Bank Secrecy Act

The Bank Secrecy Act has been controversial since it was first introduced in 1970. This course will provide an overview of the Act, as well as an in depth review of the intricacies of the regulations, a head's up on what the bank examiners are looking for, along with the guidance for building a compliance program to address Bank Secrecy at a Bank

6132

4 Hour(s)

Bank Secrecy Act Essentials

This half-hour Bank Secrecy Act course presents an overview of the critical elements of the Bank Secrecy Act as they apply to branch personnel. It highlights the BSA's main purpose of tracking illegal activities by requiring financial institutions to record and report certain financial transactions. The course also examines the civil and criminal liabilities branch personnel carry for non-compliance

6133

Hour(s)

6137

2.5 Hour(s)

Community Reinvestment Act - Large Banks

Community Reinvestment Act – Large Banks provides an introduction to the Act and its regulations, and explains the community development loans, services and investments that federal regulatory agencies consider when testing for CRA compliance. This course explains the specific CRA standards, examinations and ratings for large banks and wholesale or limited purpose institutions, and how a CRA rating ultimately affects a bank. Students will also learn about the requirements for data management and public disclosure of a bank’s CRA compliance materials.

6136

3 Hour(s)

6156

4 Hour(s)

Fair Credit Reporting Act

This course covers the major provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and how it affects the daily operations of banks and other financial institutions. Major topics include the content of consumer credit reports, how banks use consumer credit reports, adverse action procedures, disputed information procedures, and methods to protect the privacy of consumer financial information. This course also compares the privacy provisions of the FCRA and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.

6154

3 Hour(s)

6155

3.5 Hour(s)

6157

3 Hour(s)

6160

2 Hour(s)

Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is a U.S. government agency that enforces economic sanctions programs. This course provides an overview of OFAC's mission. It also explains how to identify, handle, and report transactions restricted by OFAC.

6171

1 Hour(s)

Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)

This course explains the requirements of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974, otherwise referred to as RESPA. The law was given to the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to implement. This implementation—that is, the specific rules designed to carry out the will of Congress known as Regulation X.

6173

4 Hour(s)

Regulation AA: Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices

This course presents a general overview of the history, purpose and scope of the Federal Reserve System regulation, Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices (Regulation AA). Regulation AA contains the Credit Practices Rule (Subpart B), which sets standards of conduct for extension of credit to consumers by the banking industry. Through practical explanations, students gain knowledge about applying the Credit Practices Rule, including credit contract provisions, state exemptions, and complaint procedures.

6174

2.5 Hour(s)

Regulation B: Equal Credit Opportunity Act

This course examines Regulation B. Students will learn about the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and the scope and purpose of the regulation that implements the Act. Application practices that are discriminatory according to Regulation B are discussed. Guidelines for collecting information that may be related to prohibited categories are examined and examples are given. Rules for applications for credit involving a residence are explained. There is discussion and examples relating to specific rules for evaluating applications using information that may be related to prohibited categories. The requirements for determining an individual’s creditworthiness are explained. Various financial scenarios are examined in terms of signatures that may be required in order to grant credit. The notification requirements for various actions are described. Finally, record retention and the consequences of non-compliance are explored.

6175

3 Hour(s)

Regulation B: Equal Credit Opportunity Act - In Depth

This course examines the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and its implementing regulations, which are collectively referred to as Regulation B. in detail. Students will learn about the scope and purpose of ECOA and Regulation B. Credit application practices that are discriminatory according to Regulation B are discussed. Guidelines for collecting information that may be related to prohibited categories are examined and examples are given. Rules for applications for credit involving a residence are explained. There is discussion (and examples) relating to specific rules for evaluating applications using information that may be related to prohibited categories. The requirements for determining an individual’s creditworthiness are explained. Various financial scenarios are examined in terms of signatures that may be required in order to grant credit. The notification requirements for various actions are described. Finally, obligations regarding furnishing credit information, record retention, self-testing and the consequences of non-compliance are explored.

6176

4 Hour(s)

Regulation C: Home Mortgage Disclosure Act

This course gives an overview of the Act, Home Mortgage Disclosure (Regulation C), which was designed to level the playing field when it comes to home financing.

6177

3 Hour(s)

Regulation C: Home Mortgage Disclosure Act - In Depth

This course gives a detailed analysis of Regulation C (the regulation that implements the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act), which was designed to level the playing field when it comes to home financing.

