In today’s economic climate, persistent inflation and volatility in both stock and bond markets put increasing pressure on retirees and those preparing for retirement. Clients are looking for more effective strategies to manage today’s risks—and prepare for those of tomorrow.

What is an RMA®?
The Retirement Management Advisor® (RMA®) designation is designed to address the complexities of retirement planning beyond simple asset accumulation. With a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach, the RMA® program empowers financial advisors to:

• Deepen Understanding of Client Needs
  Gain insights into each client’s unique concerns, liabilities, and goals, and learn how to create a balanced, personalized plan that addresses them all.
  
  
• Build Expertise Across All Phases of Retirement Planning
  From wealth accumulation to income optimization and managing longevity risk, the RMA® certification prepares advisors to handle every aspect of the retirement process with proficiency.
  
  
• Navigate Market Volatility and Inflation Risk
  Equip clients to withstand economic uncertainty by building resilient, adaptable strategies for both current and future market conditions.

Steps to Certification

The RMA® certification program requires that candidates meet all eligibility requirements.
Step 1: Submit RMA® Certification Program Application to the Investments & Wealth Institute®
Step 2: Complete the online education requirement and Capstone.
Step 3: Pass the certification examination after successful completion the executive education component.
Step 4: Provide compliance disclosure, complete license agreement and pay initial certification fee.

If you have not yet begun the RMA® certification process or would like more information about the Investments & Wealth Institute®’s advanced certification qualifications, please contact the Investments & Wealth Institute™ directly at investmentsandwealth.org or (303) 770-3377.

Program Format

The RMA® program format consists of online instruction and an in-person capstone.

Part 1: On-Demand Supporting Video Presentations:

• 16-plus hours of online Expert Instruction
• Concept Application and Analysis
• Case Study
• Curriculum Review Sessions

Part II: Live Capstone Session at Chicago Booth, Gleacher Center (Fall 2025 Dates Coming Soon) 

This program is ideal for financial advisors working with clients approaching retirement. It is well-suited for professionals across various financial disciplines, including wealth managers, financial planners, investment consultants, and retirement specialists. Additionally, it benefits family-office professionals, trust and estate advisors, and tax specialists who aim to provide comprehensive financial guidance to clients in or near their retirement years.

Part I: Lifecycle Financial Planning

• Lifecycle Hypothesis and Goals-Based Planning
• The Elder Care Perspective

Part II: Retirement Mindset

• Retirement Phases Overview
• The Changing Retirement Landscape

• RMA Retirement Income Process

Part IV: Assessing Retirement Readiness

• Retirement Income Approaches
• Household Balance Sheet & Capital Budgeting
• Retirement Ratios

Part V: Key Retirement Planning Decisions

• Risks Women Face, Withdrawal Rates, Fixed Indexed Annuities
• Family Retirement Decisions
• Medicare, Estate Planning, and Charitable Planning
• Next Steps

The RMA® program format consists of online instruction and an in-person capstone. 

Part I: On-Demand Supporting Video Presentations:

• 16-plus hours of online Expert Instruction
• Concept Application and Analysis
• Case Study
• Curriculum Review Sessions

Part II: Live Capstone Session at Chicago Booth (2025 Dates Coming Soon)