Approved IAR CE Courses

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

This course provides Investment Adviser Representatives (IARs) with a practical understanding of Outside Business Activity (OBA) rules and their role in identifying, mitigating, and disclosing conflicts of interest. Grounded in fiduciary duty under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and applicable SEC, NASAA, and state regulations, the course covers key requirements including prior notice, firm approval, compensation considerations, and regulatory disclosures. Participants will learn how OBAs intersect with fiduciary obligations, when activities may create material conflicts, and how to deliver clear, “full and fair” disclosures to clients. The course also distinguishes OBAs from private securities transactions and clarifies common exemptions, equipping IARs to act in the best interests of their clients while maintaining regulatory compliance.

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.

Upon completion of this self-study course, financial professionals will be able to identify key ethical principles, fiduciary obligations, and regulatory requirements when writing and reviewing advertising and marketing pieces to stay aligned with the SEC’s Marketing Rule. Best practices for maintaining ethical standards in these areas are included in the course materials and real-life examples are provided. Participants will have a demonstrated increase in awareness and knowledge as measured by a post-course assessment. Real-world scenarios help illustrate ethical dilemmas and proper conduct. Mastery of these principles protects not only the client relationship but also the advisor’s professional reputation.

Upon completion of this self-study guide, financial professionals will be able to identify conflicts of interest, risks for the firm and its adviser, risks of political contributions, unmonitored gifts and entertainment, discretionary trading, wrap accounts and financial scams. 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 compliance examples and guidance provided by the SEC illustrate ethical dilemmas and proper conduct. Mastery of these principles protects not only the client relationship but also the adviser's professional reputation.

Upon completion of this self-study guide, Smart Compliance for Investment Advisers: Ethics, Risks, and Everyday Red Flags, financial professionals will be able to identify key ethical principles, fiduciary obligations, and regulatory requirements for key every day compliance topics such as personal securities and code of ethics, insider trading, anti-money laundering, prohibited practices, social media custody, cybersecurity and IRA rollovers. 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 illustrate ethical dilemmas and proper conduct. Mastery of these principles protects not only the client relationship but also the adviser's professional reputation.