* Price covers the $6 IAR CE reporting fee.

Course Overview

Unlock the key to impeccable ethical standards in financial advising with our in-depth continuing education course designed specifically for investment advisory representatives. This course provides a comprehensive exploration of ethical principles, practices, and dilemmas prevalent in the financial advising sector. Aimed at professionals eager to refine their ethical decision-making skills, the course covers a broad spectrum of topics, including fundamental ethical principles such as integrity and fairness, the application of diverse ethical decision-making frameworks, and navigation of the complex regulatory environment. By delving into real-world scenarios and case studies, participants will gain practical skills and insights to address ethical challenges confidently and effectively, ensuring they uphold the highest standards of professionalism and trust in their practice.

Our course is designed as a text-based, self-paced learning experience. You have the flexibility to start, pause, and resume the course at your convenience without the need to adhere to a specific schedule. This format allows you to integrate your learning seamlessly into your busy schedule, ensuring you can proceed at a pace that suits your individual needs.

Enhance your professional capabilities and strengthen your reputation by mastering how to identify and manage unethical behavior, promote an ethical workplace culture, and develop a personal code of ethics. This course is not just about learning the rules but fostering a deep understanding of how to apply ethical principles in daily interactions and decisions. Upon completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion, signifying their commitment to ethical excellence and their preparedness to lead with integrity in the financial advising industry. Join a network of professionals committed to ethical practices and continuous learning, and take a significant step forward in your career.


Difficulty Level: Foundational

IAR CE: 2 credits in Ethics and Professional Responsibility

CFP CE: 2 hours in General CE


Learning Objectives

Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:

Understand the Fundamental Ethical Principles in Financial Advising: Define key ethical concepts and principles relevant to the financial advising profession, including integrity, objectivity, fairness, and professionalism.

Apply Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks: Utilize ethical decision-making frameworks, such as virtue ethics, deontological ethics, and consequentialism, to analyze and resolve ethical dilemmas in financial advising.

Navigate the Regulatory Environment Effectively: Identify the major regulatory bodies (e.g., SEC, FINRA) affecting financial advisers and understand their roles in enforcing ethical standards and legal compliance.

Recognize and Respond to Unethical Behavior: Develop skills to identify common forms of unethical behavior and implement strategies for addressing such behavior within the financial advising context.

Promote an Ethical Workplace Culture: Outline strategies for creating and sustaining an ethical workplace culture that encourages ethical behavior and compliance with professional standards.

Understand the Role and Implications of Whistleblowing: Recognize the importance of whistleblowing in maintaining industry integrity, understand the ethical considerations involved, and be aware of protections for whistleblowers.

Develop a Personal Code of Ethics: Craft a personal code of ethics that reflects individual commitment to ethical standards in financial advising, guiding professional conduct and decision-making.


Course curriculum

    1. Course Instructions

    2. Course Introduction

    1. Definition of Ethics and its Importance in Finance

    2. Overview of Ethical Standards in Financial Advising

    3. The Role of Ethics in Building Trust and Credibility

    4. The History and Evolution of Ethics in Financial Advising

    5. Quiz: Module 1 - Introduction to Ethics in Financial Advising

    1. Deontological vs. Consequentialist Ethics

    2. Fiduciary Duty and its Ethical Implications

    3. Principles of Integrity, Objectivity, Fairness, and Professionalism

    4. Global Ethical Standards and Cross-Cultural Considerations in Financial Advising

    5. Quiz: Module 2 - Ethical Frameworks and Principles

    1. Key Regulations Affecting Financial Advisers (e.g., SEC, FINRA)

    2. Ethical Compliance vs. Legal Compliance

    3. Handling Conflicts of Interest

    4. Quiz: Module 3 - Regulatory Environment and Ethical Compliance

    1. Ethical Dilemmas and Decision-Making Frameworks

    2. Case Studies: Analysis of Ethical Dilemmas in Financial Advising

    3. Case Study 1: Conflicting Interests Between Clients

    4. Case Study 2: Personal Gain at Client Expense

    5. Case Study 3: Disclosure of Past Mistakes

    6. Analyzing the Case Studies

    7. Developing a Personal Code of Ethics

    8. Developing Ethical Guidelines for Client Relationships

    9. Developing Ethical Guidelines for Managing Investment Strategies

    10. Managing Personal and Professional Boundaries

    11. Adapting to Regulatory Changes and Compliance

    12. Establishing Ethical Policies and Procedures

    13. Quiz: Module 4 - Ethical Decision-Making in Practice

    1. Recognizing and Responding to Unethical Behavior

    2. The Role of Whistleblowing and its Ethical Considerations

    3. Creating an Ethical Workplace Culture

    4. Ethical Use of Technology in Financial Advising

    5. Quiz: Module 5 - Navigating Ethical Challenges

About this course

  • $19.90
  • 38 lessons
  • IAR CE 2 Hours Ethics and Professional Responsibility
  • $6 IAR CE reporting fee included

Course Completion Outcomes

Upon successfully completing this course, participants will:

  • Receive a Certificate of Completion, acknowledging their understanding and ability to apply ethical principles and decision-making frameworks in the financial advising profession.
  • Gain practical skills and knowledge to navigate ethical challenges, regulatory requirements, and situations involving conflicts of interest with integrity and professionalism.
  • Be equipped to foster an ethical culture within their organizations, enhancing trust with clients and contributing positively to the reputation of the financial advising industry.
  • Navigate a network of professionals committed to ethical excellence in financial advising, facilitating ongoing learning and professional development in ethical practices.


This comprehensive course prepares financial advisers to meet their profession's ethical challenges with confidence and lead by example, promoting ethical excellence and integrity in the financial advising industry.

According to NASAA guidelines, to successfully complete the course, you must achieve a score of at least 70% on the final assessment. You have up to three attempts to reach this score. If you do not pass after three attempts, you will need to retake the entire course before you can try the assessment again.

Course Instructions

NASAA does not endorse any particular provider of CE courses. The content of the course and any views expressed are my/our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASAA or any of its member jurisdictions.

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