National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA)

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is a U.S. trade organization that represents insurance agents and financial advisors. NAIFA advocates for favorable legislation and regulation, promotes professional and ethical standards, and provides education, networking, and business-development resources for its members.

Quick facts

• Founded in 1890 (originally the National Association of Life Underwriters).
• Headquarters: Falls Church, Virginia.
• Chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
• Membership: more than 50,000 professionals.
• Membership fees: typically $240–$840 per year (depends on years licensed); student memberships are $50 per year.

Mission and activities

NAIFA’s core goals are to:
* Advocate for a positive legislative and regulatory environment for insurance and financial services (including through IFAPAC, one of the industry’s largest PACs).
* Promote ethical conduct and professional standards among practitioners.
* Provide continuing education, professional development, and business-building resources.
* Foster networking and best-practice sharing among advisors and agents.

Who its members are

Members include life and health insurance agents, annuity and multiline product producers, employee-benefits specialists, and financial advisors. Many large firms encourage or support employee membership in local NAIFA chapters.

Code of Ethics (member commitments)

NAIFA members agree to standards meant to protect clients and the profession, including to:
* Protect client confidentiality and privacy.
* Act in clients’ best interests and work diligently to meet their needs.
* Present facts honestly and accurately to inform financial decisions.
* Provide timely and appropriate service to clients and beneficiaries.
* Pursue ongoing professional development and education.
* Follow the letter and spirit of laws and regulations governing the profession.
* Conduct business in ways that reflect positively on the profession.
* Cooperate with other professionals when it serves client interests.
* Advocate for the financial interests of clients and the profession through political engagement.

Member benefits and resources

NAIFA offers a range of resources designed to help advisors grow and serve clients:

Centers and offerings
* Advanced Practice Center — thought leadership and advanced-market insights.
* Advocacy Action Center — tools for contacting legislators and tracking relevant bills.
* Business Performance Center — articles, webinars, and programs to grow practices.
* Limited & Extended Care Planning Center — networking, expert access, research, and training for care-planning solutions.
* Talent Development Center — materials to recruit and develop diverse next-generation advisors.
* Learning Center — online and in-person exam prep, continuing education, and professional development courses.

Other benefits
* Networking opportunities and access to peers and top practitioners.
* Subscription to Advisor Today, NAIFA’s publication with sales ideas and industry news.
* Lobbying representation at federal and state levels to protect member and client interests.

Who should consider joining

Insurance producers and financial advisors who want advocacy representation, continuing education, networking, and a professional code of conduct will find NAIFA relevant. Firms that support professional development and political advocacy often encourage membership for their sales and advisory staff.

Key takeaways

• NAIFA is a long-established trade association focused on advocacy, ethics, and professional development for insurance and financial advisors.
• It provides legislative advocacy, educational programs, business resources, and networking through national and local chapters.
• Members commit to a formal Code of Ethics and gain access to specialized centers, continuing education, and industry publications.