Expect Focus - Volume II, Spring 2012

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

• DOL Scrutinizes Retirement Plan Service Providers

LIFE INSURANCE

• Courts Address Absent Class Member Contacts
• Recent STOLI Decisions
• Federal Insurance Office Update
• Annuity Class Action Update
• JOBS Act Lifts PPVIP Limits
• NAIC Takes Next Steps in Collateral Reduction Initiative
• Negotiated Cooperation is Best Approach in IRS Third-Party Summonses
• Unclaimed Property Requirements

HEALTH CARE

• Settlement Shields Funds from ERISA Equitable Lien
• Court Holds Dependent SSDI Benefits Can be Offset
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Litigation Updates

PROPERTY & CASUALTY

• In Colossus Cases, Insurers Bestride Narrow Constructions
• Appeals Court Finds Mediation Statute Does Not Preclude Appraisal
• Florida Court Rules Extrinsic Evidence Appropriate
• Minnesota Court (Slightly) Shifts Burden of Proof for Auto Glass Claims

NARROWING THE FOCUS

• Update of NAIC Separate Account Initiatives

SECURITIES

• BDs Must Jump Hurdles for Complex Products
• The Potential of Rising Standards for Insurance Product Sales Materials
• Shareholders Say Misuse of DMF Caused MetLife “Stock Drop”
• Investor Protection Position Takes Back Seat at SEC
• SEC Disclosure Report May Advance VA Summary Prospectus
• Unauthorized Transactions in Customer Accounts
• Court Rebuffs Schwab’s Challenge to FINRA

CONSUMER FINANCE & BANKING

• Third Circuit Sinks (b)(2) Class for Lack of Standing
• Fifth Circuit Applies Dukes Rulings
• Eleventh Circuit Rules Bank Customers Must Arbitrate
• Seventh Circuit Affirms “Clear Trend” Against RESPA Section 8 Class Actions
• Arbitration Roundup
• FTC Sets Forth Consumer Privacy Best Practices

NOTEWORTHY

• Employers Feel Backlash for Facebook Snooping
• Financial Institutions and the White House Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights