A.M. Best upgrades Cherokee National Life after Securian purchase

St. Paul, MN, June 16, 2006 – A.M. Best, the financial services rating company, raised the financial strength rating of Cherokee National Life Insurance Company, Macon, GA from A- to A.

Cherokee manufactures life insurance products that are sold by financial institutions to consumers that cover loans, such as mortgage life and credit life. The company is one of several purchased May 1 by Securian Financial Group, Inc. of St. Paul, MN from OneAmerica Financial Partners, Inc. of Indianapolis, IN.

In the Cherokee rating rationale, A.M. Best said, “This rating…is based on the strength and support of Securian Financial Group. In addition, the rating is supported by Securian’s existing credit operations, providing [Cherokee] access to several hundred banks and credit unions in territories where it does not have a significant marketing presence.”

Because of the purchase, Cherokee’s client base rose from 1,000 to 3,6000 and its market expanded from 14 states to 50. It also gained a nationwide marketing presence through Allied Solutions, LLP, a wholly-owned, independently operated Securian subsidiary that distributes a wide variety of products and services to financial institutions of all kinds.

Best’s also said, “Cherokee’s competency in the financial institutions distribution channel should position the company for growth despite the current competitive credit insurance environment.”

CONTACT: Maggie Jensen, APR, 651-665-7558, margaret.jensen@securian.com