6178

5 Hour(s)

6179

2.5 Hour(s)

6180

4 Hour(s)

Regulation E: Electronic Funds Transfer

This course covers the key provisions of Regulation E: disclosures, customer notices, requirements for preauthorized transfers, error resolution, and consumer liability for unauthorized transfers. It also reviews new electronic transfer services, such as Internet banking, and how Regulation E applies to them.

6181

4 Hour(s)

Regulation O: Credit to Insiders Act

This course presents an in-depth analysis of Regulation O, the implementing regulation of the Credit to Insiders Act. Regulation O prohibits banks from showing favoritism to their executive officers, directors and principal shareholders (insiders) when extending credit to them or their related interests. Students will learn about the background and basics of Regulation O, who is subject to the regulation, credit terms, how much credit a bank can extend to whom, records, and correspondent accounts.

6182

2 Hour(s)

Regulation U: Margin Stock Act

This course gives a detailed analysis of the Margin Stock Act. The purpose of Regulation U is to limit the amount of credit available to the securities market in an effort to mitigate market volatility.

6183

3 Hour(s)

Regulation Z: Truth in Lending

Regulation Z was implemented to assist consumers, who had been frequently misled about the true cost of credit. In addition, a national standard was necessary so consumers could properly compare different types of loans. This course will provide a solid summary of Regulation Z and the Truth in Lending Act.

6184

4 Hour(s)

Residential Mortgage Regulations

Residential Mortgage Regulations presents a broad overview, covering 7 major regulations that impact mortgage lending. Those regulations include Equal Credit Opportunity, Home Mortgage Disclosure, Real Estate Settlements and Procedures, Truth in Lending, Community Reinvestment, Fair Housing, and Fair Credit Reporting. After completing this course, students will have a better understanding of the broad sweep of the regulatory agencies and the laws they enforce. Students will also learn about each of the 7 major regulations and the requirements they place on organizations.

6185

2 Hour(s)

Right to Financial Privacy Act

The Right to Financial Privacy Act governs Government authority access to financial information maintained by financial institutions. The intent of the Act is to address concerns that governmental agencies were gaining access to citizens' private financial information, without due process. This course covers those and other aspects of the Act.

6188

3 Hour(s)

Account Ownership

The Account ownership course explains account ownerships commonly encountered at financial institutions. Each type of ownership is defined, differentiated from other ownerships, and reviewed for considerations important to financial institutions. This course acknowledges that ownership provisions are governed by state law and bank policies. It includes information on IRS requirements for the proper tax identification number, and explains how account owners can delegate transaction authority by way of a power of attorney.

6125

4 Hour(s)

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) is a large-scale piece of legislation that effects modernization of the financial services industry. The evolution of the financial services industry has necessitated a series of changes to the structure of the companies that provide financial services. And, with the changes of the structure, regulatory modifications have become essential. All of these changes are addressed by the GLBA. This course offers a bird’s-eye view of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. Students will learn about the background of the GLBA, the 7 titles that compose the GLBA, and the effect of those titles on the financial services industry.

6158

3 Hour(s)

Introduction to Banking

What is banking? That is the theme of this overview course and it’s not a question easily answered in today’s complex financial system. This course introduces the participant to a present-day view of banking concepts and functions. Banking jargon and common acronyms are defined and placed into context in this course. Students will discover how banking is a vibrant business that continually evolves to meet the latest financial needs and economic conditions. Students will also see learn how current trends are influencing the future of banking.

6163

4 Hour(s)

Privacy of Consumer Financial Information – Banks

This course covers the provisions of the privacy protection regulations required by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act for banks. It reviews the requirements for content and delivery of initial, annual, and revised privacy notices plus "simplified" notices and "short-form" initial notices. It explains the "opt out" provision and the extensive exceptions and disclosure limits.

6172

3 Hour(s)

Advanced Supervision

This course is designed for the financial services manager or project leader with responsibility for supervising or managing the activities of other employees. Each lesson covers a group of advanced supervision concepts with examples drawn from banking, accounting, and investment environments.

6126

4 Hour(s)

Ethics for Bankers

This course describes the important role of ethics in the banking profession and provides examples of the specific ethical obligations that a banker has to clients, employers and principals, and the public. Students will learn about the nature of the special ethical burden that bankers carry; ethical obligations that bankers have when acting as fiduciaries and agents; specific responsibilities of a banker to a client; responsibilities of a banker to various groups; how an ethical professional contributes to the development of an ethical organization; the codes of ethics of The Risk Management Association and the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.; information to help deal with unethical behavior of others; and ethical decision-making.

