Description

By outlining the basics of professional ethics, this course gives an explanation of the importance of ethics to today's financial professional.

Number of Pages

27

Est. Completion Time

10

Description

This course provides representatives with an overview of the characteristics of ethics and professionalism. This course discusses the standards by which a professional should be judged and a study of ethics on its philosophical and compliance levels. The objective of this course is to provide participants with a reasoned analysis of the connection between professionalism and ethical practices.

Number of Pages

62

Est. Completion Time

38

Description

This course is intended for retail representatives, institutional representatives, investment advisors, supervisors or any financial service industry professional. This course will look at the problems of the spreading of false rumors and the aftermath that has followed. It will review the SEC's response to this matter and the steps regulators are taking to stop the rumors. Specifically, the course will look at FINRA Rule 2010 and FINRA Rule 6140. Lastly, this course will identify steps organizations must take to ensure their employees are not a party to the spreading of false rumors. All of the practices outlined in this course will help member firms avoid the pitfalls and problems regarding the spreading of false rumors.

Number of Pages

18

Est. Completion Time

10

Description

This course is designed to remind institutional registered representatives of their compliance obligations and draws on recent FINRA enforcement actions to demonstrate the consequences of failing to meet those obligations.

Number of Pages

33

Est. Completion Time

20

Description

This course is directed to individuals working with institutional clients who must become more aware of the requirements to detect and prevent money laundering. Specifically, this course complies with the USA Patriot Act requirements for ongoing anti-money laundering training. The course begins with a review of money laundering regulations and the organizations charged with enforcement. The course then outlines the various money laundering stages and suspicious activities that can help personnel detect and prevent money laundering. Finally, the course outlines responsibilities for representatives dealing with institutional clients focusing on knowing your customer, information verification, due diligence, and finally a case study identifying the importance of the following rules and potential problems that may occur if AML procedures are not followed.

Number of Pages

28

Est. Completion Time

18

Description

This course is designed for registered representatives of institutional broker-dealers. The course begins with a review of basic anti-money laundering concepts, and then shifts to the representative's role in preventing, detecting and reporting suspicious activities that may point to illegal money laundering. The course includes a case study based on a real-world example of Anti-Money Laundering failures relating to institutional customer accounts.

Number of Pages

57

Est. Completion Time

48

Description

This course is designed for registered representatives, supervisors, and institutional sales representatives. The objective of this course is to raise the awareness of anti-money laundering regulations so that representatives have the knowledge to prevent and detect money laundering. This knowledge will help ensure that each representative and their employer do not become involved in investigations or scandals that could harm the company's reputation or risk client relationships. After completing this course, representatives will have a better understanding of anti-money laundering regulations, including the Know Your Customer rule, as well as be able to better recognize suspicious activities to protect themselves from the consequences of being linked in any way to money-laundering activities.

Number of Pages

40

Est. Completion Time

20

Description

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.

Number of Pages

62

Est. Completion Time

40

Description

This course is intended for retail representatives, investment advisors, supervisors, or any financial service industry professional interested in learning how industry rules regarding anti-money laundering rules and regulations. The course discusses "red flags" that may indicate potential money laundering activities, as well as the penalties that can be imposed for violating federal money laundering laws.

Number of Pages

38

Est. Completion Time

18

Description

This course will review the customer due diligence (CDD) regulations that have been set by organizations developed to combat criminal use of financial systems around the world. Additionally, the course will focus on the most recent regulations adopted by the U.S. Treasury.

Number of Pages

34

Est. Completion Time

24

Description

This training has been developed to specifically cover sexual harassment in the workplace, no matter your role. It covers definitions of sexual harassment, what constitutes sexual harassment, training, the role of culture, and a high level overview of the #metoo movement.

Number of Pages

37

Est. Completion Time

17

Description

This course is intended for registered representatives acting in an agent (broker) capacity, as well as individuals who work as dealers, such as market maker specialists and supervisors. Best execution is an obligation of any dealer working to execute transactions on behalf of their clients. Closely related to best execution in the debt markets are the mark-ups or mark-downs that dealers take in the course of performing a transaction. This course will explore both topics. Additionally, it will discuss the rules and regulations surrounding these rules as well as the processes by which best execution, prevailing market prices and appropriate debt mark-ups/mark-down are determined as well as illustrating how FINRA obligations for best execution are to be applied and demonstrated through regular and rigorous reviews of transactions against both FINRA rules and each member firms established policies and procedures.

