, Registered Representatives or Brokers regarding the Company, Distributor,
or the Company’s products, or the performance of either; |
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3. | conversion of funds by Broker-Dealer; | |||
4. | breach of this Agreement; | |||
5. | the suspension,
revocation, cancellation or rescission of any state insurance license or NASD license
or registration of Broker-Dealer, Registered Representatives or Brokers; or |
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6. | insolvency of Broker-Dealer. | |||
C. |
Termination for any of the reasons set forth in sub-sections B.1. through B.4. will
occur immediately upon Notice to Broker-Dealer. Termination for the reason set forth
in sub-section B.5. and B.6. will occur automatically at the date and hour of the
action described in sub-section B.5. and B.6. |
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D. |
Either party shall have the right to suspend Broker-Dealer’s right to solicit
and sell Contracts to potential contract owners, by giving the other party thirty
(30) days notice of the suspension. |
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E. |
Upon termination of this Agreement, all authorizations, rights and obligations shall
cease except those contained in Sections VI, VIII, IX, X, XI, XIII, XIV, XV and
XVI. |
XIII. | Indemnity |
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A. | Indemnification by Distributor – The Distributor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Broker-Dealer, its directors, trustees, and officers, and each person, if any, who controls the Broker-Dealer within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties” for the purposes of this Section) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement) or litigation expenses (including legal and other expenses), to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject as a result of any untrue statement of any material fact contained in any registration statement, prospectus, or any other sales or offering materials furnished by the Distributor or approved in writing by the Distributor relating to the Contracts or related separate account (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), or as a result of the omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. |
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B. | Indemnification by Company – Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Broker-Dealer, its directors, trustees, and officers, and each person, if any, who controls the Broker-Dealer within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties” for the purposes of this Section) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement) or litigation expenses (including legal and other expenses), to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject as a result of any untrue statement of any material fact contained in any registration statement, prospectus, or any other sales or offering materials furnished by the Company or approved in writing by the Company relating to the Policies or related separate account (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), or as a result of the omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. |
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C. | Indemnification by the Broker-Dealer – Broker-Dealer shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company and Distributor and each person who controls or is associated with the Company or Distributor within the meaning of the federal securities laws and any director, officer, corporate agent, employee, attorney and any representative thereof, from and against all losses, expenses, claims, damages and liabilities (including any costs of investigation and legal expenses and any amounts paid in settlement of any action, suit or proceeding of any claim asserted) which result from, arise out of or are based upon: |
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1. | any breach by Broker-Dealer, its Registered Representatives, Broker or Affiliates of any provision or term or condition of this Agreement; | |||
2. | any violation by Broker-Dealer, its Registered Representatives, Brokers or Affiliates of any federal, state, local or foreign law or regulation; | |||
3. | any claim by a Registered Representative or Broker against the Company or Distributor for Compensation; or | |||
4. | bad faith, negligence, misconduct, willful malfeasance or omissions of the Broker-Dealer, its Registered Representatives, Brokers or Affiliates in the solicitation of applications for, or sales of, Contracts or Policies or any other unlawful sales practices or conduct. |
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D. | If a party is named in any lawsuit or other proceeding for which such party believes it may be entitled to indemnification hereunder, such party will: |
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1. | Promptly notify the indemnifying party of any such proceeding, investigation, or litigation and furnish the indemnifying party with a copy of any notices, pleadings and other correspondence; |
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2. | Provide the indemnifying party reasonable opportunity to consult with the indemnified party in the development of strategy and the substantive position to be taken, and the determination of the course of action to be taken; and |
