iShares, the exchange-traded funds platform of BlackRock, has launched an accredited continuous professional development webinar course to help advisers increase and formalise their knowledge of ETFs ahead of the implementation of the Retail Distribution Review.

iShares’ CPD course will support advisers in filling qualification gaps and consists of three 30 minute modules, available within the Adviser ETF resources microsite at uk.ishares.com.

The first module provides an overview about ETFs and their relevance for financial advisers. Subsequent modules provide information on the different types of ETF structures on the market, how to select the right ETF and incorporating them within a portfolio. They have been accredited by both the Institute of Financial Planning and the Chartered Insurance Institute, with advisers earning 0.5 CPD hours and 20 CPD credits for undertaking each module.
 
David Gardner, head of sales for iShares EMEA, says: “2012 is a year of transition for financial advisers, ahead of the introduction of the RDR at the start of 2013. An immediate priority for many is to identify and address any gaps in their qualifications, since these must be filled by the end of this year. Our new accredited CPD course is part of a suite of educational materials, tailored to the needs of UK advisers which we have built up over several years to support them at a time of transformational change.
 
“ETFs are amongst the most regulated and most transparent investment vehicles available today, and many advisers are finding them a timely and cost-effective way to access markets and implement asset allocation decisions. In our view, the RDR will create greater interest in passive investment vehicles and in ETFs. We are committed to providing advisers with the information they need to be able to advise on them effectively.”