Understanding the Evolving Role of Advisors: Strategies for Compliance, Legal Duties, and Ethical Decision-Making in Today's Financial Landscape
Today’s financial world—and the role of the CPA—has grown far more complex. In addition to traditional responsibilities like tax preparation, audits, and financial planning, advisors are now routinely called upon for guidance in areas such as estate planning, family trusts, foundations, and real estate partnerships. Clients are living longer, and as they age, many rely increasingly on their advisors—not just for financial advice, but for decision-making support, blurring the line between advisor and fiduciary.
This course explores the evolving fiduciary role of the CPA over the past 35–40 years and how it is defined in today’s professional environment. It addresses the legal and ethical responsibilities that come with this role and offers practical strategies for managing compliance and reducing the risk of liability. Whether you're already serving in a fiduciary capacity or anticipate doing so, this course helps you navigate the challenges with clarity and confidence.
This portal is provided as a training and development resource for City of Markham employees. Every course is delivered by a qualified subject matter expert or learning organization, is quantifiable in hours, and is verifiable — you receive a documented certificate of completion for every course you finish, stored on LearnFormula indefinitely.
If you hold a professional designation (for example in engineering, accounting, human resources, or law), courses may be counted as professionally relevant, verifiable learning activities toward your continuing professional development. Individual practitioners are responsible for confirming that an activity meets the requirements of their professional body. For questions about the City of Markham's training and development policies, please speak with your people leader or Human Resources.