Number of Pages

50

Est. Completion Time

30

Description

This course is for registered representatives, supervisors, compliance staff, senior management and firm principals that are required to comply with FINRA Rules regarding Books and Records. This course explains the provisions governing the record keeping and retention of customer accounts, written complaints and other similar correspondences. Participants will review registered persons' obligations to maintain records of actions undertaken in their capacity as representatives of the firm. Scenarios are additionally used to help illustrate and reinforce compliance with record keeping and retention requirements involving electronic media.

Number of Pages

29

Est. Completion Time

17

Description

This course provides information for registered principals and registered representatives regarding four new FINRA rules related to supervision and supervisory procedures.

Number of Pages

39

Est. Completion Time

33

Description

Following a multi-year effort by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to streamline and organize its Communication Rules and incorporate portions of the interpretive information from former NASD Rules, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved a substantial reworking of the current rules governing communications with the public. This course provides registered representatives with an understanding of the recently-approved changes to the rules relating to public communications by a firm's associated persons.

Number of Pages

27

Est. Completion Time

22

Description

This course is intended for retail representatives, institutional representatives, investment advisors, supervisors or any financial service industry professional that makes investment product recommendations to clients. Various investments have different characteristics. Some provide a steady current income, while others give their total return in capital appreciation. Some are very unlikely to decline in value, while others may be more risky. This course discusses how to determine the suitability of the various investments to different clients and examines the risk characteristics associated with an investment company portfolio.

Number of Pages

25

Est. Completion Time

10

Description

When a client wishes to open any account with a brokerage firm, the investment adviser must fill in the account form with the clients personal information, including his or her income levels, investment objectives, and financial goals. The investment adviser uses this information to help the client evaluate the appropriate investments to fit his or her needs. This course discusses how to determine the suitability of the various investments to different clients and examines the risk characteristics associated with an investment company portfolio.

Number of Pages

28

Est. Completion Time

14

Description

his course is intended for retail representatives, institutional representatives, investment advisers, supervisors or any financial service industry professional. All professions have a code of conduct to which its members must adhere. This course stresses the importance of holding each representative of the company accountable for maintaining a standard that all must comply with.

Number of Pages

15

Est. Completion Time

5

Description

As a registered representative who markets or sells financial products to other broker-dealers, you probably do not communicate directly with the public. Even so, it is still important to understand FINRA's rules surrounding communications with the public, as the communications you create may end up in the hands of a retail customer. This course discusses FINRA's three communication categories, which include retail communications, institutional communications and correspondence.

Number of Pages

33

Est. Completion Time

21

Description

FINRA and the SEC have both made senior investor abuse a top examination priority. This course discusses the unique needs of senior investors, steps advisors should take when working with this growing demographic, and the serious implications of FINRA and the SEC's recent influx of disciplinary actions and investor alerts.

Number of Pages

39

Est. Completion Time

27

Description

This course is intended for retail representatives, institutional representatives, investment advisers, supervisors, or any financial service industry professional. A registered representative wants clients to trust his or her recommendations. Past studies show that trust is the number one reason cited by investors for choosing their financial adviser. In this course, potential conflicts of interest will be discussed, how they can be avoided and the importance and benefits of navigating through these challenges.

Number of Pages

26

Est. Completion Time

12

Description

This course is intended for retail representatives, institutional representatives, investment advisers, supervisors or any financial service industry professional interested in learning how industry rules apply to the use and supervision of customer data. Under SEC Rule 30 of Regulation S-P, member firms and other financial institutions, are required to adopt written policies and procedures that address safeguards for the protection and disposal of customer records and information. As a registered representative, you need to know and follow your firm's policies and procedures for customer data protection. Failing to protect nonpublic personal information (NPI) subjects customers to identify theft. This course discusses ways in which client data can be compromised should you fail to recognize and implement security measures in your practice. Making certain to implement firm requirements with an ability to recognize and avert potential vulnerabilities will help ensure proprietary and customer data is not compromised.

