TIAA, formerly TIAA-CREF, is a large financial services organization and a leading retirement provider for academic, research, medical, cultural, and governmental fields. Founded in 1918 as Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association, it created the College Retirement Equities Fund (CREF) in 1952, which was the first variable annuity. In 2016, TIAA-CREF transitioned to a single brand, TIAA. TIAA is headquartered in New York City and has major offices in Denver, Charlotte, and Dallas, along with 70 local offices throughout the USA.
TIAA offers financial solutions including annuities, 401(k) plans, and 529 plans. As of September 30, 2025, TIAA had $1.48 trillion in assets under management. Thasunda Brown Duckett is the current President and CEO. Recent news includes name changes to three CREF Variable Annuity accounts to better reflect their investment strategies, effective November 30, 2025. TIAA is among the lowest-cost managers of CREF variable annuity accounts.