6152

4 Hour(s)

Ethics for Financial Services Professionals

This course explorers the perpetually challenging topic of ethical business practices by giving an introduction to ethics, examining ethical obligations to the client, the employing institution and the public, as well as suggestions on how to act in the face of unethical behavior.

6153

6 Hour(s)

Introduction to Supervision

This course is designed for the financial services manager or project leader with responsibility for supervising or managing the activities of other employees. Using examples drawn from banking, accounting, and investment environments, general supervision concepts are discussed. The first lesson introduces three supervision roles. Subsequent lessons describe important tools of supervision: communication, delegation and reporting, and performance management. After successfully completing this course, students will be prepared to apply basic communication and project management skills to your workgroup’s activities. Students will understand the mechanics of the supervisory relationship and the structure of the primary supervision tool, the performance management process. In addition, learners will be exposed to a range of resources for continuing study of supervision concepts and skills.

6166

4 Hour(s)

Annuities Overview

This course introduces the insurance company financial contracts known as annuities. The course details Annuities and all related topics, including a detailed definition of each type of annuity and issues of taxation, benefits, payout options, contributions, and distributions. In Lessons 1 and 2, students learn that fixed and variable annuities give investors the choice between a traditional investment with guaranteed returns, and a personally managed investment with increased risk and a potential for higher returns. Various options for annuity premium payments and payouts are explained. Lessons 3 through 6 discuss tax-sheltered annuity plans. Students learn the benefits and general rules first. Qualified employers are identified and the types of contributions are explained. Tax issues (such as limits on contributions) and distribution rules are described in detail. In Lesson 7, students learn specific rules for calculating the taxable portion of annuity payments.

6128

4 Hour(s)

Auto Insurance

Understanding the automobile policy is essential to ensuring adequate coverage and avoiding surprises in the event of a claim. This course will put students on the right road to that crucial comprehension, and will provide directional advice about securing state-specific auto policy information. Auto Insurance provides a broad overview of the automobile policy, including such important issues as standard liability coverage, state specific coverage, vehicle coverage, additional coverage considerations, and high-risk issues.

6131

2.5 Hour(s)

Disability Insurance

This course will define disability insurance and the key elements within any disability insurance contract. An agent will learn why any consumer should consider disability insurance, and the potential sources of disability coverage a consumer should investigate before purchasing an individual policy. This course describes the different types of disability insurance policies that are available. It also explains how features and coverage differ from policy to policy. The agent will learn how to help a client determine the amount and the kinds of insurance to buy, and how to afford it. This course concludes with checklists an agent can use to help a client make an informed decision.

6146

2.5 Hour(s)

Homeowner’s Insurance - An Overview

Homeowners Insurance combines coverage for property (structures and personal possessions) and liability. More than any other line of coverage, homeowners insurance is substantially standardized throughout the United States (with the exception of Texas). Despite such broad standardization, the policies written by different insurance companies can vary on numerous details, and can be modified by state exceptions. For ease of understanding, Homeowners Insurance: An Overview concentrates on the more generic features of the forms discussed. Students learn the basics of homeowners insurance, including full ownership policies, limited ownership policies, property coverage, personal liability coverage, perils typically not covered, and endorsements.

6159

4 Hour(s)

Introduction to Life Underwriting

This course was designed for the financial services professional selling life insurance. Introduction to Life Underwriting provides an overview of the underwriting process and clarifies how decisions are made. The course analyzes the financial services professional’s role in the underwriting process and discusses how the underwriter utilizes the information collected. The course offers information on how an underwriter measures risk and assigns an appropriate premium. The course concludes with a discussion of legal and medical problems that often arise in the life insurance underwriting process.

6165

3.5 Hour(s)

Life Insurance - An Overview

This course is designed for the financial professional with the responsibility of advising consumers on life insurance as a means of income protection. This course begins with an overview of the basic concepts of life insurance and the different insurance products available. Federal and state insurance regulation and the specifics of the insurance contract are also covered. This course concludes with an explanation of how policies can be further customized to fit a policy owner’s needs.

