A trio of U.S. investor education groups announced that they have merged to form the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association Foundation for Investor Education.

The three merged groups are the Foundation for Investor Education, the Bond Market Foundation, and the New York District Economic Education Foundation. They have administered an array of instructional programs to help individuals increase their understanding of personal finance.

“The SIFMA Foundation’s programs and services will help investors understand the increasingly complex financial world in which we live,” said Tim Ryan, SIFMA president & CEO. “Whether saving for college, starting a business or planning for retirement, our Foundation will provide individuals with information to make sound financial decisions.”

Donna Peterman, chief communications officer, PNC Financial Services, Inc. and Michael McCarthy, chair of VMAC, will serve as co-chairs. Formerly they served as chairs of FIE and TBMF, respectively.

“Understanding personal finance is an essential life skill, along with reading and writing,” said Peterman. “The SIFMA Foundation will continue to deliver high quality educational content that teachers trust to create a spark in their students and that individuals rely upon to advance their potential.”

“Individuals face a lifetime of financial decision-making,” said McCarthy. “The need for investor education and financial literacy is substantial – and affects all ages, income levels, and countries. Our mission is to build confidence, tools and knowledge to strengthen anyone, anywhere who wants take action to improve his or her financial situation.”

The SIFMA Foundation will continue to support the current programs of the merged entities, while the new Foundation board establishes a long-term strategic plan, a mission statement and recruits an executive director.