Approved IAR CE Courses

This course examines the application of existing fiduciary obligations and federal securities law to the use of artificial intelligence in investment advisory practice. Drawing on the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, SEC anti-fraud provisions, Regulation Best Interest, and FINRA Regulatory Notice 24-09, the course addresses three core compliance areas: identifying AI-related conflicts of interest, meeting disclosure obligations through Form ADV, and building supervisory and recordkeeping frameworks for AI-assisted advisory activities. The course is designed for investment adviser representatives, CFP professionals, and compliance personnel at registered investment advisory firms.

This course introduces investment adviser representatives to the fundamentals of annuities and their role in retirement planning. Learners will explore the parties involved in an annuity contract, the different types of annuities, and the phases of accumulation and annuitization. The course also examines payment options, contract riders such as income and long-term care benefits, and how these features can be matched to client needs. By the end, participants will have the knowledge to explain annuity structures, evaluate their suitability, and help clients make informed decisions about using annuities as part of their financial strategy.

This course provides investment professionals with an in-depth understanding of the key provisions and features found in annuity contracts. Learners will explore common elements and how they impact both consumers and insurers. The course also examines administrative charges, commissions, and state premium taxes, as well as the role of financial strength ratings, reserves, and guaranty associations in safeguarding annuity owners. By mastering these concepts, participants will be able to evaluate annuity products more effectively and guide clients in making informed decisions about their retirement planning.

This course provides investment professionals with a comprehensive overview of how annuities are taxed during accumulation, payout, and at transfer to beneficiaries. Learners will explore the distinctions between qualified and non-qualified annuities, key concepts such as tax deferral, exclusion ratios, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and the impact of early withdrawals and penalties. The course also addresses special tax provisions, including 1035 exchanges, long-term care exceptions, and beneficiary rules, equipping advisers to guide clients toward strategies that maximize tax efficiency while avoiding costly mistakes.

This course provides investment professionals with a comprehensive understanding of anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT). Learners will explore how criminals disguise illicit funds, the evolving tactics used in placement, layering, and integration, and the economic and reputational damage these crimes cause. The program also covers U.S. and international laws, regulatory bodies, and industry responsibilities in preventing financial crime. Through real-world examples and red flag identification, participants will gain the skills to recognize suspicious activity and uphold ethical and professional standards in protecting the integrity of the financial system.

This course introduces the fundamentals of anti-money laundering (AML) and financial crime prevention in the securities industry. Learners will explore how criminals use placement, layering, and integration to disguise illicit funds, along with the regulatory framework designed to stop them. Real-world examples, red flag indicators, and preventative measures highlight the critical role securities professionals play in safeguarding markets. By the end, learners will be prepared to identify suspicious activity and support compliance programs that protect both clients and the financial system.

This course explores the growing risks of cybercrime and identity theft, equipping professionals with the knowledge to recognize threats and implement safeguards. Youll learn about common attack methods, vulnerable technologies, and best practices for protecting sensitive data in both personal and business contexts. The course also covers key laws, regulations, and insurance considerations to help you guide clients in mitigating risks. By the end, youll be prepared to identify vulnerabilities, respond to incidents, and strengthen cyber resilience.

This course provides a comprehensive, compliance-focused examination of the digital assets and crypto regulatory landscape, one of the fastest-evolving areas of focus for FINRA, the SEC, state securities regulators, and an increasingly urgent topic for CFP® professionals advising clients who hold, are considering, or have been harmed by crypto assets. As highlighted in FINRA's 2026 Annual Regulatory Oversight Report, member firms' nexus to crypto continues to generate significant examination findings across communications, supervision, AML, and customer disclosure obligations.

Developed in alignment with FINRA's 2026 Annual Regulatory Oversight Report, applicable FINRA rules (including Rules 2010, 2210, 3110, 3270, 3280, 3310, and 11870), the evolving federal and state regulatory framework for digital assets, and the CFP Board's Principal Knowledge Topics for Investment Planning and Professional Conduct & Regulation, this course equips registered representatives, investment adviser representatives, compliance professionals, supervisory personnel, and CFP® professionals with the knowledge to:

Understand the current regulatory classification of crypto assets

Navigate jurisdictional splits between the SEC, CFTC, and FINRA

Interpret recent legislative and regulatory developments including the GENIUS Act

Evaluate digital assets in the context of a client's financial plan

Identify FINRA examination findings and apply effective practices

This course introduces the world of digital assets and the regulatory framework shaping their use in the securities industry. Students will learn what qualifies as a digital asset, how the SEC and FINRA oversee digital asset activities, and why traditional rules still apply to these evolving technologies. The course also highlights the rise of crypto-related scams and the protective measures regulators are taking to safeguard investors. Finally, learners will explore how digital assets are stored, along with best practices for keeping them secure.