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3. | Consider in good faith any suggestion made by the indemnifying party and follow the recommendations of the indemnifying party, including its recommendations as to settlement, compromise or other agreed upon resolution of the proceeding, provided there is a reasonable basis for such recommendations and there is no material adverse effect on the indemnified party. |
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E. | The Indemnifying Party, upon the request of the indemnified party, shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party and any others the indemnifying party may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the fees and disbursements of such counsel related to such proceeding. |
XIV. | Fidelity Bond | |||
Broker-Dealer agrees that all directors, officers and employees of Broker-Dealer and all its Registered Representatives and Brokers who are appointed pursuant to this Agreement or who have access to funds of the Company and/or Distributor are and will continue to be covered by a blanket fidelity bond including coverage for larceny, embezzlement or any other defalcation, issued by a reputable bonding company. This bond shall be maintained at Broker-Dealer’s expense. Such bond shall be at least equivalent to the minimal coverage required under the NASD Conduct Rules, endorsed to extend coverage to life insurance and annuity transactions. Broker-Dealer acknowledges that the Company and/or Distributor may require evidence that such coverage is in force and Broker-Dealer shall promptly give Notice to the Company and/or Distributor of any notice of cancellation or change of coverage. Broker-Dealer assigns any proceeds received from the fidelity bond company to the Company and/or Distributor to the extent of the Company’s and/or Distributor’s loss due to activities covered by the bond. If there is any deficiency, Broker-Dealer will promptly pay the Company and/or Distributor that amount on demand, and Broker-Dealer shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company and/or Distributor from any deficiency and from the cost of collection. Additionally, Broker-Dealer and its Affiliates shall maintain other errors and omissions or liability insurance acceptable to Company and/or Distributor. |
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XV. | Privacy | |||
Each party acknowledges that they may be provided with information or access information about customers of Company or Broker-Dealer (“Customer Information”). Each party agrees to comply with all federal, state, provincial and/or local law or regulation related to privacy. Furthermore, each party |
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represents and warrants that it has implemented and currently maintains an effective information security program to protect the Customer Information, which program includes administrative, technical, and physical safeguards: | ||||
A. | to ensure the security and confidentiality of Customer Information; |
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B. | to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such Customer Information; and |
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C. | to protect against unauthorized access to or use of Customer Information which could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to either party or other affiliates, or to customers of any of them. |
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If Broker-Dealer has a breach of security that requires notice to an individual under applicable state laws, Broker-Dealer will also provide Company with a copy of such notice at the same time it is sent to such individual in accordance with the Notice provision of this Agreement. |
XVI. | Anti-Money Laundering | |||
A. | Broker-Dealer, its Registered Representatives, Brokers and Affiliates agree to comply with applicable laws, regulations and self-regulatory organization rules and guidance governing the detection, prevention and reporting of money laundering and terrorist financing activities, including, but not limited to: (1) provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 and regulations thereunder; (2) provisions of the Bank Secrecy Act and regulations thereunder; (3) relevant rules and regulations promulgated by the Office of Foreign Assets Control; (4) relevant rules and guidance of the NASD; and (5) all record keeping, reporting and auditing requirements of these laws, regulations and rules. Distributor and Company shall have the right, upon reasonable Notice, to obtain and review documentation evidencing compliance with the foregoing laws, regulations and rules as well as the Company’s Anti-Money Laundering Program requirements. Broker-Dealer agrees to promptly notify Distributor and Company if it becomes aware of any changes in the representations set forth herein. |
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B. | Broker-Dealer agrees that it has developed and adopted a Customer Identification Program in accordance with Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act and all implementing rules and regulations, including rules contained in Securities and Exchange Commission Release No. 34-47752. Such Customer Identification Program must provide reasonable procedures to: (1) verify the identity of any person seeking to open an account with Broker-Dealer; (2) maintain records of the information used by Broker-Dealer to verify the person’s identity; and (3) determine whether a customer appears on any list of known or suspected terrorists or terrorist organizations issued by any Federal governmental agency. |
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C. | Broker-Dealer agrees to require and ensure that its Registered Representatives, Brokers and Affiliates have completed anti-money laundering training that includes their responsibilities under the Company’s Anti-Money Laundering Program, a policy identified in Schedule C. |
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D. | Broker-Dealer agrees to provide Distributor with an annual certification declaring (i) that it has implemented its anti-money laundering program in accordance with Section 352 of the USA PATRIOT Act, (ii) that it or its agent will perform the specified requirements of Broker-Dealer’s Customer Identification Program in the manner contemplated by Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act and all implementing rules and regulations, and (iii) its Registered Representatives, Brokers and Affiliates have completed the foregoing anti-money laundering training. |
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E. | This provision applies to both Contracts and Policies. |
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XVII. | General Provisions | |||
A. | Assignability – This Agreement shall not be assigned by either party without the prior written consent of the other. |
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B. | Non-Waiver – Any right(s) not enforced by the Company or Distributor under this Agreement will not be construed as a waiver of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the same will remain in full force and effect. A waiver of any provision in this Agreement will not be deemed to be a waiver of any other provision, whether or not similar, nor will any waiver of a provision in this Agreement be deemed to constitute a continuing waiver. |
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C. | Severability – Any term or provision of this Agreement which is invalid pursuant to the laws and regulations of that jurisdiction will, as for that jurisdiction, be ineffective. Such term or provision will not render the remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement invalid. In addition, such term or provision will not affect the validity of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. |
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D. | Captions – The captions or headings of this Agreement are for convenience and ease of reference only. They will have no effect on the meaning or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement. |
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E. | Amendment – The Company or Distributor reserves the right to amend this Agreement at any time. Submission of an application for a Policy or Contract after Notice of such amendment will constitute agreement of the Broker-Dealer to such amendment. |
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F. | Entire Agreement – This Agreement and its Schedules and Addendums constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supercedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral and written. |
XVIII. | Effective Date |
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This Agreement is effective once fully executed by both the Distributor and Broker-Dealer. The Effective Date shall be the date the Distributor executes the Agreement. | |||||
XIX. | Governing Law | ||||
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey (without regard to the conflicts of laws provisions) thereof and that in all cases where a party |
COMB. BDSA_11-2007 | 16 of 18 |
seeks relief in connection with this Agreement in a court of competent jurisdiction, the exclusive forum and venue shall be the state and federal courts having jurisdiction and venue in the State of New Jersey. |
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XX. | Notice | |||
Notice to the Broker-Dealer under this Agreement will be provided by the Company or Distributor and will be deemed given as follows: |
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A. | When posted to the “Notices & Schedules” page of the Company’s Website; | |||
B. | When sent electronically by e-mail to the Broker-Dealer’s most recent e-mail address on file with the Company or Distributor; or | |||
C. | When provided in writing and sent by facsimile, prepaid overnight courier, or first-class mail to the Broker-Dealer’s most recent address on file with the Company. |
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All notices to the Company under this Agreement will be provided in writing by the Broker–Dealer and sent by facsimile, prepaid overnight courier, or first-class mail to: |
If to Distributor: | |
Pruco Securities, LLC | |
000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx - 00xx xxxxx | |
Xxxxxx, XX 00000 | |
Attention: Xxxxxx Xxxxxx | |
Facsimile: 000-000-0000 | |
(The remainder of this page is left blank intentionally.) |
COMB. BDSA_11-2007 | 17 of 18 |
If to Company: | ||||
The Prudential Insurance Company | The Pruco Life Insurance | The Pruco Life Insurance Company of | ||
of America | Company | New Jersey | ||
000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx - 18th floor | 000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx - 18th floor | 000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx - 00xx xxxxx | ||
Xxxxxx, XX 00000 | Xxxxxx, XX 00000 | Xxxxxx, XX 00000 | ||
Attention: Xxxxxx Xxxxxx | Attention: Xxxxxx Xxxxxx | Attention: Xxxxxx Xxxxxx | ||
Facsimile: 000-000-0000 | Facsimile: 000-000-0000 | Facsimile: 000-000-0000 | ||
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the dates set forth below.