Number of Pages

42

Est. Completion Time

36

Description

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.

Number of Pages

35

Est. Completion Time

27

Description

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.

Number of Pages

31

Est. Completion Time

22

Description

This course examines the various targets and types of cyber attacks, their threat to the financial industry, disclosure requirements for FINRA registered firms, regulatory measures to prevent cyber crimes and practical steps toward cybersecurity.

Number of Pages

40

Est. Completion Time

32

Description

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.

Number of Pages

21

Est. Completion Time

17

Description

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.

Number of Pages

31

Est. Completion Time

16

Description

This course provides an overview of an ERISA fiduciary, the obligations of a fiduciary, and DOL guidance for financial advisors who provide non-fiduciary information and services. It also discusses IRA rollovers from qualified plans, and the DOL's proposal to expand the definition of a fiduciary to those who recommend such rollovers or otherwise provide advice to IRA clients.

Number of Pages

32

Est. Completion Time

17

Description

This course is intended for registered representatives, investment advisers, compliance staff and supervisors that work with retail investors. This course covers some of the basics of ethics and offers a glance at past legislation that has brought us to where we are today. By also outlining the responsibilities of each professional, this course sheds light on why it is imperative that all members of any profession maintain and adhere to professional ethical standards.

Number of Pages

65

Est. Completion Time

36

Description

This course provides information on the regulations of sections 114 and 315 of the FACT Act program, regarding the detection, prevention and mitigation of identity theft. Topics discussed include: regulations, guidelines, identification of red flags and much more.

Number of Pages

25

Est. Completion Time

21

Description

In this course, we'll review some of the most outlandish disciplinary cases from 2015 and identify the source of each violation.

Number of Pages

29

Est. Completion Time

21

Description

New FINRA Rule 2165 addressing protection of 'specified adults,' including seniors, takes effect February 5, 2018. The new Rule, as well as related amendments to books and records requirements in Rule 4512, impose new requirements on FINRA member firms designed to avoid and mitigate financial exploitation of seniors and other vulnerable adults.

Number of Pages

33

Est. Completion Time

30

Description

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) recently implemented a new securities industry rule governing the obligation of broker-dealers and their registered representatives to make "suitable" investment recommendations to customers. FINRA Rule 2111, which went into effect on July 9, 2012, broadens the scope of the predecessor suitability rule, NASD Rule 2310, in a number of important respects. This course highlights the key provisions of FINRA's new suitability rule and recommends a number of ways to document compliance and mitigate risks related to unsuitable investments.

Number of Pages

30

Est. Completion Time

24

Description

In this course, representatives will discuss the two new FINRA Rules that were approved by the SEC to be incorporated into the FINRA consolidated rulebook: FINRA Rule 2090 - Know Your Customer and FINRA Rule 2111 - Suitability. Both rules incorporate and expand upon standards that were contained in earlier NASD and NYSE Rules. Upon completion of this course, representatives will have a better understanding of the Know Your Customer requirements stated in FINRA Rule 2090, including what is meant by the terms reasonable diligence and essential facts, as well as FINRA Rule 2111's suitability requirements, including: identifying the three levels of suitability; knowing when the suitability requirements apply to a customer relationship; and recognizing the obligations of the firm and the associated person under the Rules.

Number of Pages

32

Est. Completion Time

24

Description

This course is intended for registered representatives, institutional representatives, investment advisers, supervisors or any financial service industry professional interested in learning how to achieve compliance with FINRA rules on gifts and entertainment. FINRA Rule 3220 strictly prohibits broker-dealers from giving gifts or gratuities in excess of $100 per year to any person where that gift is in relation to the business of the recipient's employer. As such, this course helps distinguish what types of items need to be recorded to avoid the unsavory practice of giving kickbacks or paying to obtain business.

