Launch of IA Learning to provide cyber security training

Thursday 22 March 2018

The Investment Association (IA) has today announced the launch of IA Learning - a new online training portal created specifically for the asset management industry. As part of the expansion of the IA’s training services, and in response to the increasing focus on the management of risk, IA Learning will also provide a suite of GCHQ certified courses on General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and cyber security awareness.

With employees playing a critical role in defence against cyber threat, the IA’s training will assist those working in the asset management industry to identify and minimise the risk from cyber threats. The ten new GCHQ certified courses on cyber security will cover key topics such as social engineering, removable media, remote & mobile working, Bring Your Own Device (BOYD) and phishing.

Offering over 60 modules, IA Learning will also enable those working in the asset management industry to receive training on all aspects of governance, risk and compliance as it applies to current regulation. The new training provides simple, practical guidance for all staff and covers topics such as MiFID II and GDPR, as well as financial crime issues such as anti-money laundering and fraud.

Chris Cummings, Chief Executive of the Investment Association, said:

"Cyber security is at the top of the agenda for the financial services sector. Training employees to recognise and respond to risks is a key part of an asset management firm’s defence against cyber threats. These threats are constantly evolving and it is vital that as an industry we continually invest to protect our businesses and our customers from potential cyber security breaches.

"The expansion of our training service is part of the IA’s wider commitment to ensuring that those working in the asset management industry have access to high quality training and acquire the necessary knowledge to do their job to the highest standard that customers expect."

The modules offered by IA Learning will be reviewed and expanded on an ongoing basis in response to the changing regulatory and business environment to ensure that it meets the needs of asset management firms and their employees. IA Learning can also be used towards Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as part of an employees’ or firms’ investment in their skills and knowledge.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

To view the IA Learning portal & to sign up for a free 14-day trial: https://www.theinvestmentassociation.org/ialearnin...

For media enquiries:

Victoria Jonson, Interim Head of Communications: [email protected]
T +44 (0)20 7269 4696

Helen Ayres, Media Relations Manager: [email protected]
T +44 (0)20 7269 4696, M +44 7508 724066

For training enquiries:
Ryan White, Head of Learning and Development: [email protected]

About the Investment Association (IA):

• The IA champions UK asset management, supporting British savers, investors and businesses. Our 240 members manage £6.9 trillion of assets and employ 93,500 people across the UK.
• Our mission is to make investment better. Better for clients, so they achieve their financial goals. Better for companies, so they get the capital they need to grow. And better for
• the economy, so everyone prospers.
• Our purpose is to ensure investment managers are in the best possible position to:
  • Build people’s resilience to financial adversity
  • Help people achieve their financial aspirations
  • Enable people to maintain a decent standard of living as they grow older
  • Contribute to economic growth through the efficient allocation of capital.
• The money our members manage is in a wide variety of investment vehicles including authorised investment funds, pension funds and stocks and shares ISAs.
• The UK is the second largest investment management centre in the world, after the US and manages 37% of all assets managed in Europe.