MARKETING COORDINATION AND
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Agreement entered into this 27 day of July, 2000, between Nationwide Life
Insurance Company ("Nationwide"), and Nationwide Investment Services Corporation
("NISC").
Nationwide proposes to develop, issue and administer, and NISC proposes to
provide the exclusive national distribution services for certain annuity and
life products (the "Products"). The parties hereby agree as follows:
A. ADMINISTRATION OF PRODUCTS
1. Appointment of Product Administration
Nationwide is hereby appointed Product Administrator for the
Products.
2. Duties of Nationwide
Nationwide will perform in a proper and timely manner, those
functions enumerated in the column marked "Nationwide" in
the "Analysis of Administrative Functions," attached hereto
as EXHIBIT A, and incorporated herein by reference.
3. Duties of NISC
NISC will perform in a proper and timely manner, those functions
enumerated in the column marked "NISC" in the "Analysis of
Administrative Functions," attached hereto as EXHIBIT A, and
incorporated herein by reference.
B. MARKETING COORDINATION AND SALES ADMINISTRATION
1. Distribution of Products
The Products will be distributed through registered
representatives of NASD broker-dealer firms, appointed by
Nationwide, who shall be duly qualified and licensed as agents
(the "Agents"), in accordance with applicable state insurance
authority.
2. NISC shall be the exclusive National Distributor of the Products.
3. Appointment and Termination of Agents
Appointment and termination of Agents shall be processed and
executed by Nationwide. NISC reserves the right to require
Nationwide to consult with it regarding licensing decisions.
4. Advertising
NISC shall not print, publish or distribute any advertisement,
circular or document relating to the Products or relating to
Nationwide unless such advertisement, circular or document has
been approved in writing by Nationwide. Such approval shall not
be unreasonably withheld, and shall be given promptly, normally
within five (5) business days. Neither Nationwide nor any of its
affiliates shall print, publish or distribute any advertisement,
circular or document relating to the Products or relating to NISC
unless such advertisement, circular or document has been approved
in writing by NISC. Such approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld, and shall be given promptly, normally within five (5)
business days. However, nothing herein shall prohibit any person
from advertising the Products on a generic basis.
5. Marketing Conduct
The parties will jointly develop standards, practices and
procedures respecting the marketing of the Products. Such
standards, practices and procedures are intended to help
Nationwide meet its obligations as an issuer under the securities
laws, to assure compliance with state insurance laws, and to help
NISC meet its obligations under the securities laws as National
Distributor. These standards, practices and procedures are
subject to continuing review and neither Nationwide nor NISC will
object unreasonably to changes to such standards, practices and
procedures recommended by the other to comply with the intent of
this provision.
6. Sales Material and Other Documents
a. Sales Material
1) Nationwide shall develop and prepare all
promotional material to be used in the
distribution of the Products, in
consultation with NISC.
2) Nationwide is responsible for the printing
and the expense of providing such
promotional material.
3) Nationwide is responsible for approval of
such promotional material by state insurance
regulators, where required.
4) NISC and Nationwide agree to abide by the
Advertising and Sales Promotion Material
Guidelines, attached hereto as EXHIBIT B,
and incorporated herein by reference.
b. Prospectuses
1) Nationwide is responsible for the
preparation and regulatory clearance of any
required registration statements and
prospectuses for the Products.
2) Nationwide is responsible for the printing
of Product prospectuses in such quantities
as the parties agree are necessary to assure
sufficient supplies.
3) Nationwide is responsible for supplying
Agents with sufficient quantities of Product
prospectuses.
c. Contracts, Applications and Related Forms
1) Nationwide, in consultation with NISC, is
responsible for the design and printing of
adequate supplies of Product applications,
contracts, related forms, and such service
forms as the parties agree are necessary.
2) Nationwide is responsible for supplying
adequate quantities of all such forms to the
Agents.
7. Appointment of Agents
a. NISC will assist Nationwide in facilitating the
appointment of Agents by Nationwide.
b. Nationwide will forward all appointment forms and
applications to the appropriate states and maintain
all contacts with the states.
c. Nationwide will maintain appointment files on Agents,
and NISC will have access to such files as needed.
8. Licensing and Appointment Guide
Nationwide shall provide to NISC a Licensing and Appointment
Guide (as well periodic updates thereto), setting forth the
requirements for licensing and appointment, in such
quantities as NISC may reasonably require.
