James C. Hitt, CEO, American IRA, LLC, a Self-directed administrator, celebrates entering his 4th year of being awarded a Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP) designation from the Institute of Certified Bankers (ICB), a nonprofit organization sponsored by the American Bankers Association, in Washington, DC.

As an experienced investor and a seasoned professional, Jim Hitt brings the highest level of customer service to each client, because he knows the value of quality service and the importance of making sure that each transaction is in compliance. He is the driving force in helping American IRA, LLC achieve their mission to provide the highest level of customer service in the self directed retirement industry. Sean McKay, Vice President of Business Development at American IRA, LLC says that Jim Hitt has been “the driving force of the growth they have had over the past 7 years”, noting that, with Jim Hitt at the helm, the team has grown the company to over $250 million in assets under administration by educating the public that their self-directed IRA account can invest in a variety of assets such as real estate, private lending, limited liability companies, precious metals and much more!

The CISP designation is awarded to individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of IRA services. To qualify for certification, individuals must have certain levels of experience and education about IRAs, pass an exam and agree to abide by a code of ethics. The CISP exam covers many areas including employer plans, IRA documentation requirements, IRA eligibility and contribution requirements, IRA distribution requirements, and other IRA specific issues. The CISP certification was designed by the ICB and its strategic partner, BISYS Retirement Services to establish meaningful standards of knowledge and competency for IRA professionals, give formal recognition to those who meet prescribed standards, and meet continuing professional education and development requirements. The ICB, with 8,000 certified members, provides financial services professionals with confidence, credibility and recognition through its certifications. As a subsidiary of the American Bankers Association, ICB promotes the highest standards of performance in the financial services industry by validating individuals’ knowledge and expertise. For more information about the Institute of Certified Bankers and its professional certifications, call 202-663-5092 or visit www.aba.com/icb.