John Hancock Financial Network announced Wednesday it has become part of the Retirement Income Industry Association, a nonprofit organization focused on providing education, products, processes and advisory services for boosting retirement security.

According to Francois Gadenne, RIIA's Chairman and Executive Director, RIIA's mission is to influence industry-wide actions related to product development, advisory services and process strategies that will address the challenges of producing a secure retirement income. "Just as important, we are committed to advisor training through our advanced education designation, the Retirement Management Analyst(SM) program and thought leadership through our Thought Leadership Awards program and our Retirement Management Journal™. We are pleased that such a well-respected organization as John Hancock Financial Network will be involved in supporting our efforts."

"I am excited JHFN will be part of RIIA and participate in the exchange of knowledge among institutions, academics, researchers, and advisors interested in providing retirement income service and advice," said Bruce Harrington, vice president of sales and business development at JHFN. "Through JHFN's membership in RIIA, our advisors will be on the front line of innovative new trends in retirement income and become more valuable to their clients."