Number of Pages

21

Est. Completion Time

8

Description

This course is intended for retail representatives, institutional representatives, investment advisers, supervisors or any financial service industry professional interested in learning how industry rules apply to the use and management of electronic communications with the public. FINRA has 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 electronic communications. This course reviews the various rules and standards that cover electronic communications. Specific issues are covered concerning different methods of electronic communications. Additionally, the course will cover FINRA's rules and views regarding electronic communications in the various forms available today.

Number of Pages

24

Est. Completion Time

12

Description

This course provides an overview of sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace: prohibited conduct; employee responsibilities; and the remedies available for employment discrimination.

Number of Pages

68

Est. Completion Time

58

Description

This course provides an overview of heightened supervision of representatives for all levels of supervisory, management, and compliance personnel. Specific topics covered in this course include: Recognizing situations involving new-hires and existing representatives that may call for heightened supervision; Recognizing the risks to the firm presented by these situations; Understanding how a heightened supervision plan should be designed to address the specific representative's situation and the risks to the firm thereof; Understanding who should (and should NOT) have knowledge of and involvement in a heightened supervision plan.

Number of Pages

29

Est. Completion Time

23

Description

Generation Y, Echo Boomers, Generation Why?, Boomerang Generation or Millennials, whichever term used will define roughly the same thing: the youngest of the US working population. They are a new breed of investors that require new methods of investing their money, different than the strategies used with their parents. Learning to understand millennials helps to understand their financial goals. The biggest hurdle to jump: Millennials tend to be cynical of the importance and value of using financial advisors. This course prepares you to recognize and work with millennial clients the way they want to be worked with.

Number of Pages

60

Est. Completion Time

32

Description

Financial professionals need to identify the conflicts of interest that may be associated with their business activities, understand how to reduce or remove conflicts, and the necessity of disclosing any unresolved conflicts. This course outlines various types of conflicts of interests for various financial professionals, and methods of mitigating those conflicts.

Number of Pages

27

Est. Completion Time

23

Description

This course is intended for anyone working in the financial services industry that may have contact with sensitive customer information. This course is beneficial for all firms, as training is required to comply with the Federal Trade Commission FACT Act Identity Theft Rules. This course examines the primary rules that protect customer information and the role that employees play in identifying identity theft red flags. Finally, the course uncovers the various methods used by hackers to steal customer identities.

Number of Pages

31

Est. Completion Time

19

Description

The federal financial regulatory agencies have adopted and enforced robust data security standards for entities under their jurisdiction. Protection of financial and personal customer information is a key responsibility and obligation of FINRA member firms. This course provides representatives with a comprehensive overview of identity theft, as well as the things they can do while conducting their day-to-day business to help ensure consumer data is kept out of the hands of criminals.

Number of Pages

24

Est. Completion Time

19

Description

This course covers concepts to help registered representatives and supervisors understand procedures for protecting confidential personal customer information and detecting possible breaches in information security. It provides suggestions for what to do if customer information is compromised and steps to take to better protect this information. The objective of this course is to educate representatives on the importance of protecting client information. Information assets and physical property are constantly exposed to threats such as natural disasters, computer viruses and criminal actions. We can all contribute to managing the risks that come with these threats. Understanding your individual and professional responsibility is the first step in this contribution. Information security is an integral part of the services we provide and helps to protect our reputations and brands.

Number of Pages

18

Est. Completion Time

8

Description

This course is intended for registered representatives, supervisors, sales associates, compliance administrators, new account managers and any financial service professional who is exposed to customers who may be corporate insiders or individuals who may possess material nonpublic information about their companies. This course reviews the background and scope of SEC anti-fraud standards prohibiting insider trading. Representatives will gain a thorough understanding of what is deemed illegal and legal insider trading. They will learn about the penalties imposed when violators are found guilty and who is harmed by illegal insider trading.

Number of Pages

25

Est. Completion Time

11

Description

This course provides an overview of what insider trading activity is and is not allowed, how insider trading laws have evolved, prevention of illegal activity through policies and education, the challenges of prosecuting criminal insider trading and a discussion of reasons for and against the legalization of insider trading.

