TIAA reviews

TIAA is losing ground to cheaper providers in its traditionally core market: Institutional Record Keeper/Retirement Plan Provider. Meanwhile, TIAA has met some challenges rolling out its excellent financial planning division (IAS) to existing clients and the general public. Product offerings, such as DAF, Life Insurance, and Bank Loans have been eliminated. TIAA leadership is openly unsure about where this company will fit into the broader market going forward. Computer systems are still slow and clunky. Advisors spend way too much time on operational issues. Morale is low currently. In 2018, TIAA celebrated its 100 year anniversary. At that time, we were the "World's Biggest Start-Up". We felt like we were part of something exciting. The future seemed bright. Today, the future is uncertain and we are, at least temporarily, directionless as we wait for our new CEO to get acclimated to her new role.

Management is very disconnected from the financial services industry as a whole. Their focus is solely around social issues and as a result they have lost to competitors via client acquisition and retaining top talent. Not a great environment for a financial advisor. This is the only place I have worked where managers make more money than top performers. Their technology is dated, and it is a constant complaint from clients. They recently discontinued their life insurance offering which is odd for a life insurance company. Very cushy place for middle management jobs but not as a financial planner. If you are just starting out this is a great place to practice before going on to a more established firm.