The Association of Investment Companies has launched an Adviser Centre developed by IFP Fellow Jackie Lockie.

The focus of the sessions will be on giving advisers the knowledge and confidence to recommend investment companies to clients as part of long-term portfolios.

The free online training sessions begin on 13 October and last no longer than an hour each. Viewers can ask questions during the live sessions and if they miss a session, recorded versions can be viewed online afterwards.

They will be based on the Financial Services Authority and the Financial Skills Partnership syllabi and build up to Level 4 as the sessions progress.

Jackie Lockie FIFP CFP^CM said: “Investment trusts are one of the best kept secrets but have come up as a major point in the RDR.

“Financial advisers seem to be fine with open-ended funds such as OEICS and unit trusts but are not so confident on closed-ended funds.

“These sessions are live and hosted by me so I’ll be answering any questions and doing polls to keep them as interactive as possible and make sure people aren't falling asleep!."

The first sessions cover the basics of investment companies while later sessions include analysing the behavior and risks of investment companies and information on venture capital trusts.

Later sessions include online tests and are relevant for CPD. The AIC is also looking at having the session approved by the IFP.

In addition to the sessions, the Adviser Centre features information on investment companies such as daily statistics and investment company guides and factsheets.

Ian Sayers, director general of the AIC, said: “I have been impressed by the willingness of advisers to consider what investment companies have to offer and I hope our Adviser Centre, and the free training programme which is its centrepiece, can help to deliver on their expectations.”