NAIFA Turns 130!

This year, the association is celebrating 130 years of using its considerable influence to advocate for a favorable business environment for financial professionals and giving them the tools and resources they need to succeed.

By Ayo Mseka

When 70 insurance agents gathered in Boston to create the National Association of Life Underwriters in 1890, little did they know they were sowing the seeds for the nation’s largest and most influential group of insurance and financial professionals. NALU is now NAIFA, whose members reside in every U.S. congressional district, with influence that extends throughout the halls of Congress and to all 50 statehouses.

Over the years, the association has used this influence to provide a favorable business environment for its members and their clients, working tirelessly to make sure that their interests are protected and advanced. It has helped thousands of financial professionals succeed, providing them with the tools and resources they need to build their businesses, advance their careers, and connect with clients and peers. And it has been the association where the best insurance and financial professionals have come together to show their professional pride, network with the best in the business and help each other succeed.

A look back at NAIFA’s 130-year history shows that the financial-services industry, together with NAIFA members, is constantly changing, and NAIFA is using its prestige and long-term success to position and lead its members into the future. So even as it celebrates its long and storied past, it has no plans to become complacent. It will reflect on its past and celebrate it, but it will not rest on its laurels. Its past will simply provide a strong foundation from which to build a solid future.

NAIFA is currently putting together a 130th Anniversary Task Force to help the association celebrate this important milestone. Stay tuned for updates from this important task force. Also, please visit the NAIFA website at www.naifa.org to find out how you can participate in this celebration.

A Few NAIFA Highlights

First to organize a national association, in 1890

First major industry accreditation program — the CLU

First trade association to adopt a professional code of ethics

First institutional advertising campaign for industry

Formed the Life Underwriter Training Council

Created the Life Underwriters Political Action Committee