Number of Pages

35

Est. Completion Time

23

Description

This course is intended for registered representatives acting as institutional sales representatives, as well as investment advisers and their supervisors. This course focuses on ethical behavior and how it fits into the moral framework of industry rules. It explores both unethical practices and ethical practices for institutional sales representatives and outlines the ethical standards required when interacting with institutional clients.

Number of Pages

23

Est. Completion Time

10

Description

An investment adviser stands in a special relationship of trust and confidence with, and therefore is a fiduciary to, its clients. Understanding "fiduciary responsibility" is critical, because it is at the core of being a good investment adviser. In a very practical sense, if an adviser and the adviser's employees understand the meaning of being a fiduciary and incorporate this understanding into daily business operations and decision-making, clients should be well served. This course will clarify the history, scope, and liability associated with the fiduciary responsibilities of an investment adviser.

Number of Pages

26

Est. Completion Time

22

Description

This course provides an introduction to the basics of the Investment Adviser's Act and is intended for Investment Advisor's, Investment Advisor Representatives, and Certified Financial Planners. Also of interest and beneficial to financial service industry professionals is how the standards may be changing as well as the latest developments in law(s). The objective of this course is to provide an overview of various definitions and regulations to define what is required of a financial services professional who falls under the Investment Adviser Act.

Number of Pages

35

Est. Completion Time

23

Description

Market making is an important function in the stock trading industry. Market makers provide vital liquidity and ensure orderly markets. Furthermore, by reducing costs, increasing efficiency and broadening access, NASDAQ and its market makers have leveled the playing field for all investors, great and small. Market making requires a level of expertise and diligence not found in many firms. However, if these challenges can be met, a broker-dealer can earn substantial revenues and provide a very valuable service. This course provides an overview of the electronic communication network that links market makers together, as well as the varying price quotes and Market Maker Rules imposed by FINRA, NASDAQ and the SEC.

Number of Pages

32

Est. Completion Time

27

Description

The associated persons of broker-dealers have every right to invest and manage their own money any legal way they see fit. The full spectrum of investment options is available to industry professionals. However, the personal trading accounts of associated persons of broker-dealers are subject to disclosure, reporting and other restrictions. These rules are to ensure that associated persons do not take advantage of their position and gain an unfair edge on the investing public, and that any conflicts of interest are either avoided or disclosed. Failure to observe these rules could harm customers financially, and damage the credibility of a representative, a firm, or even the entire industry.

Number of Pages

30

Est. Completion Time

23

Description

This course covers the importance of applying mutual fund fee waivers that may be available to investors. Some mutual funds waive the front-end load (the commission or 'sales charge') on certain charitable and retirement accounts. When brokers fail to waive the fees or sell customers Class B and C shares that do not have upfront sales charges but are more expensive overall than Class A shares, FINRA violations occur. How this can occur - especially on a large scale, calls supervision into question.

Number of Pages

45

Est. Completion Time

41

Description

This course is intended for retail representatives, institutional representatives, investment advisers, supervisors or any financial service industry professional interested in learning more about how to prevent online identity theft and what they need to do to ensure that they and their clients are not a victim of this crime. Identity thieves are stealing information from unsuspecting consumers in a number of ways. This course will show representatives how to spot some of the latest online identity theft scams targeting financial sector customers and how to avoid them.

Number of Pages

24

Est. Completion Time

15

Description

This course is intended to familiarize registered representatives and general securities supervisors with the rules regarding outside business activities and personal trading. It clearly defines what these activities can be and illustrates the importance of full disclosure and thorough supervision of these activities. FINRA's rule on outside business activities of an associated person provides regulatory guidelines for representatives to follow when engaging in a business activity that is not part of their work for the firm. This course will cover Rule 3270 and Rule 3280, outlining representatives' compliance responsibilities.

Number of Pages

16

Est. Completion Time

10

Description

This course provides an overview of the restrictions and disclosure requirements surrounding registered representatives' business activities and private securities transactions, outside the scope of their employment. It focuses on the necessity for registered representatives to follow the regulations and firm policies that surround these activities, regardless of compensation, and to disclose those activities on their Form U4.

