Approved IAR CE Courses

Learn how annuities can satisfy client investment goals. This course discusses the features of annuities and where they belong within the range of retirement saving and distribution options that are available to clients. The course also links annuity features to the sales process.

Learn the fundamentals of individual annuity contracts. This course covers variable annuities in depth, distinguishing them from fixed annuities and discussing variations such as single and periodic premium, immediate and deferred annuities. How annuities are used and tax rules are also covered.

This course provides investment professionals with an in-depth understanding of the key provisions and features found in annuity contracts. Learners will explore common elements and how they impact both consumers and insurers. The course also examines administrative charges, commissions, and state premium taxes, as well as the role of financial strength ratings, reserves, and guaranty associations in safeguarding annuity owners. By mastering these concepts, participants will be able to evaluate annuity products more effectively and guide clients in making informed decisions about their retirement planning.

The idea of annuities goes back to ancient Rome, where its citizens could make an upfront payment in a contract, called an annua, in exchange for steady payments for life or for a certain time period. Today, annuities have grown more diverse, and thus more complicated, with different types of annuities each offering different types of guarantees and savings features, subject to the claims-paying ability of the insurer. Those bells and whistles can make annuities hard for investors to comprehend. And, they can make annuities expensive to purchase. This course reviews the basics of annuities with a focus on deferred variable annuities and the FINRA regulations pertaining to those annuities.

This course provides an in-depth examination of annuities, designed to enhance the proficiency of Investment Advisor Representatives in incorporating these financial instruments into retirement planning. Participants will learn about various types of annuities'including fixed, variable, and indexed'and their respective uses, enabling them to offer tailored advice based on individual client needs. The curriculum also delves into the structural features of annuity contracts, such as accumulation phases, annuitization, death benefits, surrender charges, and additional riders. By covering both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of annuities, the course prepares advisors to make informed, strategic decisions that optimize retirement outcomes for their clients. This comprehensive approach ensures that advisors are well-equipped to handle the complexities of annuity products in today's diverse financial landscape.

This course provides investment professionals with a comprehensive overview of how annuities are taxed during accumulation, payout, and at transfer to beneficiaries. Learners will explore the distinctions between qualified and non-qualified annuities, key concepts such as tax deferral, exclusion ratios, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and the impact of early withdrawals and penalties. The course also addresses special tax provisions, including 1035 exchanges, long-term care exceptions, and beneficiary rules, equipping advisers to guide clients toward strategies that maximize tax efficiency while avoiding costly mistakes.

This course provides investment professionals with a comprehensive understanding of anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT). Learners will explore how criminals disguise illicit funds, the evolving tactics used in placement, layering, and integration, and the economic and reputational damage these crimes cause. The program also covers U.S. and international laws, regulatory bodies, and industry responsibilities in preventing financial crime. Through real-world examples and red flag identification, participants will gain the skills to recognize suspicious activity and uphold ethical and professional standards in protecting the integrity of the financial system.