Blink and you might miss it – we’re already halfway through 2024! Don’t panic if your Firm Element training program is still in the ‘under construction’ phase. We’ve got your back with our top 10 most popular courses from the year so far. Now, we’re not playing favorites here – these courses are more like a ‘greatest hits’ album than a must-have list. They’re here to spark ideas, not dictate your playlist. So, ready to turn your training program from ‘meh’ to ‘yeah!’? Let’s dive in and make the second half of 2024 your firm’s blockbuster season!
Before you dive in headfirst, though, remember to consider your firm’s size, structure, and business scope.
Please Note: *A comprehensive Needs Analysis is required.
1.) Off-Channel Communications (FE INT)
Course Code: 19461
This course is designed to educate registered representatives of both broker-dealers and investment advisers about the compliance risks associated with off-channel communications. Despite the numerous regulatory actions taken against firms and their employees, and the ever-increasing level of monetary penalties assessed, unmonitored business-related off-channel communications continue to plague the industry, and regulators continue their ongoing crackdown on these practices. The course uses a situational scenario, as well as actual FINRA and SEC disciplinary actions, to illustrate behavior that may lead to regulatory violations and subsequent fines and sanctions.
2.) Anti-Money Laundering for Financial Services Professionals (FE INT)
Course Code: 17672
This course is intended for retail representatives, investment advisors, supervisors or any financial service industry professional interested in learning about industry rules regarding anti-money laundering rules and regulations. This course will examine anti-money laundering regulation in the broker-dealer industry, specifically focusing on the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 and FINRA Rule 3011.
3.) Cybersecurity: Phishing (FE INT)
Course Code: 17706
As firms increase reliance on technology to conduct their operations, the risks to firms associated with cybersecurity continue to increase. This course provides representatives with background knowledge of cybersecurity risks and best practices, including phishing tactics, vendor management controls, information sharing and much more
4.) Compliance Issue Reminders for Institutional Representatives (FE INT)
Course Code: 19057
This course is designed to educate registered representatives who work with institutional investors about important compliance requirements and concerns. The course is divided into four sections that cover topics related to four key areas: Communication with Clients, Private Securities Transaction (Selling Away), Outside Business Activities (OBA), and Institutional Suitability. The course uses situational scenarios as well as actual FINRA and SEC disciplinary actions to illustrate behaviors that may lead to violations of regulations and your firm policies and procedures.
5.) Regulation Best Interest Update (RegBI): Recent Regulatory Developments (FE INT)
Course Code: 21189
Since Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) went into effect on June 30, 2020, broker-dealers are now held to a standard that is similar to the fiduciary responsibility that Registered Investment Advisers and their reps have been held to since the 1940s. The SEC and FINRA have observed that many firms have fallen short in terms of properly implementing Reg BI, and have brought forward various enforcement actions. This course will focus on three core topics: 1) The SEC’s 2023 staff bulletin focusing on Care Obligation, 2) FINRA’s 2023 report on examination findings related to the implementation of Reg BI, and 3) an overview of some recent regulatory actions brought by both the SEC and FINRA.
6.) Ethics for the Financial Services Professional (FE INT)
Course Code: 10050
This course is intended for registered representatives, investment advisors, compliance staff and supervisors that are responsible for working with clients. This course provides an overview of the characteristics of ethics and professionalism. Topics include the standards by which a professional should be judged, as well as a study of ethics on its philosophical and compliance levels.
7.) Annual Compliance Reminders for Institutional Registered Representatives- Vol 1 (FE INT)
Course Code: 17755
This course uses facts from actual cases to enable the student to identify regulatory requirements, understand compliance obligations, and recognize the possible consequences of failure to comply with regulatory and firm requirements.
8.) Electronic Communications for Registered Representatives (FE INT)
Course Code: 17708
This course is intended for retail representatives, institutional representatives, investment advisers, supervisors or any financial services industry professionals interested in learning how industry rules apply to the use and management of electronic communications with the public. FINRA developed a number of guidelines regarding electronic communications for registered representatives. This course is designed to make registered representatives aware of the compliance requirements and potential liabilities when using the Internet and other electronic communications.
9.) Cybersecurity (FE INT)
Course Code: 17700
This course will examine various targets and types of cyber-attacks, their threat to the financial industry, disclosure requirements for FINRA registered firms, regulatory measures to prevent cybercrimes and practical steps toward cybersecurity. We will also discuss recent FINRA guidance, including the presence of cybersecurity in the Regulatory and Examinations Priorities Letter, the Report on Cybersecurity Practices, and Investor Alerts warning investors about cyber threats. Practical advice for representatives on steps to reduce risk will be discussed, as well as the consequences to firms for failing to protect against cybersecurity threats
10.) Cybersecurity & FINRA (FE INT)
Course Code: 17703
This course will examine various targets and types of cyber-attacks, their threat to the financial industry, disclosure requirements for FINRA registered firms, regulatory measures to prevent cybercrimes and practical steps toward cybersecurity. We will also discuss recent FINRA guidance, including the presence of cybersecurity in the Regulatory and Examinations Priorities Letter, the Report on Cybersecurity Practices, and Investor Alerts warning investors about cyber threats. Practical advice for representatives on steps to reduce risk will be discussed, as well as the consequences to firms for failing to protect against cybersecurity threats.
To add one of the aforementioned courses to your training program, please contact us here. To access the full Firm Element course catalog, please click here.
