Retirement Management Advisor (RMA®)
Issued by: Investments & Wealth Institute (IWI)
Focus Area: Retirement income planning, portfolio distribution strategies, and retirement risk management
What Is the RMA®?
The Retirement Management Advisor (RMA®) is an advanced professional designation for financial professionals who specialize in retirement income planning. Unlike accumulation-focused credentials, the RMA® emphasizes the decumulation phase—helping clients convert assets into sustainable, risk-managed retirement income.
The curriculum centers on household balance sheets, retirement risk zones, and client-specific distribution strategies rather than one-size-fits-all portfolio models. It is designed for advisors who want deeper mastery of retirement income engineering, longevity risk, and client behavior during the transition from work to retirement.
Who Should Pursue the RMA®?
The RMA® is ideal for:
- Financial advisors and planners seeking advanced retirement income expertise
- Wealth managers serving pre-retirees and retirees
- Insurance professionals offering annuities or retirement-focused products
- Advisors who want a research-driven framework for retirement distribution planning
- Professionals who already hold CFP®, ChFC®, RICP®, or similar credentials
The designation is especially valuable for advisors who want to differentiate themselves in a crowded retirement planning market.
What You’ll Learn
The RMA® curriculum focuses on:
- Retirement income planning frameworks
- Household balance sheet analysis
- Retirement risk management (longevity, sequence risk, inflation, healthcare)
- Portfolio distribution strategies
- Safe withdrawal methodologies
- Annuities and guaranteed income tools
- Behavioral finance in retirement
- Client segmentation and retirement personas
- Developing durable, personalized retirement income plans
Program Requirements
To earn the RMA®, candidates must:
- Meet eligibility requirements (typically three years of relevant experience or an approved designation/license)
- Complete the RMA® education program through IWI’s online coursework
- Attend the RMA® Capstone, a live or virtual instructor-led session
- Pass the RMA® certification exam
- Agree to IWI’s ethics and continuing education requirements
How Long Does It Take?
Most candidates complete the program in 3–6 months, depending on pace and schedule.
Career Impact
Professionals with the RMA® often work in:
- Wealth management firms
- Independent advisory practices
- Insurance agencies and broker-dealers
- Retirement planning boutiques
- Banks and trust companies
The designation signals advanced expertise in retirement income planning—a high-demand specialty as demographics shift and retirees seek more personalized, risk-aware guidance.
