The IARFC was founded in 1984 as an education and practice management exchange of highly qualified consultants that met stringent education, licensing, ethics, and continuing education requirements. From its early beginnings to the present day, the IARFC continues to meet the needs of its members who make a transformational difference in the financial lives of the families and communities they serve. Their history shows an Association, meeting the needs of their financial professionals while adapting to current financial trends and practice innovations.

In 2024, the IARFC will be celebrating its 40^th year anniversary.

In 2023, the IARFC welcomes new Trustee Board Chair, Barry L. Dayley, MRFC^®. Kai Yuan Tu, RFC^® was elected as the first international representative to the Board of Trustees. The MRFC Certification Program submitted its 6-year recertification application. The Hong Kong/Macau Chapter introduced the Master Registered Financial Specialist (MRFS). Aidil Madjid, RFC® was elected as the President of the Indonesia Chapter.

In 2022, the IARFC contracted with Leonard Simpson, RFC^® for the position of CEO. There was a new Blueprint developed to update the Exam Content for the MRFC Credential which included a new Job Task Analysis. The Academic Journal of Personal Finance celebrated its 20-year publishing anniversary. The current Trustee Chair, Dr. H. Stephen Bailey retired from his position on the Trustee Board after contributing 6 years of leadership effective 12/31/22.

In 2021, the IARFC The Philippines Chapter initiated Season 1 of the IARFC Philippines International Podcast series with 6 guest consultants outside of their country. The National Financial Plan Competition and the Awards were once again conducted virtually.

In 2020, the IARFC Philippines Chapter began a new direction headed by President Gamalielh Ariel “Boyet” Benavides, RFC^®. Our Headquarters reverted to a virtual office situation as the world dealt with COVID and the transition of doing business as usual. The National Financial Plan Competition and Association Awards presentations were conducted virtually this year.

In 2019, the IARFC purchased and moved into office facilities at 146 North Breiel Boulevard in Middletown, OH. A revised By-Laws was voted in by the Board of Directors establishing a Board of Trustees, defining Chapter Boards, and introducing the concept of regions to increase membership growth. A national conference was held at the Gaylord Resort and Conference Center in Nashville, TN which included the National Financial Plan Competition. Registered Trademarks were awarded for the IARFC and MRFC. A bi-monthly membership newsletter was initiated.

In 2018, the IARFC received NCCA accreditation of its Master Register Financial Consultant (MRFC^®) credential. A national conference was held at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC which included the National Financial Plan Competition. The Ambassador Award Program was established.

In 2017, the IARFC filed the Master Registered Financial Consultant (MRFC®) credential for accreditation with the NCCA. The IARFC Board announced the 2018 IARFC Biltmore Conference. The National Financial Plan Competition was held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Charlotte, NC. The IARFC online store was introduced on the Association's website.

In 2016, the IARFC moved into its new headquarters to 1046 Summit Drive, Middletown, OH 45042. The Ethics Approved Program was initiated.

In 2015, H. Stephen Bailey was contracted for the Chairman and CEO Position.

In 2012, the Association once again launched the Financial Planning Competition for undergraduate students enrolled in a curriculum for personal financial planning.

In 2011, the Association continues to look to the future, building membership and quality discounts and programs for its members. The Business Owner Consulting Workshop was developed for financial consultants.

In 2008, the Association began offering the Financial Planning Process™ course in the US, which is unique because it requires the submission of both modular and comprehensive plans in addition to coursework and exams.

In 2007, the National Financial Plan Competition was held in Las Vegas, NV

In 2000, the Association expanded its international focus, with courses being offered in Malaysia and Taiwan. By the end of 2007, there were classroom courses offered in twelve countries, including China and India.

In late 1999, the Association offices were transferred to Ohio. Membership was then 648, and it has continued to grow exponentially as new services and courses are developed.

In 1998, the IARFC created the Registered Financial Associate (RFA^®) designation for recent graduates of financial services curricula who had passed exams and prepared plans, but who were without experience.

In 1996, the website www.IARFC.org was launched. A new licensing exam was developed to accept applicants who met all other requirements without having completed a traditional academic course with rigid examinations. The Association held its first Financial Advisors Forum at Yale University and followed it in 1998 at Stanford, where the attendees paid homage to the founder of the financial planning movement, Loren Dunton.

In 1995, the IARFC participated in its first Cruise/Conference, and these events have been successful in providing continuing education in a very attractive venue.

In 1993, a new Board of Directors rechartered the Association, clarifying the By-Laws and allowing for the expulsion of non-conforming members.  The revised group had less than 300 members, but over the next six years it codified admission procedures, added benefits and doubled membership.