Approved IAR CE Courses

Municipal bonds play a vital role in public finance and in the portfolios of income seeking investors. Understanding the various types of municipal bonds is essential for any adviser hoping to make sound, suitable recommendations to clients. This study guide is designed to introduce the fundamentals of municipal securities, demystify common structures and terminology, and provide context for yield, pricing, taxation, and risk. It also ties in regulatory considerations and client suitability, helping advisers uphold their fiduciary duties while navigating the complexities of this asset class.

This course will focus on the fundamental characteristics of mutual funds and a discussion of the role of the Board of Directors, the advantages of mutual funds, and the terminology used by mutual funds.The process through which an investor purchases and redeems mutual funds will be reviewed. Thecourse will describe how shares are continuously issued as new and not traded on an exchange.The course will examine how mutual funds distribute shares to investors and methods of assessingsales charges, including front-end, deferred, and 12b-1 fees. The process of calculating sales charges and the ability to reduce front-end charges will be explained. The different types of mutual fundsand their objectives will be reviewed to provide the reader with an understanding of howto determine which funds will best meet investor goals.

Mutual funds have long served as one of the most accessible and popular investment vehicles for individual investors. For investment advisers'whether newly registered or seasoned professionals'they remain a central component in portfolio construction, risk management, and in helping clients achieve their goals. This study guide is designed to help investment advisers develop'and demonstrate'a deep understanding of mutual fund mechanics, expenses, and regulatory expectations. Whether you are just beginning your advisory career or seeking to strengthen your compliance program, this guide will provide:- A refresher on mutual fund structures and terminology- A breakdown of share classes, costs, and fee arrangements- Guidance on aligning fund selection with fiduciary obligations- Real-world case studies and enforcement examples- Tools to document and disclose fund recommendations properly

This course examines the history of NASAA and the regulator framework that applies to both broker-dealers and investment advisers. By analyzing the Uniform Securities Act and various model rules and statements of policy, readers will gain an understanding of the importance of state securities laws. Through the use of case studies, the rules regarding the protection of senior and vulnerable investors as well as using appropriate professional designations will be described. The course will also examine the ethical obligations and fiduciary duties of investment advisers and their representatives.

This month we review the four June blogs which includes: (1) When Financial Planning Practice Standards Apply To CFP Professionals, (2) Understanding New Disclosure And Reporting Requirements Under CFP Board Standards of Conduct, (3) The New Fiduciary-At-All-Times Obligation for CFP Professionals, and (4) The 15 Duties To Clients That CFP Professionals Must Comply With

This program reviews the article Advertising With Testimonials And Endorsements Under The New SEC Marketing Rule. The article covers the the SEC's new marketing rule and its implications for financial advisors, including what is defined as an 'advertisement' under the rule, the enumerated prohibitions on RIA advertising, the new regulations applicable to testimonials and endorsements under the new rule, and the rule's provisions regarding advertisement of third-party ratings. The session addresses ethics as pertains to remaining compliant with Federal and state securities laws and avoiding false or misleading statements in communications and advertising.

This quiz includes the following article from June of 2019: Advisor's Guide To The SEC's Final Regulation Best Interest And Form CRS. The course's content addresses ethics and professional responsibility as it pertains to an advisor's responsibility to avoid or disclose conflicts of interest and remain compliant with SEC regulations (and those of any states that choose to adopt the Federal regulations).

This quiz includes articles from August 2021 and November 2021: Navigating Minimum Net Capital And Surety Bond Requirements For State-Registered RIAs and How Financial Advisor Titles Shape Consumer Perceptions. The course's content addresses ethics and professional responsibility as it pertains to an advisor's responsibility to remain financially solvent in accordance with state regulations and to accurately portray their services and duties to their clients in their titles and disclosures.

SLATs (Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts) are a popular estate planning tool for married clients with a net worth above the current estate planning exemption. Yet, SLATs can also be adapted for clients with $1-10 million in net worth solving for uncertainty, tax, asset protection, and aging. In this webinar advisors will review what a SLAT is and then go through tangible examples of how to turn this traditionally ultra-high net worth tool into a useful tool for a wider range of clients.