NARSSA to keynote FIIC protection summit with Social Security focus

The National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts will keynote the 2026 FIIC Annual Protection Summit in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with RSSA-certified Pacific Life executive Michael Bitton leading the session. The event will spotlight Social Security as part of broader protection and retirement planning for banks, credit unions and other financial institutions.

Why it matters: - The keynote puts Social Security planning in front of banks, credit unions and other financial institutions focused on protection products and client relationships. - The session is designed to show how Social Security can fit into retirement-income and asset-protection conversations. - FIIC said the summit has grown into a major annual gathering for financial institutions and product and service partners.

What happened: - NARSSA will keynote the 2026 Financial Institution Insurance Council Annual Protection Summit. - The summit runs Oct. 13-16, 2026, at the Riverside Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. - Michael Bitton of Pacific Life will deliver the keynote after earning his Registered Social Security Analyst certification from NARSSA. - Bitton’s keynote is titled “Complexity Changes the Social Security Conversation.” - FIIC is marking its 5th Annual Protection Summit this year. - The event will bring together financial institution executives, industry innovators and solution providers. - FIIC says the summit centers on “Networking with Purpose.”

The details: - Bitton is a Field Director with Pacific Life. - He has more than 25 years of experience. - His work at Pacific Life focuses on retirement-income planning, financial planning, estate planning and advanced-sales concepts. - Before joining Pacific Life, Bitton led the Advanced Sales Center at another large insurance company. - Bitton also holds the CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, CLU®, RICP® and MSFS designations. - FIIC said the keynote will help clients leverage Social Security as part of managing and protecting assets. - The summit agenda will cover life, health, long-term care and property & casualty protection, along with technology, AI, regulatory change and emerging consumer opportunities. - FIIC said this year’s event will emphasize candid conversations, best-practice sharing, relationship building and new thinking about protection. - FIIC said it expects a record number of participating financial institutions this year. - FIIC also said it appreciates the American Bankers Association’s support. - More information is available in the event announcement.

Between the lines: - The keynote signals that Social Security planning is becoming a bigger part of protection and retirement conversations inside financial institutions. - NARSSA is using the summit to extend the reach of its RSSA credential and its broader education mission. - FIIC is broadening its agenda beyond traditional insurance protection topics to include planning, technology and regulatory themes.

What's next: - The summit will take place over three days in mid-October. - Attendees will hear sessions aimed at helping institutions protect more customers, deepen relationships and grow business. - NARSSA says its broader mission is to improve retirement security by expanding access to Social Security education and guidance.

The bottom line: - FIIC’s fifth summit is adding a Social Security lens to the protection conversation, with NARSSA and Pacific Life’s Michael Bitton front and center.