About Us
Who is the American Retirement Association?
Based in the Washington, D.C. area, the American Retirement Association (ARA) is a non-profit professional organization with two major goals: to educate all retirement plan and benefits professionals, and to create a framework of policy that gives every working American the ability to have a comfortable retirement.
The ARA is the coordinating entity for its five underlying affiliate organizations representing the full spectrum of America’s private retirement system: the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA); the American Society of Enrolled Actuaries (ASEA); the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA); the National Tax-Deferred Savings Association (NTSA); and the Plan Sponsor Council of America (PSCA).
The ARA’s diverse membership made up of over 30,000 individuals who provide consulting and administrative services to American workers, savers, and the sponsors of retirement plans – including organizations of all sizes and industries across the nation who sponsor and/or support retirement saving plans – are united in their common dedication to the success of America’s private retirement system.
What do we do to improve retirement benefits and coverage for millions of Americans?
We work tirelessly to help businesses of all types implement retirement plans and make it easier for Americans to save for a secure retirement by educating those working in the retirement plan industry and advocating for the expansion of retirement plan access.
What services do we provide?
Our Government Affairs Committee (GAC) provides expert insight on all facets of the retirement industry to legislators and policymakers — as well as governmental organizations at the local, state and federal levels — on critical retirement plan policies that support our industry.
Our Mission
Why is it important to protect the American retirement system?
Nearly 80 million American workers participate in employer-sponsored retirement plans, including 401(k) plans.
401(k) plans primarily benefit the middle class, with 68 percent of participants making less than $100,000 per year. 401(k) plans also significantly increase a working American’s likelihood to save, plan participants making less than $50,000 are 12 times more likely to save for retirement at work.
Through the retirement plan system, Americans can prepare for a safe and secure retirement.
