Back-to-school season is in full swing and it’s not just students who are — or will be — preparing for a year of learning. While the method of said learning for broker-dealers is structured slightly differently, it’s still crucial for firms to consider which Firm Element courses they plan to offer for this year’s training program. If you have a plan in place already, great! If not, here are some course suggestions that can be added to your firm’s program before the December 31st deadline. *

*A comprehensive Needs Analysis is required beforehand.

1.) Off Channel Communications

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.

2.) AML and Private Equity

Course Code: 19824

This course is designed for individuals who work or aspire to work in the private equity industry and need to understand why money laundering is illegal and the associated anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. This material is suitable for investment professionals at all levels, with an emphasis on senior executives who are responsible for ensuring compliance with AML regulations.

3.) Books and Records: Turning the Page

Course Code: 20386

This course is intended to reinforce the learning and develop a deeper understanding of the topics involved in books and records, focusing primarily on customer account applications, approval and maintenance of customer account records, and order ticket documentation. The topics will be relevant to FINRA member broker-dealers, SEC-registered investment advisors, and dual registrants or affiliated firms.

4.) Secure Act 2.0

Course Code: 19470

This course will cover the provisions of the new Secure Act 2.0 which was passed into law on December 29, 2022, as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. The course will not cover the original Secure Act of 2020 that was passed in 2019. The course should help in understanding real-world applications because of the new law and other things to consider.

5.) FINRA and SEC Examination Priorities for 2023

Course Code: 19485

As a way to increase transparency between regulators and the registered firms and advisors they oversee, the SEC and FINRA release their annual examination priorities letters at the beginning of each year. This course will provide a general overview of what was included in both the SEC and FINRA examination priorities letters while highlighting the specific areas that will receive the most attention in 2023.

Check out our course catalog here for a full list of Firm Element courses.