MILWAUKEE – Quest CE, leading provider of innovative compliance technology, is thrilled to announce the launch of brand-new courses for its IAR CE catalog, available starting January 1st, 2024. This latest offering is designed to empower advisers with comprehensive insights and the latest industry knowledge, ensuring they stay ahead in an ever-evolving financial landscape.
Each of the courses listed below is approved to satisfy either the Ethics & Professional Responsibility component or the Products and Practices component, as required under NASAA’s IAR CE model rule. Investment adviser representatives must complete six credits annually in Products and Practices and six credits annually in Ethics and Professional Responsibility, for a total of 12 credits. To learn more about which states have adopted IAR CE, click here.
As a reminder, advisers cannot complete the same CE course more than once. Duplicate courses will not count toward the IAR CE requirement, even if completed in a subsequent year. Each course must have a unique course identification number in order for an IAR to receive credit. As a result, we always recommend clients offer the newest available courses to their advisers.
CE Component: Ethics & Professional Responsibility
| Course Title | Course Description |
|---|---|
| Enhanced AML Protocols and Investment Advisor Responsibilities
(1 Credit, CFP Dual Credit) |
This course provides an in-depth look at AML protocols and investment advisor responsibilities. It covers relevant legislation like the USA PATRIOT Act and Bank Secrecy Act, details of the proposed AML program rule for SEC-registered investment advisors, suspicious activity reporting and monitoring requirements, and more. The course examines AML case studies in the financial sector, analyzes major vulnerabilities, and summarizes the 2022 National Strategy for Combating Terrorist and Other Illicit Financing. |
| Ethical Obligations in Cybersecurity
(1 Credit, CFP Dual Credit) |
As the investment advisor and Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) industry faces growing cybersecurity threats, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed pivotal amendments to regulatory frameworks. This course delves into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity regulations within the financial sector, focusing on the SEC’s proposed rules for advisors and RIA firms. |
| Ethically Serving Senior & Vulnerable Investors
(1 Credit, CFP Dual Credit) |
As an investment professional, you can work with clients of all ages and from all walks of life. This includes clients who may be senior citizens or considered “vulnerable” due to many different circumstances. This course will cover regulation that is currently in place to help prevent financial exploitation. It will also explore in depth the relationship between the work you do and how you can ensure your clients’ assets are protected. |
| Ethics for Advisors: Compliance with Fiduciary Standards
(1 Credit, CFP Dual Credit) |
This comprehensive course delves into the ethical standards and fiduciary responsibilities that Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) must adhere to when providing investment advice to clients. RIAs are held to a higher standard in the financial industry, and this course is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the principles, regulations, and practices that guide their professional conduct. |
| Investment Advisor Integrity: Exploring the Code of Ethics
(1 Credit, CFP Dual Credit) |
This course is designed to provide Investment Advisers (IAs) an overview of general requirements and obligations contained in a Code of Ethics (CoE), the background behind the requirements of IAs related to ethics, including fiduciary responsibilities, conflicts of interest, and insider trading as well as recognizing common justifications used by unethical actors. |
| Understanding Client Suitability Principles
(1 Credit, CFP Dual Credit) |
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the suitability principles and regulations that investment advisors must follow when making recommendations to clients. It examines FINRA Rule 2111, which establishes three main suitability obligations: reasonable basis, customer-specific, and quantitative suitability. The course covers how suitability interacts with Reg BI. It also explores emerging topics like artificial intelligence and its potential impact on suitability analysis. |
| Creating Respectful Workplaces
(1 Credit) |
This course centers on creating and maintaining a respectful workplace by preventing sexual harassment. It will cover the related facets of sexual harassment that can both inform and shape our broader understanding of the nature of sexual harassment and its consequences. It will also address some misunderstandings about sexual harassment, possible motivations, general categories, and specific examples, as well as the potential negative consequences for both individuals in the workplace and for business entities. |
CE Component: Products & Practices
| Course Title | Course Description |
|---|---|
| Reg BI Essentials: A Comprehensive Guide for Investment Advisors
(1 Credit, CFP Dual Credit) |
Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) represents a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for investment advisors. This course is designed to provide investment advisors with a comprehensive understanding of Reg BI, its requirements, and how to effectively implement it in their practice. By mastering Reg BI, you’ll not only ensure compliance but also enhance the quality of advice you provide to clients. |
| Regulation Surrounding Digital Asset and Cryptocurrency
(1 Credit, CFP Dual Credit) |
This course presents the current status of U.S. regulation tied to crypto assets. It covers the types of products involved, the various regulators who claim jurisdiction, recent regulatory actions, and the risks and compliance issues associated with investments in these products. The course also covers anti-money laundering regulations that are specific to conducting business in crypto assets, including the concept of beneficial ownership and the requirements to collect, verify, and maintain customer identity records. |
| Sustainability and Beyond: A Guide to the ABCs of ESG Investing
(1 Credit, CFP Dual Credit) |
This course is designed to provide the background behind environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing including global standards set through the UN’s Principles for Responsible Investment, Equator Principles, disclosure requirements, and applicable regulations. It will also equip advisors with the key knowledge needed to discuss ESG investing and incorporate it into client portfolios when suitable. |
| The Future of AI and Concerns Over Conflicts of Interest
(1 Credit, CFP Dual Credit) |
This comprehensive course explores the transformational impacts of artificial intelligence in the financial services industry, with a focus on opportunities and responsibilities for financial advisors. It covers AI applications in finance like robo-advising and algorithmic trading, benefits versus inherent risks, ethics, and more. The course provides practical guidance to prepare financial advisors with the AI fluency, wisdom, and leadership needed to successfully navigate the rise of artificial intelligence in a way that benefits society. |
| The Risks Associated with Off-Channel Communications
(1 Credit, CFP Dual Credit) |
This course is designed to educate investment advisers about the compliance risks associated with off-channel communications. Despite the numerous regulatory actions, unmonitored business-related off-channel communications continue to plague the industry, and regulators continue their ongoing crackdown. 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. |
| Trading Practices for Investment Advisors
(1 Credit, CFP Dual Credit) |
This course provides a detailed look at one element of Rule 206(4)-7 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Specifically, this course addresses Investment Adviser’s trading practices. Additionally, the course discusses unauthorized trading policies, trade errors, and books and records requirements. Cases brought against violators and the relevance of Registration Form ADV are also included. |
| Understanding and Implementing the New Marketing Rule
(1 Credit, CFP Dual Credit) |
This course covers many of the reasons for the SEC’s new Marketing Rule and its various components. How to navigate social media under the New Marketing rule will be covered as well. In addition to describing the workings of the new Marketing Rule, you’ll also read about the implementation process from announcement to compliance. |
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About Quest CE
For over thirty-five years, Quest CE has been a trusted provider of compliance training and tracking solutions to the financial services industry. In partnering with more than 2,400 leading insurance carriers, broker-dealers, registered investment advisors, and other financial institutions, Quest CE offers a full suite of proprietary technology solutions while delivering an unmatched level of customer service.
Through the delivery of advanced custom solutions, Quest CE honors its mission to empower financial institutions with easy-to-use technology that simplifies their compliance and continuing education programs. For more information on Quest CE, visit www.questce.com.
