The conversation around continuing education (CE) delivery has shifted dramatically over the past five years. What used to be a choice between “everyone in a conference room” or “everyone behind a screen” is now a strategic decision about how compliance programs demonstrate oversight, manage risk, and reinforce firm culture. For chief compliance officers (CCOs), the real question is not “which is better?” but “what role should each format play in supporting compliance goals?”
Regulators have made it clear that training isn’t just a formality. They expect evidence of participation, comprehension, and oversight. That’s why delivery method is so important. Remote platforms give compliance leaders the ability to track completions in real time, document every attestation, and guarantee firm-wide participation. At the same time, live sessions can add value by creating space for dialogue and deeper engagement on high-risk topics.
Where we see a lot of firms having success is oftentimes when building hybrid models that lean heavily on remote delivery for efficiency and defensibility, while layering in targeted in-person opportunities. For example, annual compliance meetings may be rolled out online to ensure universal attendance, with in-person workshops reserved for areas where real-time discussion adds value.
Remote CE Training: The Core Foundation
Remote training has become the backbone of most CE programs because it combines scale, flexibility, and accountability. Digital platforms ensure content is delivered consistently across the firm, while firm members can complete requirements at their own pace. Every click, completion, and attestation is logged, giving compliance teams defensible records for exams and audits.
For firms that want to maximize efficiency and exam readiness, remote delivery provides the reliable structure on which the rest of the program is built.
In-Person CE Training: The Strategic Enhancer
In-person training is no longer the default, but it continues to play an important role. Live sessions foster engagement, mentorship, and real-time discussion that can deepen understanding and retention. They also reinforce culture by signaling that compliance is not just an individual responsibility but a shared commitment.
When used strategically—as a complement to remote delivery—these sessions help translate compliance requirements into practical, firm-specific behaviors.
Compliance Takeaway
Whatever delivery method a firm prefers—remote, in-person, or a mix of both—CCOs should keep a few core factors in mind when shaping their CE programs:
- Ensure the program produces defensible records of participation, completion, and attestation that can withstand exam scrutiny.
- Training should be standardized across firm members to avoid gaps or mixed interpretations.
- Look for ways to make content meaningful, whether through customized content or interactive scenarios or case studies.
- Delivery should reinforce the firm’s values and expectations, not just meet a requirement.
- Programs that can adapt to different learning styles and schedules are more likely to achieve universal participation.
By weighing these factors, CCOs can build CE programs that satisfy regulators while also strengthening compliance culture and long-term firm success.