Number of Pages

27

Est. Completion Time

18

Description

This course discusses the topic of customer complaints from a preventative standpoint, emphasizing best practices that representatives can embrace to reduce the likelihood of a complaint. The course also looks at steps that can be taken with an unhappy customer to avoid negative escalation, without resorting to unethical or noncompliant solutions. Specific topics covered in this course include: recognizing, avoiding and managing a situation that may lead to a complaint, the importance of documentation in preventing complaints, the right way to handle a pre-complaint grievance to make escalation to a complaint less likely, and a review of what to do when a customer does lodge a complaint.

Number of Pages

31

Est. Completion Time

27

Description

This course outlines privacy and confidentiality rights and protections, as well as some of the latest threats and methods for protecting electronic data, including emails, wireless networks and mobile devices.

Number of Pages

29

Est. Completion Time

18

Description

This course discusses the benefits and risks associated with different types of rollovers, eligible assets, options for rollover destinations and providers, and the focus by regulators on rollover-related advertising.

Number of Pages

36

Est. Completion Time

26

Description

There are many rules and regulations that you as a registered representative must keep in mind when conducting business. They cover a wide variety of topics that you see every day and are related to sales practice issues, ethical decisions you make and even administrative and operational issues. This course uses scenarios adapted from actual FINRA disciplinary actions to remind registered representatives about their compliance obligations. Topics covered include: social media and public communications; trade authorizations; form U4 disclosures; outside business activities; private securities transactions; handling customer funds related to borrowing money from customers; and maintaining ethical behavior when fulfilling continuing education requirements.

Number of Pages

33

Est. Completion Time

20

Description

On June 5, 2019 the SEC approved a package of new rules and interpretations designed to improve transparency for retail investors. Included in this package are Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI), New Form CRS Relationship Summary (Form CRS), the Investment Adviser Interpretation, and a Solely Incidental Interpretation. This course will cover each of these rules in depth along with potential scenarios that one could encounter.

Number of Pages

39

Est. Completion Time

26

Description

The SEC's Large Trader Reporting Rule should be reviewed by corporations and individuals that exercise discretion over transactions in U.S. listed stocks and options. Affecting even a single trade can require a corporation or individual to register as a large trader. Rule 13h-1 requires large traders to register with the SEC by December 1, 2011 by filing Form 13H. Upon completion of this course, representatives will be able to define and explain SEC Rule 13h-1, be aware of trade and business criteria that would compel registration, assist in the implementation of 13h-1 policies and procedures and be better versed to monitor compliance with 13h-1 requirements.

Number of Pages

31

Est. Completion Time

20

Description

In 2010, the SEC adopted a new market access rule, SEC Rule 15c3-5, which focuses on a practice through which broker-dealers allow their customer to gain direct access to the applicable exchange or alternative trading system or ATS, also known as "sponsored access". 15c3-5 prohibits broker-dealers from providing customers with "unfiltered" or "naked access" to an exchange or ATS and requires brokers with market access - including those who sponsor customers' access to an exchange or ATS - to put in place risk management controls and supervisory procedures to help prevent erroneous orders, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and enforce pre-set credit or capital thresholds. This course discusses how Rule 15c3-5 is designed to meet the following goals: prohibiting all markets from displaying marketable flash orders; requiring that information about an investor's interest in buying or selling a stock be made publicly available, instead of just to a select group operating within a dark pool; identifying and providing information on certain large traders; promoting fair and efficient access to listed options markets and requiring a consolidated audit trail system to enable regulators to track information related to trading orders received and executed across the securities markets.

Number of Pages

29

Est. Completion Time

30

Description

This course discusses the importance of security when working remotely and highlights some simple techniques that employees can employ to protect themselves while working from home. Additionally, we'll discuss the recent influx of phishing emails that have flooded inboxes since the COVD-19 outbreak and tips to avoid falling victim to a hazardous attack.

Number of Pages

19

Est. Completion Time

11

Description

In this course, we'll discuss some of the major compliance concerns associated with today's aging population. More specifically, we'll highlight early warning signs of financial exploitation, recent disciplinary actions, and a survey conducted by NASAA. We'll also touch on FINRA's recent rule amendments and changes aimed at helping prevent elder financial abuse.

