What type of registration must an agent have to sell variable life insurance policies?

To sell variable life insurance policies, an agent must obtain FINRA registration. This requirement exists because variable life insurance is considered a security as well as an insurance product. Therefore, in addition to a state insurance license, agents must also be registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to ensure they understand the regulatory landscape surrounding securities, investment strategies, and consumer protection. This dual requirement aims to ensure that agents possess the necessary knowledge and ethical standards to appropriately advise clients on these complex products that involve investment risk and market fluctuations.

While a variable products license may seem related, it is not a recognized registration for securities sales; rather, it typically refers to the insurance aspect. A certificate of authority relates to an insurance company's ability to conduct business in a state but does not pertain directly to individual agent registration. SEC registration is mainly for issuers of securities and does not apply to individual agents selling products like variable life insurance. Thus, FINRA registration is the correct credential required for agents in this field.