Help me help agents better serve their clients!

The industry experts told me to "leave it alone!" Business experts asked, "Why would you take on an issue that could cost you money when the industry practice is to lock in your agents once they join you?" My conscience told me, "You can do something about this." So, I started a petition, and I want you to sign it and forward it to your agent and ask them to sign it as well. Let me explain.

The Issue: Limited Choices, Limited Service

When agents first get licensed, they often align themselves with an Insurance or Annuity Marketing Organization, commonly known as an FMO (Field Marketing Organization) or IMO (Independent Marketing Organization). These organizations provide essential support, training, and access to products. However, as agents gain experience and grow in their careers, they may find that the FMO they initially partnered with doesn't offer the best solutions for their clients.

Why? Because not all FMOs are created equal. Some have a limited selection of products, which may prevent an agent from offering the most suitable options to their clients. Others may prioritize their own profits over the needs of the client by promoting inferior products that offer higher commissions to the FMO, leaving the client with lower returns. Worse yet, some agents discover that their FMO is withholding commissions that rightfully belong to them—the agents who are on the front lines, serving their clients.

The Consequences: Hurting Agents, Hurting Clients

When agents are restricted from moving to another FMO that better aligns with their values and the needs of their clients, everyone loses. The agent is forced to work within a system that doesn't allow them to truly act in the best interest of their clients, and clients, in turn, may end up with subpar products or lower returns on their investments. This is not just a matter of professional frustration—it’s a real issue that impacts the financial well-being of countless individuals who trust their agents to guide them.

The Petition: A Call for Change

This is why we are launching a petition to call on FMOs, Life Insurance Carriers, and State Insurance Regulators to change the rules that currently bind agents to their FMOs. We are asking for FMOs to provide agents with a release upon request and for carriers to eliminate the protection that requires agents to secure a release before they can move to a new FMO. If these entities do not take action, we believe it’s time for state regulators to step in and protect agents from these restrictive practices.

At first glance, you might think that as an FMO, we would want to do everything possible to lock in our agents. And it’s true—we want to keep every agent we recruit. But we believe in earning that loyalty by treating our agents right, offering them the broadest selection of products from the best carriers, and ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed. We want agents to stay with us because they want to be here, not because they’re trapped by restrictive agreements. If an agent feels they can better serve their clients through another organization, they should have the freedom to make that choice without unnecessary obstacles.

Join the Movement: Help Us Help Agents and Their Clients

This petition isn’t just for agents—it’s for anyone who believes that professionals should be empowered to do what’s right for their clients. We invite you to forward this article and the petition link to your agent or advisor and encourage them to sign it. They can sign with their name or anonymously, but their voice matters.

Together, we can create a more equitable system where agents have the freedom to choose the best path for themselves and their clients. Let’s make sure that agents can truly act in the best interest of those they serve. Join the Agent Revolution today and help us bring about the change that our industry desperately needs to free you from unnecessary restrictions.

Sign the petition today at:?https://chng.it/nmb6rJqcGm