RE 5: The Complete Financial Services Compliance Course

Module 2: Fit-and-Proper Requirements Understanding Competency, Ethics, and Professional Standards Module Overview In this module, you’ll master the Fit-and-Proper Requirements — the essential competency, honesty, and operational standards that every financial representative must meet under the FAIS Act. This module dives deep into the rules governing supervision, the debarment process, and maintaining professional ethics to ensure compliance and operational excellence. By combining structured lessons, real-world scenarios, and knowledge checks, Module 2 ensures you gain the expertise needed to meet these critical compliance standards and excel in your role. What You Will Learn By the end of this module, you will: ✅ Understand the fit-and-proper requirements, including competency, CPD, financial soundness, and ethical behavior. ✅ Learn the supervision arrangements for new representatives and the role of key individuals in ensuring compliance. ✅ Master the debarment process: When it applies, the steps involved, and how appeals work. ✅ Apply fit-and-proper concepts to real-world scenarios to ensure readiness for the exam. Module Breakdown This module consists of three focused lessons: Lesson 1: What Are Fit-and-Proper Requirements? Understand the four key pillars of fit-and-proper requirements: Competency (qualifications, experience, and CPD). Financial soundness. Operational ability. Honesty, integrity, and good standing. Learn how these standards are monitored and upheld. Lesson 2: Supervision of Representatives Discover the rules for supervising new representatives under the FAIS Act. Understand the role of Key Individuals in ensuring compliance through supervision, mentorship, and oversight. Explore examples of effective supervision frameworks. Lesson 3: The Debarment Process Define debarment and when it applies (failure to meet fit-and-proper standards). Learn the steps in the debarment process: Identification and notification. Investigation and hearings. Appeals and re-entry into the industry. Explore the consequences of non-compliance and the impact of debarment on representatives. How You Will Learn To ensure you fully understand and retain the content, this module includes: ✅ Structured Lessons: Clear, in-depth explanations with real-world examples. ✅ Interactive Activities: Quizzes, case studies, and knowledge checks to apply what you’ve learned. ✅ Supplementary PDFs: Fit-and-Proper Requirements Overview: Definitions, CPD timelines, and standards. Supervision Guide: Key Individual’s role in monitoring compliance. Debarment Flowchart: A step-by-step breakdown of the debarment process. Why Module 2 Matters The fit-and-proper requirements are at the heart of financial services compliance. As a representative, understanding these standards is critical to maintaining your professional status and protecting clients. This module ensures you are fully equipped to meet fit-and-proper standards, avoid debarment, and operate with professional integrity and confidence. What’s Next? After completing Module 2, you’ll move on to Module 3: Duties of Key Role Players, where you’ll learn about the responsibilities of Key Individuals, Compliance Officers, and the FAIS Ombud in upholding financial services regulations. Ready to master the professional standards of financial compliance? Let’s begin Module 2. 🚀 Key Features: Thorough Content Coverage: Every aspect of fit-and-proper requirements, supervision, and debarment is explored. Practical Insights: Real-world examples and interactive exercises help solidify your understanding. Clear Supporting Material: Supplementary PDFs and flowcharts make studying efficient and effective.

Module 3: Duties of Key Role Players Master the Responsibilities of Key Individuals, Compliance Officers, and the FAIS Ombud Module Overview In this module, you’ll dive into the roles and responsibilities of the critical role players in the financial services industry: Key Individuals, Compliance Officers, and the FAIS Ombud. These individuals and entities ensure compliance with the FAIS Act, protect client interests, and uphold professional and ethical standards. By understanding the duties, powers, and processes associated with these roles, you’ll gain a clear picture of how compliance is managed and enforced within the industry — essential knowledge for passing the RE 5 exam. What You Will Learn By the end of this module, you will: ✅ Understand the leadership and operational duties of Key Individuals. ✅ Learn the compliance monitoring and reporting responsibilities of Compliance Officers. ✅ Master the role, powers, and processes of the FAIS Ombud in handling client disputes and upholding industry standards. ✅ Apply your understanding to real-world case studies and exam-style scenarios. Module Breakdown This module consists of three detailed lessons: Lesson 1: Duties of Key Individuals Who Are Key Individuals?: Understanding their role in overseeing FSP operations. Operational Responsibilities: Ensuring compliance with the FAIS Act and fit-and-proper requirements. Supervising representatives to maintain ethical and professional standards. Leadership Duties: Developing internal processes for compliance. Promoting a culture of accountability and professionalism. Consequences of Non-Compliance: Explore penalties for failure to fulfill Key Individual duties. Real-world examples of leadership failures leading to debarment or disciplinary action. ✅ Outcome: Learners will understand the critical role of Key Individuals in maintaining compliance and operational standards. Lesson 2: Duties of Compliance Officers What Is a Compliance Officer?: Understanding their role in monitoring and reporting on FSP compliance. Core Responsibilities: Monitoring adherence to the FAIS Act and General Code of Conduct. Conducting internal audits and compliance reviews. Reporting breaches and recommending corrective actions. Complaint Monitoring: Managing complaints to ensure regulatory timelines and requirements