NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux issued the following statement on the announced GAMA International-AALU merger:

"NAIFA congratulates GAMA and AALU on their announced merger and for taking this step to combine their resources and best serve their stakeholders. NAIFA formed GAMA in 1951 and AALU in 1967 to serve niche groups within NAIFA’s broader ranks, agency managers in the case of GAMA and agents serving advanced markets in the case of AALU.

"Their merger spotlights NAIFA’s continued role as the established association representing the entire agent-advisor community promoting financial security for all Americans since 1890. NAIFA, with our leading advocacy presence in Washington, D.C., and all 50 state capitals, will continue to serve as the grassroots army for financial professionals and the Main Street consumers they serve. We will continue to have the largest association PAC and to host the largest grassroots D.C. fly-in in the industry. We will also continue our advocacy on behalf of agents and advisors at the federal and state levels, one result of which was recently reflected in our partnership with the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) in a lawsuit ultimately resulting in the Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule being overturned.

"Our industry, and indeed, our world, is constantly changing. It is imperative for associations to meet new challenges. GAMA and AALU are doing this by combining their resources. NAIFA has restructured our organization and evolved our business model to better meet Main Street financial professionals’ needs.

"NAIFA welcomes opportunities to continue working with all other groups sharing common interests on behalf of the insurance and financial services industry, NAIFA members, and consumers."