Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.) has been rated number one for overall operations support and number one for overall marketing support among mid-size variable annuity firms in the United States, by the DALBAR 2001 Financial Professional Program.

The DALBAR Financial Professional Program is designed to rate the level of service and operational support that insurance carriers provide to banks, broker/dealers and wirehouses that distribute variable annuity products.

Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.) competed with other mid-sized carriers, including Allmerica, Putnam/Allstate, Jackson National Life, and GE Life & Annuity.

Forty-eight broker dealer firms participated in the DALBAR survey for overall Operations Support, rating 34 variable annuity providers. Sun Life rated highest in the areas of ease of doing business, keeping the broker/dealer informed, problem resolution, back office visits, service relationship management and response to inquiries.

Marketing managers from 60 broker/dealer firms responded to the survey for overall Marketing Support. The company’s high ranking in this area pertains to understanding the broker/dealer’s business, keeping the broker/dealer informed, in-person wholesaler support, inside wholesalers support and sales materials. This year is the first time Sun Life has received this award in this area.

“Understanding the needs of broker/dealers is key in the financial services industry. They are the individuals who meet with the customer. We want to do all that we can to educate the brokers on all aspects of our annuity products and provide them with the tools they need to succeed,” said Geri Rhoades, assistant vice president, marketing.