In the complex realm of financial services, regulatory adherence is paramount. The community of financial professionals often faces a tough time navigating the intricacies of the industry. Recognizing the limitations, NAIFA empowers professionals in financial services.
Founded in 1890, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors or NAIFA serves the needs of insurance and financial services professionals who work to protect and promote financial security for all Americans. Since its inception, NAIFA has remained the preeminent association for financial service professionals in the United States. NAIFA members, whose advocacy influence reaches every Congressional district and every state house, abide by a strong Code of Ethics and represent a full spectrum of practice specialties to promote financial security for all Americans.
NAIFA is on a mission to empower financial professionals and consumers through advocacy, service, and education, complimented by its professional development and consumer divisions, the Society of Financial Service Professionals and Life Happens.
Charting a Legacy: Journey Through the Years
NAIFA has thrived for 134 years through wars, pandemics, civil rights changes, and more. NAIFA will continue to adapt to societal changes while remaining steadfast in its commitment to promoting financial security opportunities for all Americans. In early 2023, NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux guided NAIFA’s merger with two other organizations: The Society of Financial Service Professionals, a professional membership association of experienced financial professionals, including, investment advisors, attorneys, CPAs, insurance professionals, and experts across a variety of sectors; and Life Happens, a nonprofit organization helping consumers take personal financial responsibility through the ownership of life insurance and related products.
The merger of the three entities under the NAIFA umbrella and with Mayeux as their CEO strengthens NAIFA’s position as the professional development leader for insurance and financial advisors and the national advocacy voice for financial professionals and their clients.
NAIFA’s Membership Promise
NAIFA’s membership promise covers three primary areas: Advocate, Educate Differentiate.
Advocate: NAIFA is the most influential advocacy association working on behalf of agents and advisors on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and every state capital. NAIFA’s state chapters have extensive resources “on the ground” in every state who have relationships with key legislators and regulators and systems and plans in place to effectively activate their grassroots network when needed.
Educate: The NAIFA Centers of Excellence provide financial professionals with resources and access to experts in specific practice areas. Advisor Today, NAIFA’s flagship magazine, expanded its brand to offer educational webinars and podcasts in 2022. In–person events and conferences offer members many opportunities to network and learn from each other. The Society of Financial Service Professionals now serves as NAIFA’s professional development arm. FSP publishes the renowned Journal of Financial Service Professionals, a groundbreaking research publication.
Differentiate: NAIFA members stand apart by belonging to a professional association that highlights their success and shows they are committed to serving their clients’ best interests. NAIFA’s consumer–facing Find–An–Advisor tool assures potential clients that NAIFA members are professional agents and advisors who abide by NAIFA’s Code of Ethics.
NAIFA will continue to adapt to societal changes while remaining steadfast in its commitment to promoting financial security opportunities for all Americans.
NAIFA’s Commitment to Ethical Conduct
NAIFA sets high ethical standards for its members. through its Code of Ethics, which emphasizes integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to serving clients’ best interests. By adhering to these rigorous ethical standards, NAIFA members differentiate themselves from their peers and earn the trust and confidence of their clients. This commitment to ethical conduct enhances NAIFA’s competitive advantage by fostering a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness in the eyes of consumers.
A Culture of Collaboration and Professionalism
NAIFA fosters a culture of teamwork and collaboration, where employees across different departments and levels work together toward common goals. NAIFA upholds high standards of professionalism and integrity in all aspects of its work. Employees are expected to conduct themselves with honesty, transparency, and ethical integrity, reflecting the organization’s commitment to excellence and trustworthiness.
At the heart of NAIFA’s work culture is a deep commitment to providing exceptional service and support to help members succeed in their professions. The association values innovation and adaptability. Leadership recognizes the importance of staying agile and responsive to changing industry dynamics and member needs. NAIFA understands the importance of maintaining a healthy work–life balance and supports employees in achieving this balance. Employees are valued for their unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, and efforts are made to ensure that all voices are heard and respected within the organization.
Overall, the work culture at NAIFA is characterized by a strong sense of purpose, collaboration, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence, ensuring that employees feel valued, empowered, and motivated to make a meaningful impact in their roles.
Envisioning the Future
CEO Kevin Mayeux’s vision for NAIFA’s future is strongly focused on driving membership growth, enhancing the NAIFA brand, and elevating the membership experience. This vision is being realized through the implementation of the NAIFA 2025 Strategic Plan, which gives prominence to these core areas.
At the heart of this vision is the broadening of NAIFA’s community to encompass diverse financial services. professionals, including financial advisors, insurance agents, attorneys, accountants, administrative experts, product specialists, and corporate executives. These individuals converge under the NAIFA banner to collectively advocate, educate, and differentiate themselves through NAIFA’s professional development, grassroots initiatives, and leadership programs.
NAIFA is a firm believer in nurturing the next generation of leaders in the industry. CEO Mayeux actively encourages younger members to take on leadership roles within the association. NAIFA also has developed programs tailored to help students and young professionals evolve into influential leaders.