9. Other
a. Product Training
Nationwide is responsible for any Product training
for the Agents.
b. Field Sales Material
1) Nationwide, in consultation with NISC, is
responsible for the development, printing
and distribution of non-public field sales
material to be used by Agents.
2) NISC shall have the right to review all
field sales materials and to require any
modification mandated by regulatory
requirements.
c. Production Reports
Nationwide will deliver to NISC the items listed in
Production Reports to be Provided, attached hereto as
EXHIBIT C, and incorporated herein by reference.
d. Customer Service
Each party will notify the other of all material
pertinent inquiries and complaints it receives, from
whatever source and to whomever directed, and will
consult with the other in responding to such
inquiries and complaints.
e. Records and Books
All books and records maintained by Nationwide in
connection with the offer and sale of variable
annuity interests funded by a Separate Account are
maintained and preserved in conformity with the
requirements of Rule 17a-3 and 17a-4 under the 1934
Exchange Act, to the extent such requirements are
applicable to the variable annuity operations.
All such books and records are maintained and held by
Nationwide on behalf of and as agent for NISC, whose
property they are and shall remain. Such books and
records are at all times subject to inspection by the
Securities and Exchange Commission and the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
C. GENERAL PROVISIONS
1. Waiver
The forbearance or neglect of either party to insist upon strict
compliance by the other with any of the provisions of this
Agreement, whether continuing or not, or to declare a forfeiture
of termination against the other, shall not be construed as a
waiver of any rights or privileges of the forbearing party in the
event of a further default or failure of performance.
2. Limitations
Neither party shall have authority on behalf of the other to:
make, alter or discharge any contractual terms of the Products;
waive any forfeiture; extend the time of making any contributions
to the products; guarantee dividends; alter the forms which
either may prescribe; nor substitute other forms in place of
those prescribed by the other.
3. Binding Effect
This Agreement shall be binding on and shall inure to the benefit
of the parties to it and their respective successors and assigns,
provided that neither party shall assign or sub-contract this
Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder without prior
written consent of the other.
4. Indemnification
Each party ("Indemnifying Party") hereby agrees to release,
indemnify and hold harmless the other party, its officers,
directors, employers, agents, servants, predecessors or
successors from any claims or liability arising out of the acts
or omissions of the Indemnifying Party not authorized by this
Agreement, including the violation of any federal or state law or
regulation.
5. Notices
All notices, requests, demands and other communication under this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been
given on the date of service if served personally on the party to
whom notice is to be given, or on the date of mailing if sent
postage prepaid by First Class Mail, Registered or Certified
mail, by overnight mail, properly addressed as follows:
TO NATIONWIDE:
Nationwide Life Insurance Company
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Vice President-Sales
Three Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
TO NISC:
Nationwide Investment Services Corporation.
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx, Vice President-Compliance Xxxxxxx
Xxx Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
6. Amendment
This Agreement may not be amended or modified except by a written
amendment executed by the parties. Any amendments to this
Agreement are subject to prior approval by the Ohio Department of
Insurance.
7. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed
by the laws of the State of Ohio.
8. Arbitration
The parties agree that misunderstandings or disputes arising from
this Agreement shall be decided by arbitration, conducted upon
request of either party before three arbitrators (unless the
parties agree on a single arbitrator) designated by the American
Arbitration Association, and in accordance with the rules of such
Association. The expenses of the arbitration proceedings
conducted hereunder shall be borne equally by both parties.
9. Confidentiality
Any information, documents and materials, whether printed or
oral, furnished by either party or its agents or employees to the
other shall be held in confidence. No such information shall be
given to any third party, other than to such sub-contractors of
NISC as may be permitted herein, or under requirements of a
lawful authority, without the express written consent of the
other party.
D. TERM OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement, including the Exhibits attached hereto, shall remain in
full force and effect until terminated, and may be amended only by mutual
agreement of the parties in writing. Any decision by either party to cease
issuance or distribution of any specific Product shall not effect a
termination of the Agreement unless such termination is mutually agreed
upon, or unless notice is given pursuant to Section E.2. hereof.
E. TERMINATION
1. Either party may terminate this Agreement for cause at any time, upon
written notice to the other, if the other knowingly and willfully: (a)
fails to comply with the laws or regulations of any state or
governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the sale of
insurance or securities; (b) misappropriates any money or property
belonging to the other; (c) subjects the other to any actual or
potential liability due to misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance;
(d) commits any fraud upon the other; (e) has an assignment for the
benefit of creditors; (f) incurs bankruptcy; or (g) commits a material
breach of this Agreement.