Number of Pages

29

Est. Completion Time

23

Description

More than a fad, social media has emerged as a vital channel for communication and information exchange. Whether you are with a financial services firm that already is active in social media or one that is watching from the sidelines, advisors and firms are beginning to truly acknowledge the benefits that social media platforms offer. This course provides registered representatives with a few best practices to follow when getting started on LinkedIn.

Number of Pages

26

Est. Completion Time

14

Description

This course discusses the many considerations that representatives and firms face when it comes to the use of social media, including social networking sites, blogs, chat rooms, online forums, static and interactive sites, and the management of third-party content and links. The course offers an overview of FINRA's guidance on the use of social media by registered representatives and other associated persons. More specifically, it highlights FINRA's categories of communication with the public, FINRA rules that apply to electronic communications, as well as considerations for use, supervision, and recordkeeping regarding social media web sites, blogs, chat rooms, and online forums.

Number of Pages

42

Est. Completion Time

26

Description

This course is an entry-level course intended for all registered representatives, sales support staff, compliance staff and compliance administrators interested in senior citizen suitability sales practice regulations. This course covers a broad range of issues related to senior investments, including ethics, suitability and products targeted towards seniors. With more and more people nearing retirement age, the issues regarding senior investors are making headlines. Prevention of fraud and questionable business practices are issues that are being addressed by not only FINRA, but also by the states and financial firms as well. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the registered representative to do what's right for his or her client. This course reminds representatives to always act in the best interests of their clients.

Number of Pages

30

Est. Completion Time

15

Description

Each FINRA member firm is required to engage the services of a registered financial and operations principal, also known as the "FinOp" or "FINOP". Whether within a clearing firm or introducing broker-dealer, working as a full-time or outsourced provider, the role of the FINOP remains a critical function of the firm. This course is designed to provide an overview of the role and responsibilities of the firm FINOP, highlight various reporting requirements and their mechanisms, and identify more recent regulatory changes that affect the FINOP role and firm reporting.

Number of Pages

45

Est. Completion Time

42

Description

In order to effectively and efficiently manage client assets, many advisers recommend that their clients open an account at a custodian - a financial institution usually a broker-dealer or a bank that holds and has legal responsibility for the safekeeping of the customer's securities and/or cash. This custodian will hold client securities and cash facilitate trading and provide tax reporting documentation. The account's type is determined by the client's legal status: whether the client is a real (natural) person or persons, or an entity like a trust or corporation. This course describes the most common account types, as well as the documentary requirements for most accounts.

Number of Pages

35

Est. Completion Time

32

Description

This course will primarily focus on the vital role that clearing brokers play in the securities markets, the risks associated with that role, and the means for managing those risks. The processes and regulations relating to clearing agencies and the clearing of commodity futures transactions are complex enough to warrant separate treatment, so only limited highlights will be included within in this course.

Number of Pages

28

Est. Completion Time

25

Description

This course provides financial advisors and their supervisors with a sound understanding of the essential characteristics of complex products and related sales practices issues. Upon completing this course, advisors will be able to easily identify complex products, describe the suitability requirements that surround them, and implement a reasonable compliance program regarding the sale of complex products.

Number of Pages

33

Est. Completion Time

22

Description

This course provides representatives with an overview of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (JOBS Act), a bipartisan effort signed into law by President Obama on April 5, 2012. The JOBS Act is intended to encourage funding of small businesses, partly by providing relief from certain aspects of securities regulation. Specific areas of the Act discussed include: The increase in the number of shareholders a company may have before the requirement to register its common stock with the SEC is triggered; the new registration exemption for certain types of small public offerings; how the Act may encourage "crowd funding" of new companies; amended disclosure requirements for "emerging growth companies;" allowances for general solicitation and advertising for certain types of private placements; changes to the dollar amount limits for securities offerings exempted under Rule 505 of Regulation D; and changes to the number of permitted shareholders in community banks.

Number of Pages

28

Est. Completion Time

20