* Price covers the $6 IAR CE reporting fee.

Course Description

This self-study course provides investment adviser representatives (IARs) with a comprehensive understanding of the fiduciary duties and obligations that define the advisory profession. Organized around the recognized duties of loyalty, care, good faith and fair dealing, disclosure, confidentiality, scope of authority, and monitoring, the course examines both the legal foundations and practical applications of fiduciary duty under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and state regulatory frameworks.

Difficulty Level: Foundational

IAR CE: 2 credits in Ethics and Professional Responsibility (Course # C80868)

CFP CE: 2 hours in General CE (Course # 344339)

Year Released: 2026

Through regulatory guidance, case studies, and practical examples, participants will explore how fiduciary duties shape client relationships, influence advisory recommendations, and guide compliance practices. The course also addresses emerging challenges, including technology, cybersecurity, and ESG investing, to help advisers anticipate and adapt to evolving regulatory and client expectations.

By the end of the course, IARs will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to uphold fiduciary standards, mitigate risks, and strengthen client trust through transparency, integrity, and professionalism.

Course curriculum

    1. Course Instructions

    2. FINRA Reporting

    1. Introduction to Fiduciary Duty

    2. Core Framework of Fiduciary Obligations

    3. Fiduciary Duty in Practice

    4. Quiz Module 1

    1. Duty of Loyalty

    2. Duty of Care (Prudence)

    3. Integrating Loyalty and Care in Advisory Practice

    4. Quiz Module 2

    1. Duty of Good Faith and Fair Dealing

    2. Duty of Disclosure

    3. Duty of Confidentiality

    4. Quiz Module 3

    1. Duty to Act Within Scope of Authority

    2. Duty to Monitor

    3. Compliance, Enforcement, and Future Outlook

    1. Course Conclusion and Key Takeaways

    2. Course Survey

About this course

  • $19.90
  • 20 lessons
  • IAR CE 2 Credits in Ethics and Professional Responsibility
  • $6 IAR CE reporting fee included

Course Learning Objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

Define fiduciary duty and explain its legal and regulatory foundations under federal and state law.

Apply the duty of loyalty by acting in clients’ best interests, avoiding conflicts, and ensuring full and fair disclosure.

Demonstrate the duty of care through diligent, well-informed, and prudent investment recommendations aligned with client goals and risk tolerance.

Practice good faith and fair dealing by treating clients with honesty, fairness, and transparency in all communications.

Fulfill disclosure obligations by clearly explaining fees, conflicts, compensation arrangements, and service limitations.

Safeguard client confidentiality by protecting sensitive information and complying with data security requirements.

Act within scope of authority by following client instructions consistent with law and contractual agreements.

Meet monitoring responsibilities by regularly reviewing accounts, reassessing suitability, and adapting advice as client needs and market conditions evolve.

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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