2. Either party may terminate this Agreement, without regard to cause,
upon six months prior written notice to the other.
3. In the event of termination of this Agreement, the following
conditions shall apply:
a) The parties irrevocably acknowledge the continuing right to use
any Product trademark that might then be associated with any
Products, but only with respect to all business in force at the
time of termination.
b) In the event this Agreement is terminated the parties will use
their best efforts to preserve in force the business issued
pursuant to this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement to
be effective as of the date first above written.
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
By: __________________________
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Title: Vice President - Sales
NATIONWIDE INVESTMENT SERVICES CORPORATION
By: ________________________
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Title: Vice President - Compliance Officer
EXHIBIT A
ANALYSIS OF ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS
A. PRODUCT UNDERWRITING/ISSUE
NATIONWIDE NISC
- Establishes underwriting criteria for Consults with regard to new
application processing and rejections. business procedures and
processing.
- Reviews the completed application.
Applies underwriting/issue criteria
to application.
- Notifies Agent and/or customer of any
error or missing data necessary to underwrite
application and establish records for owner
of Product ("Contract Owner").
- Prepares policy data page for approved business
and mails with policy to Contract Owner.
- Establishes and maintains all records required
for each Contract Owner, as applicable.
- Prepares and mails confirmation and other
statements to Contract Owners and Agents,
as required.
- Prints, provides all forms ancillary to issue
of contract/policy forms for Products.
- Maintains supply of approved specimen
policy forms and all ancillary forms,
distributes same to Agents.
B. BILLING AND COLLECTION
NATIONWIDE
- Receives premium/purchase payments and
reconciles amount received with
remittance media.
- Updates Contract Owner records to reflect
receipt of premium/purchase payment and
performs accounting/ investment allocation
of each payment received.
- Deposits all cash received under the Products
in accordance with the terms of
the Products.
C. BANKING
NATIONWIDE
- Balances, edits, endorses and prepares
daily deposit.
- Places deposits in depository account.
- Prepares daily cash journal summary
reports and maintains same for review
by NISC.
D. PRICING/VALUATION/ACCOUNTING/TRADING
NATIONWIDE NISC
- Maintains and makes available, as - Cooperates in annual audit
reasonably requested, records used of separate account
in determining "Net Amount Availabe financials conducted for
for Investment." purposes of financial
statement certification
and publication.
- Collects information needed in - Will clear and settle Mutual
determining Variable Account unit Fund trades on behalf of the
values from the Funds including separate accounts using the
daily net asset value, capital National Securities
gains or dividend distributions, Clearing Corporation FUND/
and the number of Fund Shares Serv System.
acquired or sold during the
immediately preceding valuation
period.
- Performs daily unit valuation
calculation.
E. CONTRACT OWNER SERVICE/ RECORD MAINTENANCE
NATIONWIDE NISC
- Receives and processes all Contract Owner - Accommodates customer
service requests, including but not limited service function by
to informational requests, beneficiary providing any supporting
changes, and transfers of Contract Value documentatuion which may
among eligible investment options. be in the control of NISC.
- Maintains daily records of all changes
made to Contract Owner accounts.
- Researches and responds to all Contract
Owner/Agent inquiries.
- Keeps all required Contract owner
records.
- Maintains adequate number of toll free
lines to service Contract Owner/Agent
inquiries.
F. DISBURSEMENTS (SURRENDERS, DEATH CLAIMS, LOANS)
NATIONWIDE NISC
- Receives and processes surrenders, loans,
and death claims in accordance with
established guidelines.
- Prepares checks for surrenders, loans,
and death claims, and forwards to Contract
Owner or Beneficiary. Prepares and mails
confirmation statement of disbursement to
Contract Owner/ Beneficiary with copy to
Agent.
G. COMMISSIONS
NATIONWIDE NISC
- Ascertains, on receipt of applications, - Receives and performs record
whether writing Agent is appropriately keeping for investment
licensed. company payments made under
a 12b-1 Plan.
H. PROXY PROCESSING
NATIONWIDE NISC
- Receives record date information from
Funds. Receives proxy solicitation
materials from Funds.
- Prepares Voting Instruction cards and mails
solicitation, if necessary.
- Tabulates and votes all Fund Shares in
accordance with SEC requirements.
I. PERIODIC REPORTS TO CONTRACT OWNERS
NATIONWIDE NISC
- Prepares and mails quarterly and annual
Statements of Account to Contract Owners.
