Peace Garden News

Today, Governor Kelly Armstrong signed Senate Bill 2214 into law, leading to the merger of the North Dakota Securities Department into the North Dakota Insurance Department. The legislation consolidates regulatory authority under the state's elected insurance commissioner, aiming to enhance investigative coordination and streamline licensing processes for financial professionals. Additionally, it aims to strengthen insurance and investment protections for state residents.

"This merger ensures North Dakotans receive the strong, streamlined oversight they deserve when it comes to financial products and services," stated Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread. "By bringing these two regulatory arms under one roof, we're building a smarter, more efficient government, one that's ready to meet the challenges of the evolving financial landscape."

The North Dakota Insurance Department is responsible for regulating the state's insurance industry by licensing companies and agents and overseeing the products offered. On the other hand, the Securities Department enforces state securities laws to protect citizens from investment fraud and regulate firms and individuals offering investment opportunities.

In the United States, at least 16 other states have combined insurance and investment oversight within the same agency. The integration of the two departments in North Dakota will unfold over the coming months, with the merger officially set for July 1, 2025.