We will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate MDRT’s 100th anniversary during 2027. As we prepare for this milestone, it’s important to recognize that MDRT today is vital, relevant and growing throughout the world, and our future will be shaped by boundless opportunities now in front of us.
The spirit of MDRT began October 13, 1927, when 32 life insurance producers came together for the first MDRT meeting during the 1927 National Association of Life Underwriters meeting at the Peabody Hotel, in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. MDRT President Paul F. Clark, CLU, presided at the meeting, which consisted of advisors who sold at least $1 million worth of life insurance. Together, they dreamed of a forum built on high standards and the belief that growth is a result of exchanging ideas. The concept was, “To receive, individuals must give.”
Looking back on MDRT’s success, Clark said in a 1958 article in The Eastern Underwriter, “I think one thing that contributed greatly to the success of the Round Table was the fact that those qualifying were convinced that it would be good for them and good for business if they could exchange ideas between themselves.”
In celebrating our 100th anniversary, we not only want to reflect on our heritage and the meaning of the last 100 years but also look forward to the next 100 years and how we can remain sustainable and relevant in an ever-changing environment. As part of our centennial, we want to celebrate the impact that MDRT members have had on their communities and their clients.
During my career, I had to adapt from what was originally a pure life insurance model of helping clients to a broader business model of delivering investments and financial services — and eventually fee-based planning and money management. MDRT has grown and adapted to remain relevant, and that flexibility provided a guide for me to change to serve my clients in new ways.
I want future MDRT members to know that the most significant benefit to them is to learn from fellow members how to help secure their clients’ financial future. MDRT — in 1927 and now — brings the best in the business together in the united pursuit of personal and professional improvement.
MDRT has been a dynamic mix of ideas and knowledge across country and company lines, and, as 2021 MDRT President Ian Green, Dip PFS, spoke of many times, MDRT is somewhat of a time machine for our members. Through the experiences of fellow members in other parts of the world, you can anticipate regulatory changes and trends occurring that eventually will make it to your country.
As the centennial anniversary approaches, we’ll keep MDRT members updated on upcoming celebrations at our MDRT meetings that you won’t want to miss. We’ll also unveil a special MDRT 100th anniversary graphic at the 2026 MDRT Annual Meeting.
Randy Scritchfield is a 42-year MDRT member as well as an MDRT Past President and a Top of the Table member. This was excerpted from the January/February 2026 issue of Round the Table. MDRT members can read the full article online.
Randy, thank you for sharing this inspiring piece. From my personal experience, MDRT has always been—and will continue to be—a turning point for every agent, broker, and financial advisor striving to support their clients and serve their communities with excellence. MDRT represents the highest standards, values, and professionalism in our industry.
I urge every professional in our field to aspire to MDRT and to uphold the standards it embodies. Achieving and maintaining MDRT membership transforms not only careers but also the impact we can have on our clients and communities. In my view, reaching the MDRT level should be the benchmark for every insurance agent and financial advisor worldwide. By doing so, we can elevate our profession, expand its reach, and significantly increase the penetration rate, which still remains too low in many markets.
MDRT’s 100th anniversary is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone to celebrate the past, present, and future of this remarkable organization. Here’s to continuing the tradition of excellence and to inspiring the next generation of advisors to learn, grow, and give back—just as the founders envisioned in 1927.
As a long standing member, former TOT Chair, and MDRT Foundation Past President, our contributions to the 100th anniversary in 2027 can go well beyond celebration. We should emphasize impact, relevance, and legacy, by doing the following:
1) Share Knowledge & Mentor the Next Generation, as the founding principle was idea exchange. Members can:
• Speak at Annual or Global Conferences
• Host study groups or local roundtables
• Mentor first-time qualifiers and younger advisors
• Share practice management, compliance, and planning innovations
Helping younger advisors accelerate their professionalism is one of the most lasting contributions.
2) Demonstrate Community Impact
For the centennial, MDRT wants to highlight member impact on communities.
Ways to contribute:
• Organize community service or financial literacy initiatives
• Document and submit community impact stories
• Lead local charitable projects
• Partner with nonprofits to showcase advisor leadership
Since being blessed with so much as a result of all I learned from other MDRT members, which allowed my wife and me to do significant local philanthropic work, this area is particularly strong and important to me and will be for others.
3) Strengthen MDRT’s Public Image
Members can help reinforce MDRT’s value proposition by:
• Promoting MDRT standards in professional circles
• Encouraging qualified peers to join
• Supporting diversity and inclusion in advisor recruitment
The centennial is a branding opportunity for the profession itself.
4) Support the MDRT Foundation & Legacy Giving
The MDRT Foundation should play a central role in the celebration.
Members can:
• Contribute or create legacy gifts
• Sponsor charitable projects
• Encourage participation in Foundation initiatives
This ties perfectly to MDRT’s founding value: “To receive, individuals must give.”
5) Help Define the Next 100 Years
MDRT is actively adapting to:
• Fee-based planning models
• Regulatory change
• Technology & AI integration
• Changing consumer expectations
• Global advisor collaboration
Experienced members can help shape strategy by:
• Serving on committees
• Contributing thought leadership
• Sharing future-practice models
• Encouraging innovation discussions
High-Impact Contribution Idea for Top of the Table and Court of the Table members especially:
Given our background in advanced planning and philanthropy, one especially impactful centennial contribution could be:
A program or presentation showing how advisors can integrate charitable planning, QCD strategies, and legacy giving into modern retirement and other financial planning.
This connects:
Client outcomes + advisor differentiation + community impact — exactly what MDRT is promoting.
Happy 100th birthday MDRT
One of the most memorable meetings I ever attended was the 60th anniversary of the founding MDRT in 1987 and being held once again at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis. It was a one day event led and hosted by Ron Barbaro MDRT President .It was exciting beyond belief. I vividly remember the historic Peabody lobby at the close of the day with MDRT leaders freely sharing ideas and thoughts on our business. I will always remember this time as having experienced the very best of what MDRT is about . . . . .
Yes, our duty is to shape up the ideas and knowledge gained for the welfare of clients income protection to certain level.
Awesome significance to the members is knowledge resource and hence the continued business developments.
ramachandranvaradharajan1949@gmail.com
Great Memories of 1927 !
We continue to make a world of difference in our communities and in the world at large. We show up everywhere and every time. We keep the promises we make and honor those that breadwinners and business owners promise to deliver. We are MDRT strong!!!