40 Years of the Institute
Welcome to the Investments & Wealth Institute’s 40th Anniversary celebration!
For four decades, we’ve been dedicated to empowering investment and wealth management professionals with exceptional education, certifications, and resources. This milestone is an opportunity to reflect on our journey, honor the incredible members and employees who’ve helped shape our success, and unveil exciting new offerings, including our revamped Institute store and the Win a Trip to Experience contest.
Join us in celebration!
Win a Trip to Experience 2025
Join us in celebrating our 40th anniversary with a chance to win an unforgettable trip to Experience 2025!
Learn MoreContest Terms & Conditions
Our History
For four decades, the Investments & Wealth Institute has been at the forefront of educating and empowering financial service professionals — and shaping industry standards for wealth management, investment consulting, and state-of-the-art financial advice. What started in 1985 as a small and humble group, focused on enhancing professionalism in the investment consulting business, has evolved into so much more.
In 1988, we launched the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) certification — setting a new and enduring standard of excellence for investment management credentials. In 2007, we introduced the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) certification to address the unique challenges of high-net-worth clients.
In 2018, we instituted the prestigious Retirement Management Advisor® (RMA®) certification — rounding out our certification offerings and providing a comprehensive solution set for diverse client needs. Today, with over 21,000 members and a global reach spanning more than 40 countries, we are the premier professional association and credentialing body for financial advisors and wealth managers. Each year, we engage more than 30,000 financial services practitioners with elite conferences, certifications, and award-winning educational resources.
Explore the milestones that have defined our journey and discover how the Investments & Wealth Institute continues to shape the future of financial advice! Visit our newly revamped timeline on our “About Us” page to see the moments that have set the standard for excellence in financial advising.
Learn More About the Institute's HistoryMember Spotlight
Learn more about some of our longest standing members, who like you, share a commitment to life-long learning, adherence to ethical standards, and the advancement of the financial advice industry in our special 40th anniversary edition of the Membership Spotlight.
Introducing an All-New Institute Store
Explore our newly revamped Institute store, featuring exclusive merchandise and commemorative 40th anniversary items. Shop now and join the celebration!
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