We are extremely excited to announce a change in the requirement for Association membership and the Registered Financial Consultant (RFC) designation and Master Registered Financial Consultant (MRFC). Effective immediately, a Life Insurance license will satisfy the educational component of the qualifications to become a member of the Association.
This change is part of a more involved process. When we began the path to third party accreditation, every aspect of the organization was reviewed and scrutinized to meet the strict guidelines of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
With this new direction and purpose, our IARFC Board of Directors unanimously felt the membership education requirement should be re-evaluated. It will now include those professional individuals who hold an insurance license.
“As the new Chairman for the IARFC, I feel insurance agents and consultants can benefit from the RFC designation and the Master Registered Financial Consultant (MRFC) when our accreditation application is approved.” said Chairman H. Stephen Bailey. “To include this group improves our base of advisors whose products are a fundamental part of financial planning.”
For the public – knowing that their financial professional is an RFC assures them that their potential insurance advisor is vetted for a high standard of ethics. Many consumers do not start out with investments or complicated strategies when putting together their financial roadmap. Insurance is a fundamental basic of any financial plan.
For the insurance professional – being a Registered Financial Consultant emphasizes more of a total need of planning, not just selling a product or package. It elevates the motivation, education and dedication of these professionals to be part of a larger financial community.
Vice Chairman Nicholas Royer experienced the value of education and mentoring through the IARFC when he first started out as a newly graduated insurance professional years ago. “I personally think this is a positive change,” said Royer. “All of the high quality, ethical and impactful individuals in the insurance industry who want to make a difference are now able to see if they qualify for our designation and membership. This is an important step to bring the IARFC into the future and broaden the scope of the Association and its members to the public we serve.”
To become a member of the IARFC and qualify for the RFC or MRFC designation, go to the IARFC website and review the qualifications. Application questions may be addressed to Amy Primeau, Membership Services – amy@iarfc.org.
