As we ring in another new year, this is an exciting, historic time for our association. The American public needs the services of insurance and financial professionals more than ever. You and your fellow NAIFA members help them achieve financial security, prepare for retirement, and create enduring financial legacies. NAIFA with you every step of the way, and 2024 promises to be a great year as we continue with the integration of three iconic brands within our industry – NAIFA, the Society of Financial Service Professionals, and Life Happens.

We have brought together the industry’s top advocacy organization with our unparalleled influence in Washington, D.C., and every state capital (NAIFA), top-flight education and professional development programming and resources (FSP), and the leading consumer education group in insurance and financial services (Life Happens). Together, we will serve NAIFA members, the broader community of financial professionals, and consumers better than ever.

Of course, 2024 also brings its share of challenges. The Department of Labor is pressing forward with its problematic and completely unnecessary fiduciary rule proposal. Fortunately, NAIFA is well-positioned and is challenging the proposal at every opportunity. Today, we are filing comments with the Department of Labor to get our opposition to the rule on the record and laying the groundwork for further action. Late last year, NAIFA Past President Bryon Holz testified at a DOL hearing along with a client of his on the harmful impact the proposal will have on consumers. NAIFA members like you have responded to an Action Alert sending letters to your members of Congress and held more than 200 face-to-face meetings with lawmakers and senior staff during our National Leadership Conference in December.

The great news is, with the addition of FSP and Life Happens NAIFA has never been better positioned to serve the needs of financial professionals and the consumers who depend on you for essential products, services, and advice. You can do your part by making a New Year’s resolution to actively participate in NAIFA’s advocacy efforts and explore our professional development offerings. Two great places to start are the 2024 FSP Institute in Jacksonville, FL, later this month and NAIFA’s Congressional Conference in Washington, D.C., May 20-21.

We are looking to make 2024 our greatest year ever, because together we can take on anything.

Best regards,

Kevin Mayeux, NAIFA CEO