ADVISORY/ Bank Insurance Expert, Maria Thomson, Encourages Both Bankers and Insurers to Attend Important Seminar.

Business Editors

ADVISORY...for Wednesday (Jan. 10)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

TO:          Business Editors, Business Reporters, Banking Editors,
             Banking Reporters, Insurance Editors, Insurance Reporters

WHAT:        At "Successfully Selling Insurance in Banks--the Whole
             Picture," a seminar for bankers and insurers to be
             presented in Washington, D.C., February 8-9 by the
             Society of Actuaries, leading bancassurance experts will
             show how to bridge the gulf between insurance and banking
             cultures.

             The two-day event will cover sales models and strategies,
             tailoring insurance products and services for the bank
             market, financial and legal issues, and the relationship
             between bankers and insurers. It also will draw on
             lessons learned by integrated British "bancassurers" over
             the past 20 years.

             In a lively, interactive format, participants will learn
             techniques for building effective bank insurance sales
             operations and for successfully expanding existing life,
             health, credit and property-casualty insurance
             operations.

WHO:         Faculty includes authorities from the United States and
             Britain, including:

             Maria Thomson, FSA, MAAA, Managing Principal, Thomson
             Management Solutions, Inc, a bancassurance management
             consulting firm based in Brimfield Massachusetts. Maria
             is a specialist in insurance product development for
             non-traditional distribution channels.

             R. Alan Wade, CLU, also a principal at Thomson Management
             Solutions, Inc, and a specialist in bank insurance
             sales operations.

             Steven L. Ostlund, FSA, MAAA, Principal, Actuarial
             Consulting, an expert with extensive background in credit
             insurance. Barnett D. Ovrut, a partner with the law firm
             of Morisson, Mahoney & Miller, LLP, specialists in
             insurance law and regulation.

             Les Webb, FCII, FLIA, FInstSMM, strategic marketing
             director with NMG Europe in London, a multinational
             actuarial/distribution consultancy. With branches in 15
             countries, NMG has advised bancassurers in Europe, Asia,
             South Africa, Australia and South America.

             The seminar is presented by the Society of Actuaries.

WHEN:        Maria Thomson is available to speak today, January 10.

             The seminar will take place February 8-9, 2001 in
             Washington, D.C.

             The fee for this special event is $835 for members of
             actuarial organizations worldwide and $885 for
             nonmembers.

             For more information or to speak with any of the
             presenters contact Maria Thomson (Thomson Management
             Solutions, Inc.) at [phone].

             For more information or to register, contact Mary
             Rocuskie of the Society of Actuaries at [phone].
             Additional information on the seminar is also on the
             Society's website at www.soa.org.