- Prepares and mails all semi-annual and
annual reports of Variable Account(s)
to Contract Owners.
J. REGULATORY/STATEMENT REPORTS
NATIONWIDE NISC
- Prepares and files Separate Account Annual - Prepares and files
Statements. periodic FOCUS Reports
with the NASDR and SEC,
as applicable.
- Prepares and mails the appropriate, - Prepares and files annual
required IRS reports at the Contract audited financial
Owner level. Files same with statements with required
required regulatory agencies. regulatory agencies.
- Prepares and files form N-SAR for
the Separate Account.
K. PREMIUM TAXES
NATIONWIDE NISC
- Collects, pays and accounts for premium
taxes as appropriate.
- Prepares and maintains all premium tax
records by state.
- Maintains liabilities in General Account
ledger for accrual of premium tax
collected.
- Integrates all company premium taxes due
and performs related accounting.
L. FINANCIAL AND MANAGEMENT REPORTS
NATIONWIDE NISC
- Provides periodic reports in accordance - Provides periodic reports
with the Schedule of Reports to be in accordance with the
prepared jointly by Nationwide and Schedule of Reports to be
NISC. (See EXHIBIT C) prepared jointly by
Nationwide and NISC.
(See EXHIBIT C)
M. AGENT LICENSE RECORDKEEPING
NATIONWIDE NISC
- Receives, establishes, processes, and - Maintains securities
maintains Agent appointment registrations and assumes
records. responsibility for
representatives of
affiliated sales and
marketing companies
involved in the wholesale
distribution of Nationwide
variable contract products.
- Maintains training,
supervisory, and other
required records for and on
behalf of registered
representatives of NISC.
EXHIBIT B
ADVERTISING AND SALES PROMOTION MATERIAL GUIDELINES
FOR APPROVAL BY NATIONWIDE AND NISC
In order to assure compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements and
to maintain control over the distribution of promotional materials dealing with
the Products, Nationwide and NISC require that all variable contract promotional
materials be reviewed and approved by both Nationwide and NISC prior to their
use. These guidelines are intended to provide appropriate regulatory and
distribution controls.
1. Sufficient lead time must be allowed in the submission of all promotional
material. Nationwide and NISC shall approve in writing all promotional
material. Such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, and shall be
given promptly, normally within five (5) days.
2. All promotional material will be submitted in "draft" form to permit any
changes or corrections to be made prior to the printing.
3. Nationwide and NISC will provide each other with details as to each and
every use of all promotional material submitted. Approval for one use will
not constitute approval for any other use. Different standards of review
may apply when the same advertising material is intended for different
uses. The following information will be provided for each item of
promotional material:
a. In what jurisdiction(s) the material will be used.
b. Whether distribution will be to broker/dealer, entity, participant,
etc.
c. How the material will be used (e.g., brochure, mailing, web site,
etc.)
d. The projected date of initial use.
4. Each party will advise the other of the date it discontinues the use of any
material.
5. Any changes to previously approved promotional material must be
resubmitted, following these procedures. When approved material is to be
put to a different use, request for approval of the material for the new
use must be submitted.
6. Nationwide will assign a form number to each item of advertising and sales
promotional material. This number will appear on each piece of advertising
and sales promotional material. It will be used to aid in necessary
filings, and to maintain appropriate controls.
7. Nationwide and NISC will provide written approval for all material to be
used.
8. Nationwide will be responsible to effect necessary state filings.
9 NISC will coordinate SEC/NASD filings of sales and promotional material.
10. All telephone communication and written correspondence regarding
promotional materials should be directed to Office of Product and Market
Compliance, Nationwide Life Insurance Company, Xxx Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx,
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
EXHIBIT C
PRODUCTION REPORTS TO BE PROVIDED
Nationwide agrees to provide the following reports to NISC:
1. Daily Receipt Report: Indicates which Agents are generating sales
2. Daily Approval Report: Indicates which applications have been approved
3. Daily Activity Summary: Indicates top firms' sales and liquidation by
month, year-to-date as well as total assets by
firm.
4. Dealer Activity: Indicates top firms' sales and
Summary by Territory liquidation by month, year-to-date
5. Summary of Sales by Indicates sales by territory/dealer/branch,
Territory and Dealer: including non-commissionable amounts and actual
commission payments, as well as chargebacks
(Internal use only)
6. Commission Report: Indicates commission paid and chargebacks,
matched to Commission checks.
In addition, Nationwide will provide reports detailing current appointments and
other information, as reasonably requested by NISC.
