Retirement
Industry
Trust
Association
The Retirement Industry Trust Association (RITA) is a professional trade association dedicated to the expansion of opportunities for all Americans to save and invest for retirement. Founded in 1987, our association is comprised of regulated banks, trust companies, and industry-related professionals. We exist to be the leading organization in the self-directed retirement plan industry by advocating for growth, providing education on operational guidelines and compliance, and offering resources and collaboration to empower success.
Following the Tax Reform Act of 1986, it was clear to custodians and banks serving the self-directed retirement plan industry that a unified voice needed to represent the interests of the industry. The next year (1987), RITA was formed by Mary Mohr, Executive Director and other key industry professionals.
Today, RITA members hold approximately $148 billion in alternative assets in self-directed retirement plans.
THE PURPOSE OF RITA IS TO:
- Promote the interests of trustees, custodians, and administrators of self-directed retirement plans holding alternative assets through legislative and regulatory lobby activities.
- Encourage the development and use of uniform procedures in the administration of self-directed retirement plans.
- Provide a forum for the exchange of general information about the efficient administration of self-directed retirement plans.
- Improve business conditions in the industry devoted to marketing self-directed retirement plans.
- Stimulate personal and professional development and education among members.
RITA: History in the Making
2025
Joined the SOS 2.0 Coalition
RITA: History in the Making
1986
Tax Reform Act
1987
Founded RITA
1993
IRS Letter Re: Valuation
1997
Assisted with Creation of Roth IRA
2011
Successfully Lobbied DOL
2012
Launched IRA Institute
2014
Formed Compliance Committee
2014
Launched Congressional Visits
2015
Launched Fraud Awareness
2016
Successfully Lobbied DOL
2016
Prevented Harmful Regulations
2017
Lobbied Tax Cuts & Jobs Act
2017
Filed Comments with DOL
2017
Formed NASAA Working Group
2021
Lobbied Against IRA Restrictions
2022
Filed Comments on IRS's RMD Restrictions
2022
SECURE 2.0 Enacted
2023
Filed Comments with SEC
2023
Provided Guidance on SECURE 2.0
2025
Joined the SOS 2.0 Coalition
THE VOICE OF THE SELF-DIRECTED RETIREMENT INDUSTRY SINCE 1987
"[After the Tax Reform Act of 1986], we realized we had no voice, no organized voice or forum through which we could communicate the needs of the self-directed retirement plan industry. [...] The idea behind [RITA] is to lay aside our competitive swords and deal with the issues that save us all money and make us more efficient, with the goal of delivering higher quality service to our brokers and consumers."
- Mary Mohr, Executive Director of RITA
in a 1989 issue of First Trust's Class Act
Our Core Values
RITA IS FOR INDUSTRY LEADERS
Trust companies, banks, and third-party administrators are an invaluable resource for investors… But who steps in as a resource for you?
The self-directed retirement industry is constantly evolving. Whether it’s legislative changes, regulatory developments, technological advances, or beyond, it’s crucial to stay informed in order to stay ahead. That’s why we’ve developed a unique network and portfolio of resources catered exclusively to our industry.
Retirement Industry Trust Association (RITA) is a professional trade association for trustees, custodians, and administrators of self-directed retirement plans holding alternative assets. We are dedicated to being the leading organization in the self-directed retirement plan industry by advocating for growth, providing education on operational guidelines and compliance, and offering resources and collaboration to empower success. We host regular conferences, institutes, and webinars with top experts and government officials. We’ve served as the voice of our industry since 1987, helping to grow businesses and enact change.
Businesses operating alone risk making expensive mistakes that cost them clients, time, resources, and credibility. At RITA, we know that we are stronger together. By becoming a RITA member, you and your employees can benefit from our entire association’s collective influence, knowledge, and connections. We’ll provide you with the resources you need to move your business forward with an engaging and supportive community at your back.
Featured Benefits of Becoming a RITA Member
RITA IS FOR INVESTORS
Worried about your retirement savings? You’re not alone.
40% of Americans report that they aren’t confident they’ll have enough money to last through their retirement - or that they’ll be able to retire at all. If investing in traditional stocks, bonds, and mutual funds isn’t getting you where you need to be, it’s time to look for alternatives. A self-directed IRA allows you to invest in alternative assets, including real estate, precious metals, cryptocurrency, LLCs, and more. It could be the boost you need toward achieving your retirement goals.
Retirement Industry Trust Association (RITA) is dedicated to the expansion of opportunities for all Americans to save and invest for retirement. We offer free educational resources on the basics and benefits of self-directed retirement plans to help investors like you determine the best retirement strategy for your unique needs. We also connect you to our trusted network of IRA custodians and providers that can guide you through the process of opening a self-directed IRA.
Don’t let yourself (or your savings) be limited by traditional investments. By investing in a self-directed IRA, your dream retirement could be within reach. Utilize RITA’s resources and member network to educate yourself and take the first steps toward feeling informed, confident, and prepared for your future.