are met. Case Study: Analyze a scenario where a Compliance Officer detects and addresses breaches within an FSP. ✅ Outcome: Learners will gain a full understanding of the monitoring and reporting duties of Compliance Officers and their role in complaint resolution. Lesson 3: The FAIS Ombud – Powers and Processes Who Is the FAIS Ombud?: Introduction to the role of the Ombud in handling complaints and disputes. Powers of the Ombud: Investigating and resolving client complaints. Issuing rulings and recommending corrective actions. Complaint Resolution Process: Step-by-step process of escalating a complaint to the FAIS Ombud. Timelines, requirements, and documentation. Real-World Examples: Study cases where the FAIS Ombud intervened and issued rulings in client disputes. ✅ Outcome: Learners will understand the FAIS Ombud’s role, powers, and how complaints are escalated and resolved. How You Will Learn To ensure you fully grasp the content, this module includes: ✅ Structured Lessons: Step-by-step breakdown of Key Individual, Compliance Officer, and Ombud duties. ✅ Interactive Exercises: Case studies: Apply your understanding to real-world compliance challenges. Quizzes: Test your knowledge on key roles and responsibilities. ✅ Supplementary PDFs: Key Individual Duties Guide: A checklist of leadership and operational responsibilities. Compliance Officer Framework: Monitoring, auditing, and reporting processes. FAIS Ombud Complaint Flowchart: Visual guide to complaint escalation and resolution. Why Module 3 Matters Key Individuals, Compliance Officers, and the FAIS Ombud are the gatekeepers of financial compliance. Understanding their roles, duties, and powers is critical for operating ethically and professionally in the financial services industry. By mastering this module, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to answer scenario-based questions in the RE 5 exam and navigate compliance processes confidently in your career. What’s Next? After completing Module 3, you’ll move on to Module 4: Complaint Handling Process, where you’ll learn how to effectively resolve client complaints and ensure compliance with FAIS regulations and timelines. Key Features Thorough Coverage: Every duty, responsibility, and power explained in depth. Practical Scenarios: Real-world case studies to reinforce learning. Supporting Tools: Checklists, flowcharts, and PDFs for quick revision and clarity.

Module 4: Complaint Handling Process Master the Steps, Standards, and Timelines for Resolving Client Complaints Module Overview In this module, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the Complaint Handling Process under the FAIS Act. You’ll explore the steps required to handle client complaints effectively, the importance of adhering to regulatory timelines, and the role of escalation to the FAIS Ombud. This module provides a detailed, practical breakdown of complaint resolution, ensuring you can confidently manage disputes in a compliant and professional manner — critical knowledge for both the RE 5 exam and real-world applications. What You Will Learn By the end of this module, you will: ✅ Understand what constitutes a complaint under the FAIS Act. ✅ Learn the steps involved in handling complaints effectively. ✅ Master the regulatory timelines and escalation procedures, including when and how to refer complaints to the FAIS Ombud. ✅ Apply the complaint-handling framework to real-world scenarios and case studies. Module Breakdown This module consists of three focused lessons, meticulously structured for clarity and actionable learning: Lesson 1: Defining a Complaint Under the FAIS Act What Is a Complaint?: Understand the FAIS Act definition of a complaint: Allegations of financial loss, prejudice, or improper conduct. Client dissatisfaction with service delivery or advice provided. Types of Complaints: Explore examples of complaints related to: Misrepresentation or lack of disclosure. Poor advice or intermediary services. Breaches of ethical conduct. The Importance of Proper Handling: Learn why timely and compliant complaint resolution is critical for client trust and regulatory compliance. ✅ Outcome: Learners will clearly understand what qualifies as a complaint and why proper handling is essential under the FAIS Act. Lesson 2: Steps for Handling Complaints The Complaint Handling Framework: Step-by-step guide to resolving complaints: Acknowledge receipt of the complaint (timelines). Investigate and document the issue. Communicate findings to the client transparently. Offer resolution or corrective action. Regulatory Timelines: Learn the timeframes set by the FAIS Act for each step of the process. Understand the importance of providing updates to clients within stipulated time limits. Internal vs External Escalation: Distinguish between internal resolution and escalation to the FAIS Ombud. ✅ Outcome: Learners will master the steps and timelines involved in handling complaints effectively and in compliance with FAIS regulations. Lesson 3: Escalation to the FAIS Ombud When to Escalate: Learn when a complaint qualifies for escalation to the FAIS Ombud. Identify conditions such as failure to resolve complaints internally. How the Ombud Resolves Complaints: Step-by-step escalation process: Submission of supporting documents and timelines. Ombud’s investigation and ruling process. Case Studies: Analyze real-world examples of complaints handled by the FAIS Ombud, including rulings and outcomes. ✅ Outcome: Learners will confidently escalate unresolved complaints to the FAIS Ombud and understand the external resolution process. How You Will Learn To ensure you master the complaint-handling process, this module includes: ✅ Structured Lessons: Detailed explanations, step-by-step frameworks, and real-world examples. ✅ Interactive Activities: Case studies: Analyze complaint scenarios and determine compliant actions. Quizzes: Test your understanding of complaint steps, timelines, and escalation triggers. ✅ Supplementary PDFs: Complaint Handling Flowchart: Step-by-step