Description: This panel addressed the multitude of issues companies face as banks and insurers become partners. Panelists discussed: 1. Legal issues surrounding mergers of banks and insurers, including the focus of federal regulators. 2. Recent applications by insurers for thrift charters and acquisitions of thrifts. 3. Successful bancassurance models in other parts of the world and best practices applicable in the U.S. 4. U.S. bank distribution models. 5. Financial implications of the manufacturers and distributors having the same parent, including impact on product development, underwriting, and transfer pricing. 6. Impact on carriers relying on banks for distribution when those banks merge with other carriers.