Approved IAR CE Courses

This course equips investment adviser representatives with practical strategies to uphold fiduciary duty, manage conflicts of interest, and navigate the SEC's Code of Ethics requirements. Through real-world scenarios and current regulatory guidance, participants will strengthen ethical decision-making, address emerging challenges like AI and digital communications, and contribute to a culture of compliance that builds lasting client trust.

The SEC’s modernized Marketing Rule significantly changed how registered investment advisers can promote their services, and regulators continue to scrutinize marketing practices closely during examinations and enforcement actions. In this session, securities attorney Michelle Atlas-Quinn will break down the key requirements of the rule and explain how advisors can structure compliant marketing programs in 2026. The program will clarify what qualifies as an advertisement under the rule, review prohibited statements that may be considered misleading, and explain the regulatory requirements governing testimonials, endorsements, and promoter relationships. Michelle will also examine the complex rules surrounding performance advertising, including the presentation of gross and net performance, the limitations on hypothetical performance, and the documentation firms must maintain to support marketing claims. The session will also address third-party ratings, social media considerations, and the expanded books-and-records obligations under the rule, while reviewing recent enforcement actions that illustrate how regulators interpret these requirements in practice.

The Mindset Method Part 1 is a series of best practices to provide the advisory team with a framework for sorting and organizing new and existing clients as well as, creating a heightened sense of awareness around the types of clients who bring to value to them and their business. It will also provide an opportunity to take a detailed 'snap shot' of where the advisors business is today, which is important for guiding and measuring their future success. It will provide the advisor with specific information on how we will work together to build the foundation of strong client relationships based on trust. This includes a concept on how to create great chemistry with their most valued client, as well as a framework to consistently deliver an exceptional client experience. This program is offered via On Demand (Self Study) or via One-to-One Coaching biweekly in virtual meetings.

The Mindset Method Part 2 is a series of best practices dedicated to working with new clients and it will outline the sequential steps of bringing on a new client (reinforced with a rigorous New Client Checklist) as well as, ensure the advisors are attracting the right types of clients. It fully emphasizes and integrates full financial discovery and delivery of comprehensive financial planning - ensuring all aspects of their professional and fiduciary duties are met. The latter half of the best practices are dedicated to working with the advisors existing high value clients and outlining the sequential steps of re-branding to create strong brand loyalty. In addition, it is a methodical approach to ensuring all aspects of discovery and financial planning have been provided to these clients - again ensuring all professional and fiduciary responsibilities are being met. This is often an overlooked group - one that offers great potential! These clients not only need to be competitor-proofed but are poised to become advocates of the advisor and their team. This program is offered via On Demand (Self Study) or via One-to-One Coaching biweekly in virtual meetings.

When it comes to homeownership and financing, mortgage planning and credit score management go hand in hand. A strong credit profile leads to better mortgage rates, lower borrowing costs, and increased financial flexibility. As a financial advisor, understanding how to guide clients in both mortgage planning and credit score optimization is essential for helping them secure better financing, manage debt strategically, and maximize long-term wealth.In this program, our experts will break down mortgage strategies and credit optimization techniques into separate, focused discussions, giving advisors the tools to guide clients through both areas effectively. Advisors will learn how to help clients improve credit scores before applying for a mortgage, manage mortgage debt at different life stages, and leverage home equity in retirement.

Many families have saved money for college, but most haven't saved enough money to cash flow college. Even well-prepared families often lack a clear strategy for how to use their education savings. This session will examine the ROI for a bachelor's degree, the purpose of the FAFSA (and why most families should complete it), the current gifting landscape, and strategies for using student loans effectively.

As the landscape of college funding continues to evolve, financial advisors must adapt to a new set of rules shaped by regulatory changes, shifting student loan dynamics, and the growing influence of AI in higher education. What was once a relatively stable planning domain is now a moving target, creating both uncertainty for families and opportunities for advisors who are prepared to serve as trusted experts in this space.
In this webinar, Joe Messinger explores policy changes that affect college planning strategies for 2026 and beyond, focusing on how advisors can deliver more proactive, high-value guidance. The session examines practical approaches to optimizing college funding outcomes, including strategies for navigating complex family situations (such as divorced households under new aid rules), maximizing the expanded flexibility of 529 plans, and implementing more tax-efficient distribution strategies.
To highlight key decision points in the college planning process, Joe uses case studies to illustrate when to prioritize need-based versus merit-based aid, how to reduce a family’s Student Aid Index (SAI), and how advanced techniques can be applied for high-net-worth families and business owners to improve tax efficiency and cash flow.