National Planning Holdings, Inc.[R] Introduces Paper-Free Mutual Fund Processing for Qualified Accounts.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- National Planning Holdings, Inc. (NPH(SM)), the nation's seventh-largest independent broker-dealer network1, today announced that paper-free mutual fund processing is now available for qualified retirement plans within its Web-based representative workstation system, Electronic Order Entry (EOE). NPH is the first firm in the industry to introduce electronic mutual fund transactions for qualified accounts through an innovative custodial account opening process. The network introduced fully automated mutual fund processing for nonqualified accounts in February 2008.

The NPH platform supports qualified plans offered through premier partners such as American Funds, OppenheimerFunds and Putnam. The new functionality builds on the network's ongoing initiative to deliver an e-signature enabled, real-time workflow process that helps NPH's affiliated representatives save time and increase efficiency.

"NPH's approach to technology has always been continuous innovation and responsiveness to the evolving needs of advisors and their clients," said Jim Livingston, president and chief executive officer of National Planning Holdings. "The latest enhancement to our EOE platform represents a significant milestone for the network and the independent broker-dealer industry as a whole. We have created a seamless process through which representatives can continue to enjoy direct support from mutual fund companies, while also benefitting from the time and cost savings that can be achieved by completely eliminating the need for paper."

In conjunction with its proprietary EOE and e-Signature technology, NPH uses the Fund/SERV([R] )mutual fund transaction processing system to provide a paper-free platform for opening and servicing qualified accounts. Key functionality includes:

* Paper-free submission of fund company applications and electronic funding;

* Online access to clients' positions with daily valuations;

* Electronic tracking of fund account setup and payment;

* Greater control over fund pricing; orders submitted by 4 p.m. ET receive the same day's closing price; and

* Elimination of re-keying client and investment data, which allows for quick and efficient opening of IRAs.

"With tax season approaching, the timing of this launch is excellent," said John Davis, vice president of retirement plans at OppenheimerFunds. "NPH's technology streamlines the establishment and processing of new IRA accounts, allowing advisors to spend more time counseling clients and less time on paperwork."

Since e-Signature transactions are completely paperless, there is no longer a need for advisors to maintain hard copy forms in their offices or mail them to the OSJ and broker-dealer, which can result in significant savings in shipping costs. Online e-file cabinets allow representatives, administrative staff, clients and auditors to access important documents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Furthermore, the system automatically identifies which forms and data elements are required from a regulatory and broker-dealer standpoint, virtually eliminating the delays often caused by missing information or outdated forms.

National Planning Holdings, Inc. is an affiliate of Lansing, Mich.-based Jackson National Life Insurance Company([R])(Jackson(SM)). The NPH network consists of INVEST Financial Corporation([R]), Investment Centers of America, Inc., National Planning Corporation([R]), and SII Investments, Inc. Each company maintains its own unique culture and serves a specific niche of the financial planning marketplace, allowing the NPH network to deliver customized, market-specific services to representatives of all profiles.

For more information about the four independent broker-dealers in the National Planning Holdings network, please visit:

* www.INVESTFinancial.com - INVEST Financial Corporation

* www.InvestmentCenters.com - Investment Centers of America, Inc.

* www.NatPlan.com - National Planning Corporation

* www.SIIOnline.com - SII Investments, Inc.

About National Planning Holdings, Inc.

Santa Monica, Calif.-based National Planning Holdings, Inc. (NPH) is a broker-dealer holding company and an affiliate of Lansing, Mich.-based Jackson National Life Insurance Company. NPH serves as the holding company for the independent broker-dealers INVEST Financial Corporation, Investment Centers of America, National Planning Corporation, and SII Investments, Inc. Collectively, the NPH broker-dealer network currently has 3,100 registered representatives. NPH and Jackson are wholly owned by Prudential plc (NYSE: PUK), a company incorporated and with its principal place of business in the United Kingdom. Prudential plc is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc., a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America.

1. Independent Broker-Dealer Network rankings by gross revenue, InvestmentNews, 4/28/08