Examples of Following the Code

When we think about the NAIFA Code of Ethics, we are a third of the way through 2022, and this is a good time to review how some of the key activities either about to occur or that have already occurred reflect on our ethical standards. 

2022 Congressional Conference in Washington, D.C.

One of our key activities that occurs each year and will soon be held is the 2022 Congressional Conference in Washington, D.C. We can be proud of the active involvement of NAIFA members in the political activities that ensure our democracy in our country will survive and thrive.

Women's History Month is a time many reflect on the challenges women have faced and overcame; except we are still in a space of change so many years later. So, March becomes a time of encouragement, empowerment, and exhaustion all at the same time. For many of us, myself included, this is just another day and month in our lives. 

If we expect real and lasting change to happen, then we must call upon all of those who do not look like us. We need our allies and diversity change agents to speak loud and proud - and only then will we start to round the corner towards equity. 

One formula I use while running a women-centric organization is called R.E.A.C.H. I created this more than 10 years ago and it continues to serve me well in 2022. It's pretty easy to remember.

NAIFA is a proud member of the Coalition for Equity in Wholesaling, a group founded by Equitable to increase the number of diverse professionals in the role of insurance wholesaler. The initial focus of the coalition “is on the Black community, which will inform its work and serve as a blueprint as it scales a repeatable model that will ultimately be used to benefit all diverse communities.”

What is going on as of November 2021, as we draw 2021 to a close? In considering a couple of ethical issues I was planning to discuss, I happened to be viewing our Fall/Winter paper publication of Advisor Today, which states that our NAIFA leadership has signed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) pledges. It quickly occurred to me how important this decision was. In taking this step forward, our CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE, joined almost 2,000 CEOs in becoming a member of the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion Coalition, signing a pledge to collaborate in supporting a more inclusive environment.

Join us in congratulating Christopher L. Gandy and Brian Haney, winners of this year’s ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES Award in Diversity and Inclusion.

For over 175 years, New York Life has been a strong proponent of women in the workforce. From hiring its first female employee in 1885 to appointing its first female director in 1947, New York Life has been a trailblazer in its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Today, women make up 58% of New York Life’s workforce and 36% of its board.

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) and WebCE have completed an educational partnership agreement to supply NAIFA members with online CE-based education for insurance and financial advisors. The offering is comprehensive and spans pre-licensing exam preparation for insurance and securities exams through company-mandated training for workplace training and firm element. NAIFA will enable its members to attain continuing education for licensure, certifications, and designations through the partnership.

NAIFA member and CEO of Females and Finance Sheryl Hickerson announced the launch of a new website for the organization.  

Eyewitness News 9 from WSOC-TV, a station in Charlotte, NC, recently broadcast a special report, “Talking About Race and Money.” The Personal Finances segment of the broadcast (beginning at the 13:10 mark) features Delvin Joyce, CLU, ChFC, Managing Director with Prudential Financial and Chair of NAIFA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council (loyal member since 2010).

NAIFA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Impact Week media coverage garnered positive media attention. Four articles from INN highlighted the event from different perspectives to include why DEI is a critical issue in the finance industry, planning for long-term care in the black and brown communities, and advancing women in the financial service industry. All four articles hit key points which were communicated throughout the DEI Impact event and aligned with the message NAIFA wanted to convey.