Approved IAR CE Courses

This course examines topics that investment adviser representatives should know regardingdebt securities issued by corporations, municipalities, GSEs, and the U.S. Treasury. Concepts and terminology are presented for a broad range of debt-related topics, with examples where appropriate. The course covers types of bonds available to investors, maturity structures, differentways of characterizing a bond's yield, the relationship between interest rates and bond pricesin the secondary market, accrued interest, and the money market. Sections delve into specific categories of debt securities, such as T-bills, STRIPS, TIPS, asset-backed securities,collateralized mortgage obligations, and municipal bonds.

There’s no question that retirement planning is a top financial objective for many consumers, notably “baby boomers” who are now—and will be for some time—crossing the retirement threshold. Among the many financial challenges facing retirees, one of the most significant is how to avoid running out of money. Supporting these retirees—and those who advise them—are many diverse retirement planning products, options, and strategies. Now, thanks to the IRS and to the insurance industry, advisors have two additional tools to add to their portfolio of retirement planning products. This course provides a clear overview of two unique retirement planning tools now available: deferred income annuities (DIAs) and qualified longevity annuity contracts (QLACs). The course fully explores DIAs: what they are, how they are designed, and how they work. The second part of the course explains the QLAC rules and how deferred income annuities can be used to generate a guaranteed income stream for IRA, 401(k) and 403(b) participants, exempting the funds used to purchase the QLAC from the minimum distribution calculation.

This course offers a look into the world of digital assets through the lens of fiduciary duty. Examplesdiscussed include cryptocurrency, dApps, DeFi Projects, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), and more. The course provides information on the function of these digital assets and asset tools, as well as ananalysis of the benefits and drawbacks to an IAR and their clients. This includes adiscussion of whether IARs have the tools to provide a sufficient suitability analysis on thesedigital assets for their clients. The course culminates in an assessment of the SEC's regulatoryframework for these assets, and their identification of pitfalls and challenges that may affect IARswho add digital assets to their clients' portfolios.

Bonds are a common part of a client's investment portfolio. However, common does not mean uncomplicated. The bond type, method of purchase, and circumstances by which it is sold can all impact how a bond's basis is adjusted, the tax that will be applied, and the applicable forms for tax reporting. In this webinar, Tim Steffen, CPA/PFS, CFP', CPWA' demystifies taxation rules on bonds that can be easily overlooked, such as the tax treatment on Original Issue Discount (OID) bonds, market discount, and premium on bonds. For each unique bond scenario, Tim explains options for how applicable taxes on bonds can be reported and walks through how to review the forms used for tax reporting. Tim concludes this webinar with a review of savings bonds that are particularly popular in a high-interest rate environment and highlights the difference between how individual bonds and bond funds are taxed.

In this continuing education session, the learner will read three articles from the Nerd's Eye View blog.In 'Designing 'Custom GPTs' With Advanced ChatGPT Features To Enhance Advisor Capabilities With AI', David Ortiz walks readers through how he uses CustomGPTs to create efficiency in his practice through prompt engineering. Ortiz explains how AI tools can be utilized in conjunction with client meetings to enhance client engagement. In ''Legacy IRA' Rollover To A Charitable Gift Annuity: Using This New Tax-Advantaged Opportunity To Help', Kathleen Rehl shares her experience creating her "Legacy IRA" rollover to a Charitable Gift Annuity to support her chosen nonprofits after Congress passed the SECURE 2.0 legislation, highlighting the potential benefits of creating a legacy IRA. In 'In The Long Run, Stocks Outperform Bonds' Or Do They?', Larry Swedroe explains recent studies on the performance of stocks and bonds and how these studies may alter the advisor's understanding of long-term stock and bond performance and of using bonds as portfolio diversifiers.

This session examines how financial advisors can incorporate a life-first perspective into the financial planning process. Drawing on behavioral science and life planning principles, the presentation explores how client decisions are shaped by competing priorities, inherited expectations, and personal values. Participants will learn a practical framework for facilitating deeper client conversations that clarify what matters most and align financial strategies with meaningful life goals. The session emphasizes how advisors can move beyond purely technical optimization to help clients make financial decisions that support purposeful and intentional living.

This course examines how to develop a system of professional ethics. The course begins by discussing how being a 'professional' - can bring greater respect and compensation, but with this designation also comes a higher standard of conduct. The course covers the the core principles of professional ethics, including honesty, fairness, and competence, as it applies to an IAR's job. Honesty must be used in communications about the IAR's credentials and business. Fairness is shown to be important in matters of disclosure, fees, confidentiality, and loyalty. Competence must underly a professional's credentials. The importance of using ethical principles when creating brochures, direct mailings, and business cards is also discussed. The course also goes over strategies for how how prospects can be ethically converted into clients. Finally, the course concludes with a discussion of the SEC's Form CRS (Customer/Client Relationship Summary) andthe 'conversation starters' that the SEC requires financial professionals to use to prompt pragmatic discussions between advisers and clients.

This comprehensive course equips investment advisory professionals with the knowledge and tools to develop and implement a robust Code of Ethics. It covers ethical decision-making, core principles, and practical strategies to foster an ethical culture and ensure compliance within their organizations.Course Description:Unlock the potential to transform your investment advisory practice with our in-depth course on "Developing and Implementing a Code of Ethics." This program is meticulously designed for investment professionals seeking to elevate their firm's ethical standards and foster a culture of integrity. Over the span of the course, you will gain comprehensive knowledge on crafting a robust Code of Ethics aligned with your organization's values and mission. Dive deep into ethical decision-making models, explore core principles such as integrity, objectivity, and confidentiality, and learn effective strategies for communicating and enforcing ethical standards internally.By engaging with practical modules that cover stakeholder involvement, customization of ethical codes, and the implementation of compliance systems, you'll acquire the tools to navigate complex ethical dilemmas confidently. The course also emphasizes the importance of training programs, monitoring mechanisms, and leadership's role in setting the ethical tone. Upon completion, you will be equipped to lead initiatives that not only ensure compliance with regulatory requirements but also enhance client trust and contribute to the long-term success and reputation of your firm in the competitive investment advisory industry.