Approved IAR CE Courses

An important aspect of creating retirement efficiencies is to make sound decisions with respect to their tax implications. When should taxes be paid to generate the most after-tax spending and legacy for a given asset base? Answering this question requires digging into the intricacies and nonlinearities of our progressive tax system. In this presentation, renowned retirement income expert Wade Pfau will consider the different tax advantages available in the tax code and how to create tax diversification as a foundation for retirement. Then Wade will describe asset location, or how to position assets between these different types of accounts. Wade will also discuss how to obtain tax advantages for taxable assets that go beyond the space available in tax-deferred or tax-exempt retirement plans. Then Wade delves into tax-efficient retirement distributions, including effective marginal tax rate management with strategic Roth conversions. Wade also covers pitfalls with generating more taxable income, including the Social Security tax torpedo, increased Medicare premiums, and the impacts of tax-preferential sources of income. Wade will finish with a detailed example to show how more tax-efficient retirement distributions using strategic Roth conversions can significantly extend retirement portfolio longevity.

The Presenters will discuss SEC Marketing Rule examination sweeps, and return to the basics of the SEC's marketing rule surrounding general advertisements, newsletters, testimonials and endorsements, third party ratings and rankings, and performance advertising.

Crypto Custody and Fiduciary Duty examines how the safekeeping of digital assets challenges traditional investment-adviser standards of care. This course explores the evolving regulatory framework surrounding custody of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets under SEC Rule 206(4)-2, pending Safeguarding Rule proposals, and state interpretations. Participants learn to distinguish between qualified and non-qualified custodians, evaluate due diligence and disclosurerequirements, and identify operational and cybersecurity risks unique to blockchain-based custody. Through real-world case studies'including the FTX collapse and SDIRA parallels'advisers gain practical tools for assessing custodian integrity, structuring compliant disclosures, and managing emerging risks such as quantum computing and DeFi exposure. Designed for state-registered IARs, the course emphasizes translating complex custody arrangements into plain-language client communication. Advisers complete the program equipped to uphold fiduciary, ethical, and regulatory whileduties while navigating a rapidly changing digital-asset landscape.

This course is about digital assets, specifically cryptocurrency. The course explains whatcryptocurrency is and how it is created. This includes information about the underlying blockchain technology. Additionally, this course contains information about how cryptocurrency is exchanged and the benefits and drawbacks of cryptocurrency. This includes discussions of the technological benefits, the risks of volatility, the lack of regulation of markets, possible scams, and the environmental costs of cryptocurrency mining. Finally, this course describes some current and upcoming regulations in cryptocurrency, including the classification of digital assets as securities and initial coin offerings.

This course is intended for investment adviser representatives and investment adviser firmcompliance staff members wanting to understand the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's(SEC) Custody Rule 206(4)-2 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The speaker will discussthe different authorizations and practices that result in an investment adviser firm having custodyover client funds and securities along with detailing the requirements to comply with Rule 206(4)-2.Equal attention will be given to the SEC's proposed Rule 223-1 Safeguarding Advisory Client Assets.The speaker will explain how the proposed rule deviates from and expands on the current CustodyRule along with potential challenges for complying with changes.

Cybersecurity & Data Privacy for Investment Professionals is designed to strengthen advisers' ability to protect client data, safeguard firm systems, and navigate evolving technological risks. The course is divided into three chapters: Cybersecurity Essentials, which covers foundational practices for preventing breaches and ensuring data integrity; Enhanced AML Protocols, which examines the intersection of cybersecurity and anti'money laundering compliance; and Ethical Challenges in AI and Fintech, which explores emerging risks and responsibilities associated with new technologies. Together, these modules provide participants with practical strategies to identify vulnerabilities, meet regulatory obligations, and uphold the highest standards of client trust in a digital environment.