FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear signed into law recently Senate Bill (SB) 298, legislation that requires investment advisers registered in Kentucky to develop and implement written business continuity plans and cybersecurity plans. It also establishes new continuing education requirements for investment adviser representatives.
“In today’s world, all businesses should prepare for possible disruptions, whether from a pandemic, severe weather events or cybersecurity incidents,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “We need to promote best practices when it comes to firms that provide investment advice and manage our people’s hard-earned money. These common-sense requirements will help make sure investment advisers put clients’ interests first and minimize potential harm from service disruptions.”
Kentucky has more than 160 state-registered investment advisers, which manage more than $3 billion in assets. In addition, approximately 6,300 individuals are registered as investment adviser representatives (IARs) in Kentucky.
Under the new law, IARs must complete annual continuing education requirements in two areas: Ethics and Professional Responsibility, and Products and Practices. Most other financial professionals are already required to engage in continuing education.
“The financial service industry changes rapidly, and investment adviser representatives must stay informed of trends, statutory changes and industry standards,” said Marni Rock Gibson, Securities Division Director at the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). “The continuing education program will promote compliance with regulations, while also helping IARs better serve their clients.”
Kentucky is the sixth state to adopt a continuing education requirement for IARs, and multiple other states are expected to pass similar laws in 2022. The continuing education, business continuity and cybersecurity provisions in SB 298 are all based on model legislation from the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA).
DFI will hold Town Hall events in the coming months to address questions and provide investment advisers and investment adviser representatives with information about the new law’s requirements. SB 298 goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2023.
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