Advisor continuing education

Advisor continuing education

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Know your alternativesTM

Continuing education for financial professionals.


At FS Investments, we are deeply committed to furthering education on alternative investments. Our firm is dedicated to empowering our partners with the latest on new solutions, potential opportunities and key market trends.

We are proud to offer the following resources.

Fundamentals of alternatives

We offer in-person and on-demand courses for CFP/IWI/CFA credit on topics including private equity, credit and private markets.

To schedule additional learning opportunities, contact your FS Investments representative. 

One male tourist visiting the Yuanyang rice terrace in Yuannan, China. Course label with 1.0 CE credit.

Exploring opportunities in private equity

Dive deep into the investment possibilities

Learn more  
One male tourist visiting the Yuanyang rice terrace in Yuannan, China. Course label with 1.0 CE credit.

Exploring opportunities in private equity

Dive deep into the investment possibilities

Learn more  

Upcoming webinars

Join out investment experts for the latest on economic movements, key market trends and potential opportunities in alternative investments.

Become the bank: The trends driving potential opportunities in CRE lending and credit REITS

Tuesday, September 17, at 3:30 PM ET

1.0 CE Credit | CFP/IWI

Register here  

Recent webinars

Catch up on essential updates and gain CE credit with on-demand recordings of our recent webinars.

Middle market PE secondaries: An expanding opportunity set

1.5 CE Credits  |  CFP, CIMA, CPWA, RMA

The private equity secondary market has surged, with transaction volume reaching a record $68 billion in the first half of 2024 and set to more than double by year end. Join Chief Market Strategist Troy Gayeski, CIO of Portfolio Advisors Liz Campbell and Co-Head of LP Secondaries Justin Lux, as they discuss the factors driving middle market private equity and the expanding opportunity set in the secondary market.

Become the bank: The trends driving potential opportunities in CRE lending and credit REITS

1.0 CE Credit | CFP, IWI

As traditional lenders pull back from commercial real estate lending, private investors are stepping in to offer financing. We examine how macro forces like higher interest rates, sustained but slower economic growth, the near-term potential for the Fed to finally begin cutting rates and bank deleveraging are amplifying potential opportunity for lenders who “become the bank” through funds like private credit REITs.

Politics, policy and markets: Breaking down the impact of the election

1.0 CE Credit | CFP, CIMA, CPWA, RMA

Join FS Investments Chief U.S. Economist Lara Rhame and Head of Public Policy Jason Cole for an insightful discussion focusing on domestic and international policy, debt and deficit dynamics, economic implications, and how alternatives can help navigate uncertainty as election rhetoric reaches a fever pitch.

The Time for Private Credit is Still Now

1.0 CE Credit  |  CFP, CIMA, CPWA, RMA

The private credit asset class has grown from a niche corner of institutional investor portfolios to a multitrillion dollar market accessed by a wide variety of investors. Private credit’s impressive growth has been driven by broad private asset growth, a restrained banking sector and healthy demand for financing. We discuss the growth and opportunities spanning the private credit market.


View all CE webinars  

Partnerships

Explore additional resources for alternatives education through our industry-leading partners.

RIA Channel

We deliver continuing education on demand through our partnership with RIA Channel. Webinars cover a wide range of topics in market trends and alternative investing. 

Explore our webinars  
RIA Channel logo

CAIA® Alternative Education

We consider the CAIA® Alternative Education program to be one of the best available tools for gaining a comprehensive knowledge of alternative investments—as such, we require our entire business development team to attend. We’re pleased to offer sponsorships to key partners who wish to take this course.

To express interest in attending, contact your FS Investments representative.

Deepen your knowledge of private equity investing with a microcredential from CAIA. Developed in part by FS Investments Co-Head of Research & Fund Communications Mike Ludlow and Client Portfolio Manager Dan Wilk, this program provides an in-depth overview on private equity and portfolio implementation. Learn more at: https://caia.org/unifi-private-equity-microcredential.

FAQs

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How do I earn my CE credit?

For both live and on-demand FS Investments webinars, a link will be provided in the console at the event. You are responsible for submitting your information at that time. CE credits will be submitted by an FS Investments representative within 24 hours of the webinar, and then on a weekly basis going forward.

For RIA Channel-sponsored webinars, you are responsible for submitting your information at the time of registration. CE credits will be submitted by an RIA Channel representative. Note that not all replays are available for CE credit.

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What CE designations does your program support?

For live and on-demand FS Investments webinars and RIA Channel-sponsored webinars, the following designations are supported: CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, RMA℠ and CFA®.

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Who do I contact regarding CE credit?

For both live and on-demand FS webinars, reach out to FSThrive@fsinvestments.com.

For RIA Channel-sponsored webinars, reach out to: smartin@riadatabase.com, natalie@riadatabase.com or stephanie@riadatabase.com.

This information is educational in nature and does not constitute a financial promotion, investment advice or an inducement or incitement to participate in any product, offering or investment. FS Investments is not adopting, making a recommendation for or endorsing any investment strategy or particular security. All views, opinions and positions expressed herein are that of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of FS Investments. All opinions are subject to change without notice, and you should always obtain current information and perform due diligence before participating in any investment. FS Investments does not provide legal or tax advice and the information herein should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact any investment result. FS Investments cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. FS Investments makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use, and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information.

Any projections, forecasts and estimates contained herein are based upon certain assumptions that the author considers reasonable. Projections are necessarily speculative in nature, and it can be expected that some or all of the assumptions underlying the projections will not materialize or will vary significantly from actual results. The inclusion of projections herein should not be regarded as a representation or guarantee regarding the reliability, accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, and neither FS Investments nor the author are under any obligation to update or keep current such information.