visual guide for resolving complaints. FAIS Ombud Escalation Checklist: Documentation and conditions for Ombud referrals. Complaint Timeline Reference: Breakdown of all regulatory timeframes for resolution. Why Module 4 Matters The complaint-handling process is a core focus of the RE 5 exam and an essential skill for financial professionals. Proper handling ensures compliance, preserves client trust, and protects the reputation of financial service providers. This module equips you with the tools and knowledge to manage disputes confidently and escalate issues appropriately when necessary — critical for passing the RE 5 exam and operating successfully in your career. What’s Next? After completing Module 4, you’ll move on to Module 5: The General Code of Conduct, where you’ll learn the ethical responsibilities, transparency requirements, and strategies for managing conflicts of interest. Key Features Practical Frameworks: Step-by-step breakdowns and checklists for complaint resolution. Real-World Applications: Case studies and escalation scenarios to build confidence. Clear Supporting Tools: Flowcharts and PDFs for efficient revision.

Module 5: The General Code of Conduct Master Ethical Standards, Transparency, and Conflict Management in Financial Services Module Overview In this module, you’ll master the General Code of Conduct, a foundational element of the FAIS Act that sets out the ethical and professional standards for financial service providers (FSPs) and representatives. You will learn how to: Maintain professional integrity. Ensure full transparency when providing financial advice and services. Identify and manage conflicts of interest effectively. This module focuses on ensuring you not only understand the Code but can apply it practically in real-world situations and answer related exam questions with confidence. What You Will Learn By the end of this module, you will: ✅ Understand the General Code of Conduct’s principles, including transparency, honesty, and ethical service delivery. ✅ Learn the importance of full disclosure and effective communication with clients. ✅ Identify conflicts of interest and strategies for managing and mitigating them. ✅ Apply the Code through real-world case studies and compliance scenarios. Module Breakdown This module consists of three highly focused lessons that leave nothing to chance: Lesson 1: General Duties of Financial Service Providers (FSPs) Core Ethical Duties: Providing services with honesty, fairness, and diligence. Prioritizing the best interests of clients at all times. Disclosure and Communication: Importance of clear, transparent, and accurate communication. Examples of full disclosure, including: Fees, commissions, and product details. Risks and potential conflicts of interest. Record Keeping: Understand the legal requirements for documenting advice and interactions with clients. ✅ Outcome: Learners will know the ethical responsibilities of FSPs and representatives, with clear examples of compliant behavior. Lesson 2: Transparency and Full Disclosure What Must Be Disclosed?: Learn the critical elements that must be disclosed to clients: Product terms, costs, and conditions. Risks and benefits of financial products. Advisor relationships and potential conflicts of interest. Examples of Good vs Poor Disclosure: Analyze real-world scenarios where transparency was or was not upheld. The Consequences of Non-Disclosure: Learn the penalties and reputational risks of failing to disclose information properly. ✅ Outcome: Learners will confidently apply transparency principles to ensure compliant, client-centered communication. Lesson 3: Identifying and Managing Conflicts of Interest What Is a Conflict of Interest?: Definition and examples of conflicts, such as: Incentives from providers (e.g., commissions, bonuses). Personal interests that conflict with client needs. Managing Conflicts of Interest: Strategies for identifying, mitigating, and disclosing conflicts, including: Conflict management frameworks. Written policies and reporting. Practical Case Studies: Explore real-world scenarios and how conflicts were identified and resolved effectively. ✅ Outcome: Learners will understand how to identify conflicts of interest and implement practical solutions to manage them. How You Will Learn To ensure you master the General Code of Conduct, this module includes: ✅ Structured Lessons: Clear breakdowns of duties, transparency, and conflict management principles. ✅ Interactive Activities: Case studies: Analyze examples of ethical dilemmas, disclosure, and conflicts of interest. Knowledge checks: Multiple-choice quizzes to reinforce key concepts. ✅ Supplementary PDFs: Ethical Duties Cheat Sheet: A quick-reference guide for the core ethical responsibilities under the Code. Transparency Checklist: Ensuring complete disclosure of product details, fees, and risks. Conflict of Interest Framework: Steps and strategies to manage conflicts effectively. Why Module 5 Matters The General Code of Conduct defines the ethical and professional standards expected of every financial services provider and representative. It ensures that clients receive honest, transparent, and fair treatment — the very foundation of trust in the industry. Mastering this module prepares you to: Apply ethical principles in real-world scenarios. Navigate common challenges like disclosure failures and conflicts of interest. Answer exam questions related to the General Code confidently and accurately. What’s Next? Once you’ve completed Module 5, you’ll move on to Module 6: Final Exam Readiness and Mock Test, where you’ll consolidate all your learning through exam tips, practice questions, and a full-length mock exam. Key Features Comprehensive Coverage: Every ethical duty, disclosure requirement, and conflict resolution strategy is explained in detail. Real-World Scenarios: Practical case studies reinforce the application of the General Code in real-life situations. Quick-Reference Tools: Supplementary PDFs for efficient revision and exam preparation.