6167

3.5 Hour(s)

Long-Term Care: Issues, Financing, and the Future

The long-term care needs of America’s aging population have prompted the passage of new laws and the development of new insurance products. This course identifies the long-term care needs facing us and describes the various options available to individuals to meet them. Factors determining who can benefit most from long-term care insurance policies are examined.

6168

3 Hour(s)

Variable Annuities

Features of fixed-rate and variable annuities make them important options for customers concerned with meeting future financial obligations. First, this course explains the key elements and features of annuity contracts and the primary differences between fixed-rate and variable annuities. Financial services professionals will learn how variable annuities, compared to fixed-rate annuities, provide customers an opportunity for higher earnings through a greater range of investment options in subaccounts. This course explains the importance of evaluating investment performance in terms of total return and risk and how asset allocation helps minimize the total risk in a portfolio. The levels of performance and risk of different variable annuity options need to be matched with the customer’s investment objectives. This course explains the importance of communicating information about the risks, ratings, and performance characteristics of the various subaccount investment options to the customer. The course concludes with an explanation of tax implications for variable annuities, and a comparison of variable annuities to IRAs. Students will learn the overall advantages and disadvantages of variable annuities, and how variable annuities can be used to supplement qualified retirement plans.

6193

3 Hour(s)

Variable Life Insurance

In this course, students will learn the differences between variable life and standard life insurance products. Students learn that those differences bring different licensing and selling requirements. In order to meet those requirements, one needs to understand every investment option available in the variable life policy. The course gives an overview of the following variable life investment options: money market funds, bond funds, balanced funds, index funds, growth and income stock funds, small cap growth funds, and international equity funds.

6194

2 Hour(s)

Analyzing Financial Statements

This course provides the basic knowledge needed to start analyzing and understanding financial statements: an understanding of introductory financial statement concepts; the knowledge and skills needed to conduct basic analysis of balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements; and practical experience through hands-on applications of basic financial analysis concepts.

6127

4 Hour(s)

Appraisal Requirements on Residential Real Estate

This course introduces lenders to the regulatory and professional requirements of compliance for residential real estate appraisal. The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices, developed by members of the appraisal profession, are introduced and the process that a lender overseeing a loan application must adhere to is explained.

6129

2.5 Hour(s)

Consumer Loan Documentation

This course will introduce students to the ways that lenders document their consumer loans. Students will find out what specific loan documents mean and the ways loan documents are used after the loan is closed.

6138

3 Hour(s)

Introduction to Consumer Lending

Introduction to Consumer Lending explains consumer lending, the various consumer loan options, and the roles that different lending employees play in the loan process. This course provides the basics of the consumer loan process, including application, underwriting, finalization and disbursement, loan servicing, and collection practices. Finally, this course covers federal regulations that affect consumer lending.

6164

3 Hour(s)

Contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts

An IRA is a personal savings plan that offers federal tax advantages. Depending on the type of IRA, the funds can be used for retirement or certain education expenses. Learn all about the different types of IRAs in Contributions to IRAs. This course presents the overall advantages and limitations of Traditional, Roth, and Education IRAs. Students will learn about specific requirements for each type of IRA, and review detailed explanations in terms of eligibility, contribution requirements and limits, deductibility, transfers, and penalties.

6140

3 Hour(s)

Defined Contribution Plans

The modern work environment has witnessed a dramatic shift from defined benefit plans to employer-sponsored contribution plans. This course introduces the presently popular concept of the defined contribution plan, and details the various types of plans available. Students will learn how the defined contribution plan fits within the qualified retirement plan market, and the specific reasons for its rise in popularity over the last 20 years.

6145

4 Hour(s)

Distributions from Individual Retirement Accounts

An IRA is a personal savings plan that offers federal tax advantages. Distributions From Individual Retirement Accounts offers an in-depth look at the complicated and important world of IRA distributions. Students will learn all about the IRA distribution system and its working parts, including: Traditional IRA background, minimum distributions, penalties, issues of taxation, Roth IRAs, Education IRAs, and new rules regarding IRA distributions.

6148

4 Hour(s)

Employee Investment Accounts - 401(k)

This course begins with an introduction to employer-provided retirement plans, and provides a definition of the 401(k) plan. This course explains how 401(k) plans work, their advantages and disadvantages, and how the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 affects 401(k) plans. Students will learn about contribution limits and excess contributions, how they affect employees and employers, and their tax consequences. This course also covers the rules and taxation issues for withdrawals, lump-sum distributions, and early withdrawals.

