To serve the range of professionals seeking to participate in RIIA, four categories have been devised for interested individuals to follow in order to become members:

Regular Members are firms which develop or distribute retirement income products or participate in the industry in such a significant manner that the Board determines it should be a regular member. Regular members may participate where appropriate on Association committees, are encouraged to identify other areas where they may contribute to RIIA’s mission and be considered for election to the Association’s Board of Directors. Each regular member’s firm is entitled to one vote on any matter put before the membership for a vote.

Associate Members are individuals and firms that serve the industry such as law, accounting and consulting firms. These members have no vote on RIIA business matters but are encouraged to contribute to RIIA’s mission through committee participation, conference administration, and expert resources and research. These member firms pay a discounted membership fee and may become a regular member upon payment of regular member dues. No regular member firm offering retirement income products, services, and/or distribution may be an associate member.

Plan Sponsor Members are individuals and firms which sponsor qualified retirement and employee benefit programs. These members have no vote on RIIA business matters but are encouraged to contribute to RIIA’s mission through committee participation, conference administration, and participation in research initiatives. These members are encouraged to contribute their real-world experience to RIIA initiatives with a view toward directly benefiting participants. These firms pay a discounted membership fee.

Financial Advisor Members are licensed financial professionals who provide retirement income planning advice and services to individuals. These members have no vote on RIIA business matters but are encouraged to contribute to RIIA’s mission through committee participation, conference administration and participation in research initiatives. These members are encouraged to contribute their real-world experience to RIIA initiatives, with a view toward directly benefiting participants. These professionals pay a discounted member fee.