Approved IAR CE Courses

Crypto Investing Risks; Best Ethics IAR CE In 2026 examines how cryptocurrency products and tokenized investments create new risks that advisers must carefully consider in a rapidly changing regulatory environment.

Tyler Gellasch, who wrote key provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, as former Counsel in the Senate, explains how weaker oversight, regulatory loopholes, and shifting jurisdiction between regulators are likely to reduce protections clients expect.

You learn how and when recommending tokenized securities, stablecoins, or crypto-related derivatives may conflict with your duty to act in a client’s best interest.

To be clear, none of the protections of public securities come with crypto investments. Explaining the difference in risks of crypto versus securities investments is only one key takeaway from this class. However, making sure clients understand they are not buying securities regulated by FINRA, the SEC and states is almost incidental to the main goal of the class.

You also learn about the crypto industry's $200 million PAC aimed at federally preempting states from regulating crypto. Also discussed is the cancellation of a Senate banking committee meeting after Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong pulled his support of a bipartisan compromise the night before the Committee was scheduled to meet.

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.

Cybersecurity & the IAR describes the importance of a cybersecurity program, beginning with FINRA's Report on Cybersecurty Practices, which includes the top cybersecurity threats and suggested preventative measures. The course continues with the SEC's Cybersecurity Risk Alert and details findings from its most recent sweep. The course explores tactics used to hack into firmsystems and how firms and financial professionals can recognize and prevent breaches. Best practices for financial professionals who handle confidential and sensitive information are detailed, including examples of the specific information that must be protected.

The Presenters review recent trends in cybersecurity, Regulation S-P and client data protection, and protecting Firms and clients from wire fraud.

This course serves as a comprehensive guide for Investment Adviser Representatives on their ethical and regulatory responsibilities in regards to cybersecurity. It explores how an IAR's fiduciary duty of loyalty and care extends to protecting sensitive client data from cyber threats like phishing, ransomware, and business email compromise. Key topics include building a layered defense system through access controls and encryption, conducting vendor due diligence, establishing a culture of security awareness, and creating a formal incident response plan. The curriculum stresses that strong cybersecurity controls is a non-negotiable component of an adviser's professional and ethical commitment to their clients.