6150

4 Hour(s)

Estate Planning

Estate Planning has no universal definition. It is but one component of a sound, overall financial plan. Estate planning provides the legal mechanism for disposing of property upon death in a way that recognizes client’s wishes and the needs of his/her survivors. Nothing in this course will eliminate the need for competent legal counsel. Its purpose is simply to empower the advisor, so that he/she can recognize "red flags," and potential opportunities and solutions while assisting clients in the estate planning process. Advisors need to take care not to cross the line between spotting issues for clients and offering legal advice. Offering legal advice can subject advisors and their employers to liability.

6151

4.5 Hour(s)

Retirement Planning

Prior to the 20th century, retirement was virtually unheard of. But in modern society, workers look forward to the time when they can leave their jobs to lead a leisurely lifestyle without being a burden on family members. Retirement Planning traces the road to, and through retirement. You’ll review elements of successful retirement planning; income tax considerations; the role of Social Security present, past and future; employer-sponsored retirement plans; investing for financial independence; and wealth transfer considerations.

6187

4 Hour(s)

SIMPLE Plans Made Simple

This course gives an overview of SIMPLE IRA Plans, including discussions on contributions, deductions, and distributions. Applicable rules, including taxation, are covered under each topic.

6190

4 Hour(s)

SEPs: Simplified Employee Pensions

This course gives an overview of Simplified Employee Pensions (SEPs), including discussions on contributions, deductions, and distributions. Applicable rules, including taxation, are covered under each topic.

6192

3.5 Hour(s)

Client-Focused Business Development for Bankers

This business development course presents general sales concepts, terms and approaches as well as specific tactics for developing leads, approaching customers, assessing customer needs, asking for business, overcoming objections and following up after the initial sale. Through sample scripts and student practice, you’ll learn techniques to improve effectiveness at various steps in the sales cycle. You’ll recognize effective methods to conduct a needs analysis meeting with a decision-maker, in order to obtain the information you need to write a proposal. This course provides sample scripts demonstrating methods to obtain information from a prospect. This course defines the important elements of presentation meetings, and the steps for developing and making a successful presentation. Students will learn effective ways to overcome objections, to present cost in terms of value, to recognize signs that a customer is willing to buy, and to close a sale smoothly. Finally, this course will describe the importance of business development’s continuing involvement after the sale.

6135

3.5 Hour(s)

Customer Service

This course is designed for the financial services manager or project leader with responsibility for departmental or company-wide customer service improvement. Each lesson will cover a group of general customer service concepts with examples drawn from banking, accounting, and investment environments.

6141

4 Hour(s)

Dealing With Challenging Customers

Despite doing everything you can to please your customers, there will be times when you’re faced with customers who are unhappy. Understanding the cause of their displeasure, and how you should handle the situation will help you to serve all customers better. This course is designed to take you through the process of understanding, handling, and retaining challenging customers. It presents strategies for understanding difficult customers, techniques for diffusing tense situations, and solutions for providing the resolution that a customer demands.

6142

3 Hour(s)

Deceptive Sales Practices in Insurance

This course is designed for the financial services professional who is involved in the sale of insurance. The course provides an overview of improper sales tactics that are frowned upon by state insurance regulators and may even be a violation of the criminal code. The course discusses a wide range of deceptive sales tactics and gives practical examples of each. The course then moves to a discussion of the legal actions that may result from utilizing these improper sales tactics, as well as other ramifications. But most importantly, the course addresses the long-term harm to customers, the salesperson and the industry caused by unethical salespeople who utilize deceptive tactics in the sale of insurance.

6143

3 Hour(s)

No-Nonsense Marketing

The marketing process plays a crucial role in reaching business goals by linking businesses and their customers. In this course, students will learn the 4 steps to develop a marketing plan, including the questions to answer as the plan is developed. Students will learn how to turn prospects into customers using geographic, demographic, and psychographic consumer information and by analyzing customer satisfaction. The step-by-step approach for increasing both market share and share of customer, and for managing the life cycle of a product or service is demonstrated. This course shows how to identify competitors and analyze performance in order to create a strategy to move up the competition ladder. Students will learn the differences between various communication media, and their advantages and disadvantages for reaching various target markets.

6170

3.5 Hour(s)