Toronto-based Canadian Securities Institute (CSI) has launched a Certificate in Advanced Mutual Funds Advice (CMFA).
CSI says the addition of this new option is part of the financial services education group’s strategy to offer specialized credentials that help advisors meet growing consumer expectations and raise the bar in the professionalization of advice.
Designed for mutual fund advisors who are managing a book of business, the new certificate provides in-depth investment and financial planning knowledge that extends beyond basic licensing requirements.
The CMFA program will also provide advisors with expert knowledge on managing their practice within the regulatory framework, while meeting ethical standards.
The goal is to help advisors develop practical expertise in mutual fund management so they can better serve the needs of their clients and successfully build and maintain a book of business.
“The new Certificate in Advanced Mutual Funds Advice will equip those looking to enter mutual fund advice and advance their careers in this space with the specialized knowledge and tools they need to operate a successful advice practice,” says Marshall Beyer, senior director, CSI.
CSI says the CMFA will also provide advisors with the flexibility to advance their financial services career. The certificate acts as a pathway towards achieving either the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Personal Financial Planner (PFP) designations. It can also be viewed as a credit towards the IIROC basic licensing requirement for advisors who choose to move in that direction.
CSI also notes that senior advisors managing a team can also benefit from the CMFA program by leveraging it as a talent management and succession planning tool. Experienced advisors looking to pass their business on to a younger generation can use the certificate program as an incentive to attract new associates and develop the expertise of their high-potential junior staff.
The requirements for the certificate include the successful completion of a mutual fund licensing course, such as CSI’s Investment Funds Course (IFC), and two professional knowledge courses – CSI’s Fundamentals of Financial Planning and CSI’s Building a Mutual Funds Advisory Practice. The Fundamentals of Financial Planning Course teaches learners to assess, develop and deliver an effective financial plan tailored to the client’s specific needs. The Building a Mutual Funds Advisory Practice Course provides professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to grow their book of business. All three courses are available online.