The courses provide certified training focused on investment companies, a sector IFAs must consider when dispensing independent advice in order to comply with the RDR.
It is anticipated that RDR will result in growth in the use of trusts among IFAs as the removal of commission, wider availability and better understanding across the industry is expected to boost their popularity.
Jacqueline Lockie, training manager for the AIC, said: “These training sessions will provide a free and comprehensive way for advisers to get up to speed on investment companies and understand the many benefits that they can bring to clients’ portfolios.”
Investment companies differ from unit trusts in that they are companies in their own right with a fixed number of shares and they are able to borrow to enhance performance.
The AIC also highlighted that they are particularly attractive for income investors as their structure allows them to hold back gains in the good years which can be used to maintain dividends in difficult times.
The training sessions, accredited by the Institute of Financial Planning, last an hour and count towards advisers’ annual continuing professional development requirements.
They will take place in February and March. To view a list of the sessions, see the topics available and register, IFAs should visit www.theaic.co.uk/adviser-centre