All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest.

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The case for alternative investing

Credit hours: 1.0 hour
Program description:
private markets have offered investors the potential for higher yields, reduced volatility and lower correlated returns to broader markets. More recently, structural changes in both credit and equity markets have fueled elevated demand for private lenders and investors. This presentation will introduce the broad forms of private market investing—including private credit, private equity and commercial real estate lending—analyze historical performance vs. public market counterparts and explore how investors can access private markets, which have historically only been available to ultra-high net worth allocators. Join us as we explore fundamentals, strategies and areas within private markets that look particularly attractive in today’s economy.
Learning objectives:
Participants should be able to 1) understand the historical performance of private credit and equity markets vs. public credit and equity markets; 2) explain the structural tailwinds that are fueling demand for private lenders; 3) become familiar with the opportunity set within the private equity middle market.
Schedule a live session

The time for private credit is now

Credit hours: 1.0 hour
Program description:
2023 has seen the economy sailing smoothly and markets enjoying the ride. But forward-looking indicators are weakening, economic headwinds are gathering and policy uncertainty is rising as the Fed and other major central banks reach the end of their rate hike cycles. As the impact of tightening monetary policy sets in and equity market leadership narrows, investors face surmounting challenges. To address these challenges, investors must look outside traditional assets to generate income, growth and diversification. In this presentation, we discuss alternative investment strategies that may help investors reach these goals and the trends shaping the opportunity set for alternatives.
Learning objectives:
Participants should be able to 1) understand how fiscal and monetary stimulus has led to widespread asset inflation and its impact on the market environment; 2) explain the effects the current interest rate landscape has on key drivers of fixed income returns; 3) become familiar with asset classes and strategies that may help investors address the challenges facing fixed income.
Enroll now
Schedule a live session

The growing opportunity set in commercial real estate debt

Credit hours: 1.0 hour
Program description:
It’s no secret the commercial real estate market is going through a correction driven primarily by rising mortgage rates. Property values have fallen -12% since July 2022, and cap rates have risen anywhere between 60 bps and 100 bps depending on the sector. Despite ominous headlines dominating the financial press, fundamentals remain strong in most major sectors. Join FS Investments’ Client Portfolio Manager Steve Oblack, as he discusses his outlook for real estate, which sectors offer the greatest opportunities and why now is the ideal time to be a lender in commercial real estate.
Learning objectives:
Despite ominous headlines, fundamentals remain solid in most major sectors, excluding office. We still see strong demand for multifamily, industrial and alternative sectors like self-storage in non-major metro areas with strong underlying economic trends. Power has shifted from borrowers to lenders, who are in a position to drive attractive terms. While transaction volumes are down, we are seeing attractive opportunities to take advantage of higher rates and reduced competition to source attractive opportunities.
Schedule a live session

Exploring opportunities in private equity

Credit hours: 1.0 hour
Program description:
Private equity has become a powerful force in the global financial landscape, driving innovation, fostering growth and creating substantial value. As structural changes in equity markets push companies to stay private longer, investors are increasingly allocating to private equity to capitalize on the growing opportunity set. This presentation will introduce the various types of private equity financing, including venture capital, growth equity, buyout and special situations. It will also explore how investors can access private equity through either direct equity or primary and secondary investments in a fund. Join us as we explore the fundamentals, strategies and areas within private equity that look particularly attractive in today’s economy.
Learning objectives:
Participants should be able to 1) understand how fiscal and monetary stimulus has led to widespread asset inflation and its impact on the market environment; 2) explain the effects the current interest rate landscape has on key drivers of fixed income returns; 3) become familiar with asset classes and strategies that may help investors address the challenges facing fixed income.
Enroll now
Schedule a live session

The time for alts is now

Credit hours: 1.0 hour
Program description:
With interest rates near zero, economic and earnings growth slowing, the duration of traditional fixed income assets at all-time highs, and elevated inflation proving stickier than anticipated, we argue that a traditional stock and bond portfolio faces increasing headwinds and the prospect of lower forward returns versus the last decade. To address these challenges, investors must look outside traditional assets to generate income, growth, and diversification. In this presentation we discuss alternative investment strategies that may help investors reach these goals and the trends shaping the opportunity set for alternatives.
Learning objectives:
Participants should be able to 1) understand how fiscal and monetary stimulus has led to widespread asset inflation and its impact on the market environment; 2) explain the effects that the current interest rate landscape has on key drivers of fixed income returns; 3) become familiar with asset classes and strategies that may help investors address the challenges facing fixed income.
Schedule a live session

Opportunities for growth amid growing risks in traditional markets

Credit hours: 1.0 hour
Program description:
As the impact of historic global monetary tightening sets in, equity market leadership narrows and inflation remains elevated, we argue that a traditional stock and bond portfolio faces increasing headwinds and the prospect of lower forward returns versus the last decade. To address these challenges, investors must look outside traditional assets to generate income, growth and diversification. In this presentation we discuss alternative investment strategies that may help investors reach these goals and the trends shaping the opportunity set for alternatives.
Learning objectives:
Participants should be able to 1) understand how fiscal and monetary stimulus has led to widespread asset inflation and its impact on the market environment; 2) explain the effects the current interest rate landscape has on key drivers of fixed income returns; 3) become familiar with asset classes and strategies that may help investors address the challenges facing fixed income.
Enroll now