The Independent Financial Brokers of Canada (IFB) and Winnipeg-based Knowledge Bureau have formed an alliance to bring continuing education (CE) to more than 4,000 IFB members, the two organizations announced Wednesday.

The alliance aims to meet the CE needs of independent financial advisors so that they can remain on top of changes and developments within the industry

“IFB has been working to expand its educational scope, and a strategic alliance with the Knowledge Bureau seemed like the next logical step. The Knowledge Bureau has a strong reputation as an independent provider of high quality certification and specialization programs, and is a natural fit for IFB and the independent financial professionals it represents,” says Nancy Allan, executive Director, IFB, in a statement..

“We are very proud to partner with the IFB to present a comprehensive, online educational program focused on enhancing the knowledge and skills of financial advisors who want to take the advice they give to the next level,“ says Evelyn Jacks, president, Knowledge Bureau, in a statement.

“Using the discipline of Real Wealth Management, these highly trained professionals, armed with new credentials, will be better equipped to consolidate and build on their client relationships with valuable, holistic advice leading to obvious benefits: more satisfying results and client referrals,” Jacks adds.

Building on the education alliance, Susan Allemange, IFB director of policy and regulatory affairs, will speak at Knowledge Bureau’s Distinguished Advisor Conference, being held Nov. 11-14 in Quebec City. Her topic is The Intersection of Ethics, Compliance And Technology In The Evolving Nature Of Advice.

“Everyone is trying to manage the tension between a sales environment and the giving of professional advice,” says Allemange in a statement. “But is it a conflict that can be resolved?”

In addition, the IFB Summits being held this fall in Ottawa, Saskatoon, Vancouver, Alberta and Toronto will welcome Knowledge Bureau instructors, who will discuss Tax Risk Management in Succession Planning.