Broker Dealer | |||||
By: ___________________________________ | |||||
<First name> <Last name> | |||||
Title: ___________________________________ | |||||
Broker-Dealer’s e-mail address: _________________________________________________ | |||||
PRUCO SECURITIES, LLC | Prudential Insurance Company of America | ||||
By: ___________________________________ | By: ___________________________________ | ||||
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Vice President | Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Vice President | ||||
Date: _________________________________ | Date: _________________________________ | ||||
Pruco Life Insurance Company | Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey | ||||
By: ___________________________________ | By: ___________________________________ | ||||
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Vice President | Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Vice President | ||||
Date: _________________________________ | Date: _________________________________ |
COMB. BDSA_11-2007 | 18 of 18 |
SCHEDULE A
Each of the undersigned is affiliated with Broker-Dealer and represents that it holds the necessary corporate insurance license to act in connection with the sale of Contracts and Policies, as defined in the Agreement, in those states so identified next to its name. By executing this Schedule A each of the undersigned agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Agreement as if each Affiliate was the Broker-Dealer for purposes of applying the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
COMPANY | STATE(S) | TIN and Officer’s Signature. |
«Life_Affiliate__1» | «Life_Affiliate_State__1» | «Life_Affiliate_Tax_ID__1» |
«Life_Affiliate__2» | «Life_Affiliate_State__2» | «Life_Affiliate_Tax_ID__2» |
«Life_Affiliate__3» | «Life_Affiliate_State__3» | «Life_Affiliate_Tax_ID__3» |
«Life_Affiliate__4» | «Life_Affiliate_State__4» | «Life_Affiliate_Tax_ID__4» |
«Life_Affiliate__5» | «Life_Affiliate_State__5» | «Life_Affiliate_Tax_ID__5» |
«Life_Affiliate__6» | «Life_Affiliate_State__6» | «Life_Affiliate_Tax_ID__6» |
«Life_Affiliate__7» | «Life_Affiliate_State__7» | «Life_Affiliate_Tax_ID__7» |
«Life_Affiliate__8» | «Life_Affiliate_State__8» | «Life_Affiliate_Tax_ID__8» |
«Life_Affiliate__9» | «Life_Affiliate_State__9» | «Life_Affiliate_Tax_ID__9» |
«Life_Affiliate__10» | «Life_Affiliate_State__10» | «Life_Affiliate_Tax_ID__10» |
«Life_Affiliate__11» | «Life_Affiliate_State__11» | «Life_Affiliate_Tax_ID__11» |
COMB. BDSA_11-2007 |
SCHEDULE B | ||
Contracts and Policies for Pruco Life Insurance Company | ||
• | PruLife® Custom Premier II* (“VUL” Flexible Premium Variable Universal Life Insurance Contract) | |
• | PruLife® Universal Plus (“UL”) | |
• | PruLife® Universal Protector (“UL”) | |
• | Term EliteSM | |
• | Term EssentialSM | |
• | PruLife® Return of Premium Term | |
• | PruLife® SUL Protector | |
Contracts and Policies for Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey | ||
• | PruLife® Custom Premier II* (“VUL” Flexible Premium Variable Universal Life Insurance Contract) | |
• | PruLife Universal Protector (“UL”) | |
• | Term EliteSM | |
• | Term EssentialSM | |
• | PruLife® Return of Premium Term | |
• | PruLife® SUL Protector | |
Contracts and Policies for the Prudential Insurance Company of America | ||
• | PruLife® Universal Plus (“UL”) | |
• | PruBenefit Select* (Flexible Premium Variable Universal Life Insurance Contract) | |
* Securities under the Securities Act of 1933 |
COMB. BDSA_11-2007 |
Schedule C | ||
List of Policies and Procedures | ||
• | Licensing, Appointment and Registration Policy | |
• | Replacement Policies and Procedures | |
• | Anti-Money Laundering Program |
COMB. BDSA_11-2007 |