Approved IAR CE Courses

This course provides investment adviser representatives with a practical and comprehensive overview of the SEC's Investment Adviser Marketing Rule. Participants will learn how the rule governs the use of testimonials, endorsements, and third-party ratings, along with performance advertising and hypothetical performance. The course highlights disclosure, oversight, and recordkeeping considerations, supported by real-world scenarios and recent enforcement examples. Designed for IARs in a variety of roles, this training focuses on actionable guidance to promote compliant, effective client communications. Upon completion, learners will be better equipped to avoid common pitfalls and support their firm's adherence to regulatory standards.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the new SEC Marketing Rule for investment advisers. It covers the key components of the rule, including the expanded definition of "advertisement", general prohibitions, requirements for testimonials, endorsements, and third-party ratings, performance advertising standards, and recordkeeping obligations. The course also discusses the impact of the rule on investment advisers' compliance efforts, marketing strategies, and the overall competitive landscape. Through hypothetical case studies, participants gain practical insights into how to navigate the new rule effectively and develop compliant marketing practices that benefit both advisers and investors.

For many families, 529 plans are the cornerstone of education savings'but for financial advisors, understanding how to evaluate and optimize these plans requires more than just knowing the basics. This session equips advisors with a deep understanding of the critical factors that drive 529 plan recommendations.From state-level tax incentives and ownership structure to investment options and the interaction with other planning tools, this session provides advisors with the confidence to design customized education savings strategies. Advisors will learn how to evaluate plans, guide families in optimizing tax advantages, and integrate 529s into broader estate and multigenerational wealth planning.Whether serving new parents, grandparents, or high-net-worth clients, participants will gain the tools to sharpen their recommendations and ensure clients get the maximum strategic benefit from this tax-advantaged vehicle.

This program is designed for investment professionals, compliance officers, and legal teams who handle customer complaints in the financial industry. The course provides a comprehensive framework for identifying, reporting, and resolving complaints while ensuring compliance with SEC, FINRA, and firm regulations. Participants will learn how to navigate the complaint process, mitigate risks, and protect their professional reputation.

The purpose of this course is to educate financial professionals on the principles and benefits of building diversified, multi-asset portfolios for long-term success. The course emphasizes the importance of spreading risk across uncorrelated asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities, to manage volatility and enhance returns. Key topics include the 7Twelve portfolio model, the impact of portfolio costs, the necessity of rebalancing, and the role of low-correlation assets in stabilizing portfolios. Attendees also learn how to align portfolio strategies with client goals and set realistic expectations by using appropriate benchmarks. The course provides actionable insights to help advisors construct portfolios that balance risk and return effectively over time.

In today's complex financial landscape, ethical communication is more important than ever for investment advisers. "Mastering Ethical Communication" is a comprehensive course designed to equip financial professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to build trust, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver client-centered advice. This self-study course covers essential topics, including key regulatory frameworks, principles of ethical communication, and practical strategies for clear and transparent client engagement.Throughout the course, you will explore the laws and regulations that govern the financial advisory industry, such as SEC regulations, FINRA rules, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. You will also delve into core ethical principles, including honesty, transparency, and confidentiality, all of which are essential for maintaining client trust and upholding your fiduciary duty. Additionally, you will learn how to effectively communicate complex financial information by using plain language, avoiding misleading statements, properly disclosing risks, and ensuring that your advice is suitable for each client's unique needs and circumstances.By the end of the course, you will be equipped with practical strategies to enhance your communication skills, maintain compliance with ethical standards, and foster stronger, trust-based relationships with your clients. This course is ideal for both new and experienced investment advisers who are committed to ethical excellence and continuous professional development.

Navigating the complexities of long-term care and Medicaid eligibility can be overwhelming for clients facing a sudden care need without prior planning. This session, led by renowned elder law expert Dale Krause, J.D., LL.M., provides a comprehensive overview of crisis Medicaid planning, with a focus on Medicaid Compliant Annuities (MCAs). Participants will gain practical tools to protect client assets, accelerate Medicaid eligibility, and implement crisis strategies for both married and single individuals. The session features real-life case studies and a detailed walkthrough of Gift/MCA plans.