TIAA-CREF is a Fortune 100 financial services company that is the leading retirement system for people who work in the academic, research, medical and cultural fields. With over $435 billion in combined assets under management (12/31/07), TIAA-CREF serves 3.4 million active and retired employees of more than 15,000 institutions.
Products and Services
TIAA-CREF offers a range of investment products and services to help investors achieve lifetime financial security.
In all it does, TIAA-CREF strives to uphold its historic mission: helping to meet the financial needs of the institutions and individuals we serve on the best terms practicable.
Origins of TIAA and CREF
In 1918, Andrew Carnegie and his Carnegie Foundation established Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA), a fully-funded system of pensions for professors. Funding was provided by a combination of grants from the foundation and Carnegie Corporation of New York, as well as ongoing contributions from participating institutions and individuals.
After World War II, in reaction to rising inflation and lengthening life expectancies, TIAA recognized the need for its participants to invest in equities in order to diversify their retirement funds. In 1952, TIAA created the College Retirement Equities Fund ("CREF") for that purpose.
Locations
TIAA-CREF has more than 7,500 employees, and is headquartered in New York City. The organization has major operations in Charlotte, North Carolina and Denver, Colorado, as well as nearly 60 local offices nationwide.
1The Morningstar median represents the midpoint of an index of comparable funds/accounts.
2Consultants are compensated through a salary plus incentive program that rewards client service excellence, rather than product promotion.
3Forbes Magazine, December 10, 2007.
4A++, A.M. Best Company (as of 6/07); AAA, Fitch Ratings (as of 5/07); Aaa, Moody's Investor Service (as of 5/07); AAA, Standard & Poor's (as of 7/07) - the highest possible ratings from these independent analysts. These ratings do not apply to variable annuities, mutual funds, or any other product or service not fully backed by TIAA's/TIAA-CREF Life's claims-paying ability.
5As of 12/31/07.
© 2008 and prior years, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association - College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF), New York, NY 10017