A fraternal benefit society is a type of organization that provides social and financial benefits to its members, who share a common bond, such as ethnicity, religion, occupation, or other criteria. Fraternal benefit societies are often non-profit organizations that operate as mutual aid societies, providing insurance and other benefits to members and their families.

Fraternal benefit societies are regulated by state insurance departments in the United States, and typically offer a range of insurance products, such as life insurance, disability insurance, and annuities. In addition to insurance benefits, fraternal benefit societies often provide other services to members, such as social activities, community service projects, and educational programs.

One of the defining characteristics of fraternal benefit societies is their emphasis on community and mutual support among members. Fraternal benefit societies often have a long history and strong traditions, and many are affiliated with larger national or international organizations.

Need a more in-depth explanation of Fraternal Organizations and their differences? Click Here

A fraternal financial professional is a trained financial advisor who can specialize in providing financial planning, investment advice, and insurance products to members of the society and their families. These professionals work for the fraternal benefit society or a third-party financial firm that is affiliated with the society.

Fraternal financial professionals typically receive specialized training. This includes the FIC (Fraternal Insurance Counselor) or the FICF (Fraternal Insurance Counselor Fellow) designations and in most cases they may have additional designations such as the LUTCF (Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow), CFP (certified financial planner), CFA (chartered financial analyst), ChFC (chartered financial consultant), CPA (certified public accountant) and the CLU (chartered life underwriter). The Fraternal Financial Professional deeply understands the products and services, specific requirements, and regulations that apply to fraternal benefit societies. These can differ somewhat from those that apply to other types of insurance companies.

In addition to providing personalized financial advice, fraternal financial professionals may also offer educational resources and seminars to help members of the fraternal benefit society become more knowledgeable about financial planning and investment management. They also participate in community service and other activities organized by themself or the society.

Like fraternal insurance agents, fraternal financial professionals may place a strong emphasis on building personal relationships with their clients. Because fraternal benefit societies often have a strong sense of community and tradition, members may prefer to work with a financial advisor who is affiliated with the society and understands its values and culture.

The mission of the National Association of Fraternal Insurance Counselors is to serve and promote the fraternal insurance agent through a foundation of education and benevolence.

John Jordan Upchurch, America's Founder of the Fraternal Benefit System, stated, 'Fraternity is the mainspring that prompts us into action, and propels us forward in the noble work of Charity, Hope and Protection.' Through his efforts the lodge, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, was organized and was the first to offer an insurance provision in their constitution.

In February of 1937, the Fraternal Field Managers recognized the need for a more educated professional field force. They created a study program for the fraternal agents, which allowed the agents to earn an educational designation when completed. Fraternal Insurance Counselor (FIC) was the name decided upon for the study course. At the end of the first year, 113 agents had graduated the courses, with hundreds more working toward the designation.

Over the years, there have been continual updates to the courses. In 1950, the Fraternal Field Managers aided in organizing the National Association of Fraternal Insurance Counselors for the purpose to 1) enable the members to exchange ideas pertaining to fraternal field work; 2) promote educational activities for the benefit of the members and other fraternal field workers; 3) cooperate with the Fraternal Field Managers' Association in improving the Fraternal Sales Training program; and 4) work for the betterment of the Fraternal Insurance System.

In 1983, the Fraternal Field Managers Association introduced the 'Fraternal Financial Planner' designation. However, at the May 1985 Convention, the new designation was officially changed to 'Fraternal Insurance Counselor Fellow' (FICF). The first FICF certificates were distributed at that Convention. The FICF program is an additional three study course that focuses on advanced underwriting.

Preamble: As a fraternal life underwriter, I will maintain the utmost professional standards toward my members and at the same time maintain a position of trust and loyalty to my Society.

I believe it to be my responsibility:

• To conduct all fraternal business and social activities according to the highest standards of professionalism, honesty, fairness, competence and due diligence.
  
• To follow all state insurance regulations as well as guidelines developed by my society to be compliant with the sale of our products. 
  
• To continuously develop and improve my knowledge of the insurance industry through my society, fraternally-focused activities and state-required continuing education.
  
• To empower my members through product education, by skillfully evaluating their needs and concerns and by holding their confidences and personal information in trust. 
  
• To serve my members and my society by placing their best interest and welfare above any personal considerations. 
  

 As a Fraternal Insurance Counselor, I pledge myself to uphold and maintain these principles and responsibilities.

NAFIC BOARD OF DIRECTORS