Registered investment advisors are taking advantage of online courses offered by Charles Schwab Advisor Services revealing a demand for RIA training.
On Wednesday, Schwab announced that since it launched Schwab Advisor University in June, over 5,600 RIA employees from more than 2,500 firms participated in its online courses to help improve firm operations. Schwab launched its Advisor University in response to a 2009 Schwab research study which found that 67 percent of advisors surveyed said it would be useful to receive training on how to best use Schwab’s technology tools available through Schwab’s website, Schwab Advisor Center.
When it launched courses were developed in areas critical for any RIA firm: New Accounts, Account Servicing, Move Money, and Trading & Research. New courses will be unveiled on regulatory topics, cost basis legislation, rebalancing, product launches, and position journaling, reported Schwab.
“RIA firms are increasingly focused on maximizing profitability and efficiency, and they recognize that their back office staff is crucial in helping to make that a reality,” said Nick Georgis, vice president at Schwab Advisor Services, in a press release. “The strong level of adoption we have seen for Schwab Advisor University speaks directly to RIA firms’ desire to increase their team’s knowledge and productivity. We understand their needs and we will continue to tailor a curriculum to help them meet their needs.”
The online curriculum is self-paced and allows for flexibility so staff can plan around their schedules. In addition, Schwab offers regional events and workshops covering practice management topics important to RIAs such as managing client profitability, recruiting new advisors and compensation succession planning.
