Approved IAR CE Courses

The college funding landscape is evolving rapidly, with sweeping changes to the FAFSA, institutional methodologies such as the CSS Profile, and federal student loan programs. Financial advisors must understand these shifts in order to properly guide both high- and middle-income families through effective planning strategies.This session provides a practical roadmap for interpreting new FAFSA rules under the FAFSA Simplification Act and the OBBBA, analyzing the unique nuances of the CSS Profile, and navigating federal loan reforms affecting undergraduate, graduate, and parent borrowers. Advisors will also learn how to leverage timing strategies, 529 coordination, and strategic loan structuring to align college costs with long-term financial goals.Participants will leave with a toolkit of resources'including loan comparison matrices, affordability worksheets, and award letter negotiation templates'to help clients make smarter, ROI-based decisions about higher education financing.

The program provides a deep dive into the key provisions of the SEC's Investment Advisers Act Marketing Rule. This two-hour educational course is designed to help investment advisers, compliance professionals, and financial industry practitioners understand the complexities of the rule and ensure compliance with its requirements. The program will cover critical topics such as the definition of an advertisement, prohibited statements, testimonials and endorsements, performance advertising, third-party ratings, and recordkeeping requirements. Participants will also gain insights into real-world exam questions and best practices for compliance.

This course equips financial professionals with a comprehensive understanding of senior living options, helping them guide clients through a complex and often emotional decision-making process. The session covers models of care, levels of service, fee structures, funding options, and key questions to ask when evaluating providers. Attendees will become better advocates and advisors for clients navigating senior living decisions.

Join us for an enlightening webinar titled "Navigating the Complexities of Dual Registration in the Financial Industry." This comprehensive session is designed to unravel the intricacies of dual registration, an increasingly pertinent topic in the evolving landscape of financial regulation.In our introductory segment, we will set the stage by discussing the significance of dual registration in the financial sector, offering a succinct yet thorough overview that underscores its relevance in today's market. Moving forward, we delve into the definition, scope, and historical evolution of dual registration, including a detailed examination of the regulatory frameworks imposed by both the SEC and state authorities. Our expert speakers will navigate the labyrinth of regulatory compliance challenges, emphasizing key issues such as fiduciary duties, reporting requirements, and managing conflicts of interest.The webinar will also shed light on the operational hurdles associated with dual registration, discussing the technological infrastructure needed for compliance, data management intricacies, and the crucial role of staff training and management. In addition, we'll explore the legal and contractual aspects, highlighting the importance of proper documentation and strategies for dispute resolution in dual registration contexts.Risk management is another core topic, where we will outline effective strategies for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks, complemented by regular compliance assessments. Engaging case studies will provide real-world insights into successful implementations of dual registration, along with challenges faced and lessons learned.We wrap up with a Q&A session, inviting participants to engage with our panel of experts. The webinar concludes by looking ahead at emerging trends, technological advancements, and anticipated regulatory changes, ensuring participants leave with a well-rounded understanding and essential takeaways for mastering the complexities of dual registration. This webinar is an unmissable opportunity for professionals navigating the nuanced world of financial compliance.

The course on the New SEC AML Rule for Investment Advisors provides a comprehensive overview of the recently mandated Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CFT) compliance requirements for Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) and certain Exempt Reporting Advisors (ERAs). Participants will gain an understanding of the rule's scope, compliance expectations, and practical steps for implementation. The course emphasizes a risk-based approach to AML/CFT compliance, covering critical topics such as customer due diligence, suspicious activity monitoring, and operational impacts. Advisors will leave equipped with actionable insights to prepare for the rule's effective date on January 1, 2026.

SEC examinations can be one of the most stressful regulatory events for registered investment advisers, but firms that understand the process and maintain strong compliance practices can significantly reduce risk. In this session, securities attorney Michelle Atlas-Quinn will explain how SEC exams work, what regulators are looking for, and how advisors can prepare their firms before an examination request arrives. The program will review common compliance deficiencies identified during examinations, including issues related to marketing, disclosures, fiduciary obligations, custody, and safeguarding client information. Michelle will also discuss the SEC’s 2026 examination priorities, including cybersecurity, Regulation S-P requirements, identity theft protections, emerging financial technologies such as AI and automated investment tools, and anti-money laundering expectations. Advisors will leave with practical strategies for strengthening compliance programs, organizing documentation, and navigating the examination process from the initial request letter through the resolution of deficiency findings.

This program explores the evolving landscape of Roth IRA conversions in light of recent tax law changes introduced under the OBBB, with a focus on identifying both opportunities and hidden pitfalls. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how provisions such as SALT deduction phaseouts, QBI limitations, and new senior deductions can significantly impact marginal tax rates and conversion outcomes. Through practical strategies and real-world applications, advisors will learn how to optimize Roth conversion decisions, minimize tax exposure, and better serve clients across a variety of financial situations—including high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and special needs planning scenarios.

When moving IRS and employee plan accounts, the goal is usually to retain tax-deferred status. But one wrong move, one simple mistake, can produce the opposite result'immediate taxability! This course covers the rules that apply to Rollovers and Roth conversions and how to execute these transactions in accordance with the tax code, regulations, and IRS rules.

Generally, distributions for IRA owners and plan participants' employer plans are optional until the account owner or plan participant reaches their applicable age to start the required minimum distribution (RMDs). Distributions made early can be subject to a 10% additional tax, but exceptions apply. RMDs are subject to an excise tax unless taken by the deadline. This course will demonstrate how advisors can work with clients who avoid these excise taxes.