Module 6: Final Exam Readiness and Mock Test Consolidate Your Knowledge and Test Your Exam-Readiness Module Overview In this final module, you’ll consolidate everything you’ve learned across the course and test your knowledge with a full-length mock exam designed to simulate the real RE 5 exam experience. You’ll get exam strategies, practice questions, and in-depth feedback to build your confidence and ensure you’re 100% ready to pass the RE 5 exam. What You Will Learn By the end of this module, you will: ✅ Understand the RE 5 exam format, types of questions, and key focus areas. ✅ Learn proven exam tips and strategies to answer questions accurately and efficiently. ✅ Test your knowledge with a realistic mock exam covering all RE 5 syllabus topics. ✅ Review answers with detailed explanations to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Module Breakdown This module consists of two key sections to ensure complete exam preparation: Section 1: RE 5 Exam Strategies and Preparation Tips Understanding the RE 5 Exam Format: Overview of the exam structure: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Scenario-based questions. Time management strategies for completing the exam within the allocated time. Top Exam Tips: How to approach: Elimination techniques for multiple-choice questions. Step-by-step methods for analyzing and answering scenario-based questions. Tips for managing exam anxiety and maximizing focus. Key Focus Areas for the Exam: Recap the most critical topics across all modules. A checklist of must-know concepts to prioritize during final revision. ✅ Outcome: Learners will gain a clear strategy for tackling the RE 5 exam confidently and efficiently. Section 2: Full-Length RE 5 Mock Exam Realistic Exam Simulation: 50 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): Covering all syllabus topics: FAIS Act fundamentals. Fit-and-proper requirements. Complaint handling processes. Roles of Key Individuals, Compliance Officers, and the FAIS Ombud. General Code of Conduct principles. 5 Scenario-Based Questions: Practical, real-world scenarios testing critical thinking and compliance application. Answer Review and Explanations: Each question includes: The correct answer. A detailed explanation of why the answer is correct. References to the specific lesson/module where the topic was covered. ✅ Outcome: Learners will identify their strengths and weaknesses, solidify their understanding, and gain the confidence to pass the RE 5 exam. How You Will Learn To ensure you’re exam-ready, this module includes: ✅ Practical Strategies: Tips and tools to approach the exam effectively. ✅ Realistic Mock Exam: A timed, structured test designed to reflect the actual RE 5 exam. ✅ Detailed Feedback: Immediate access to explanations and references for every question. Why Module 6 Matters A mock exam is more than just practice — it’s a critical final step in preparing for success. This module brings everything together, allowing you to test your knowledge, strengthen weak areas, and walk into the exam fully prepared. By simulating the actual RE 5 exam experience, you’ll gain the confidence, clarity, and skills to pass on your first attempt. What’s Next? Once you’ve completed the mock exam and reviewed your answers, you’ll be ready to sit the RE 5 exam with absolute confidence. Key Features Focused Preparation: Exam tips, strategies, and revision of key focus areas. Realistic Mock Exam: Simulates the real RE 5 format and difficulty. Answer Explanations: Clear, detailed explanations to reinforce understanding. Confidence Building: Practice under exam conditions to eliminate uncertainty. Final Thoughts Module 6 is the ultimate capstone of this course, tying together all your learning and preparing you for success. It’s not just about passing — it’s about walking into the RE 5 exam with unshakable confidence and walking out with the results you deserve. Let’s finish strong and get you ready to dominate the exam. 🚀