Approved IAR CE Courses

Upon completion of this self-study guide, Beyond the Basics: Compliance and Product Knowledge for Private Placements, IPOs, Hedge Funds, and Alternatives financial professionals will be able to identify key ethical principles, fiduciary obligations, and regulatory requirements for complex products such as private placements, IPOs, hedge funds and alternatives. The critical nature of these topics and their impact on clients and advisers if not handled correctly are included in the course materials and case studies that are provided. Financial professionals will have a demonstrated increase in awareness and knowledge as measured by a post-course assessment or self-evaluation. Real life enforcement actions and guidance provided by the SEC and FINRA illustrate ethical dilemmas and proper conduct. Mastery of these principles protects not only the client relationship but also the adviser's professional reputation.

In today's increasingly digital, data-driven advisory landscape, investment advisers must uphold high fiduciary and ethical standards while navigating new technologies, client expectations, and regulatory scrutiny. This study guide explores two core areas where fiduciary responsibilities intersect with emerging operational and technological realities:1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): The rise of AI-powered tools demands greater adviser oversight, transparency, and due diligence. Its use in the investment advisory world introduces both opportunity and fiduciary risk, requiring robust oversight.2. Robo-advisers: Automated digital platforms must be ethically deployed to ensure client-centric outcomes. Although digital platforms democratize access, they raise questions about tailored advice for the client, duty of care and informed consent.

In today's increasingly complex regulatory and technological landscape, business continuity and succession planning have become essential components of an investment adviser's fiduciary responsibility. These two documents serve as operational guardrails, protecting both clients and advisory firms from disruption, client uncertainty, and reputational harm. This self-study guide was developed to equip financial professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the ethical, regulatory, and practical considerations involved in developing and maintaining effective business continuity and succession strategies.

Investment advisers operate within a framework defined not only by regulatory obligations but by the profound ethical duty to place client interests above their own. At the heart of this responsibility lies the fiduciary standard'an expectation of loyalty, care, honesty, and full disclosure'that governs every interaction, recommendation, and action an adviser takes on behalf of their clients. As markets grow more complex and financial products more diverse, the ethical and fiduciary obligations of advisers have expanded accordingly, demanding a heightened level of diligence, transparency, and professional integrity.This study guide explores the core ethical and fiduciary principles that underpin the investment advisory profession, as well as the real-world application of these principles in various contexts. Each section builds upon the central premise that client-first behavior must guide all aspects of advisory services'from everyday account management to the most nuanced areas of potential conflict.

Municipal bonds play a vital role in public finance and in the portfolios of income seeking investors. Understanding the various types of municipal bonds is essential for any adviser hoping to make sound, suitable recommendations to clients. This study guide is designed to introduce the fundamentals of municipal securities, demystify common structures and terminology, and provide context for yield, pricing, taxation, and risk. It also ties in regulatory considerations and client suitability, helping advisers uphold their fiduciary duties while navigating the complexities of this asset class.

Mutual funds have long served as one of the most accessible and popular investment vehicles for individual investors. For investment advisers'whether newly registered or seasoned professionals'they remain a central component in portfolio construction, risk management, and in helping clients achieve their goals. This study guide is designed to help investment advisers develop'and demonstrate'a deep understanding of mutual fund mechanics, expenses, and regulatory expectations. Whether you are just beginning your advisory career or seeking to strengthen your compliance program, this guide will provide:- A refresher on mutual fund structures and terminology- A breakdown of share classes, costs, and fee arrangements- Guidance on aligning fund selection with fiduciary obligations- Real-world case studies and enforcement examples- Tools to document and disclose fund recommendations properly

Regulation S-P is the backbone of client data privacy in the investment advisory space. Built on the foundation of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), it requires investment advisers to adopt policies and procedures designed to safeguard customer information and to provide transparency about how that information is collected, used, shared, and protected. The regulation isn't just about compliance - it's a reflection of the fiduciary duty advisers owe their clients and their clients' trust.This course outlines the essential elements of Regulation S-P and related privacy expectations, drawing from real-world enforcement actions, SEC guidance, and best practices. It is tailored for new and experienced advisers who want to confidently understand and apply the law to their day-to-day operations.