In today’s ever-changing regulatory landscape, financial professionals face a growing number of legislative and policy challenges that can directly impact their ability to serve clients and sustain their businesses. Many of these challenges come from well-intended but often misguided attempts to regulate the industry in ways that could limit consumer access to financial guidance, increase operational burdens, or even threaten advisors' ability to earn a living.

At NAIFA, our mission is clear: We are the voice of the financial professional in Washington, D.C., and in state capitals across the country. We are here to ensure that laws and regulations support—not hinder—your ability to provide the essential services that individuals, families, and businesses rely on every day.

Why Advocacy Matters

Without a strong, unified advocacy effort, financial professionals could face serious obstacles that disrupt their business models. Consider some of the critical battles NAIFA has fought on behalf of the industry:

• Defeating Harmful Fiduciary-Only Proposals: NAIFA has played a key role in ensuring that financial advisors can provide the best guidance for their clients without being burdened by excessive regulation.
• Protecting Independent Contractors: Legislative efforts to redefine independent financial professionals as employees could have upended the way many advisors operate. NAIFA fought back and preserved the flexibility that allows advisors to run their own businesses.
• State-Level Wins: In states across the country, NAIFA members have successfully influenced policies affecting licensing, tax structures, and consumer choice in financial products.
• Read more in NAIFA's new State of Advocacy Report.

These victories didn’t happen by chance. They happened because NAIFA members took action. They met with lawmakers, provided testimony, and engaged in grassroots efforts to protect their profession. But the fight is far from over.

Tax Reform at Stake in 2025

With the expiration of key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), Congress faces critical decisions that could impact financial professionals and their clients. The TCJA significantly altered individual income taxes, estate taxes, and rules for passthrough business income, and its expiration brings uncertainty.

NAIFA is actively engaged in ensuring that any tax reforms support financial professionals and the American families they serve. Legislative proposals may seek to revise current tax treatment of retirement savings vehicles, estate tax exemptions, adjust deductions, and redefine tax treatment of insurance and investment products. The stakes are high, and NAIFA’s advocacy is essential in shaping policies that promote long-term financial security.

Now more than ever, financial professionals must make their voices heard to safeguard the stability of the tax system and protect the ability of Americans to plan and save for the future.

Your Role in Advocacy

The most powerful tool in advocacy isn’t a professional lobbyist—it’s you. Elected officials want to hear from the constituents who are on the front lines helping families achieve financial security. When NAIFA members speak up, policymakers listen.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• If you’re not a member, join NAIFA – Strengthen our voice by becoming an active member today.
• Participate in NAIFA’s Congressional Conference – Meet directly with lawmakers to advocate for your profession. Register here.
• Engage Locally – Build relationships with state legislators who make decisions that impact your business.

Now Is the Time to Act

Regulations and policies impacting financial professionals are evolving quickly. If you’re not engaged in advocacy, you’re leaving the future of your business in someone else’s hands. NAIFA exists to fight for you—but we can’t do it alone.

Now is the time to stand with NAIFA and ensure that financial professionals remain at the forefront of legislative discussions. Join us today and make your voice heard.

Together, we can protect the future of our profession and continue providing the financial security our clients depend on.