TORONTO, Jan. 20, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, has partnered with the Canadian Institute of Certified Executor Advisors (CICEA) to bring the Certified Executor Advisor designation program to financial advisors across the country. The CEA® is the first and only executor-facing designation in Canada, and the online curriculum provides advisors with a practical level of knowledge, covering all the issues executors may face in the course of their duties. The program has been accredited for up to 30 hours of continuing education credits with numerous organizations, including The Institute for Advanced Financial Education (The Institute), the Financial Planning Standards Council (FPSC), the Continuing Education Course Application Process (CECAP), and the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals (CAAMP).

"We are proud to announce our new relationship with the Canadian Institute of Certified Executor Advisors. The CEA® designation wonderfully complements our existing educational offerings, which are all available on the Advocis Learning Centre," says Greg Pollock, president and CEO, Advocis.

"CICEA is looking forward to an ongoing partnership with Advocis, which will make the Certified Executor Advisor designation available to the thousands within the association's national network. We believe this exciting development will assist industry firms in approving the CEA® for use by their advisors," says Mark O'Farrell, BA, CFP, CLU, CH.F.C, TEP, CEA, president, CICEA.

Financial advisors can attain the CEA® designation to differentiate themselves as those working with executors and testators, adding considerable value while building assets, expanding their client base, and identifying insurance opportunities in and outside of their practice.

For more information on how to earn the CEA® designation, visit www.advocis.ca/ALC/CEA-Designation.aspx.

For media enquiries or more information please contact:

Darlene Francis, Director, Corporate Communications and Marketing, at 416-342-9896 / 1-800-563-5822, ext. 9896 or dfrancis@advocis.ca.

Tweet: Access the CEA, the only executor-facing designation in Canada, on the Advocis Learning Centre bit.ly/CEAdes #AdvocisALC

About Advocis

Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, is the association of choice for financial advisors and planners. With more than 11,000 members in 40 chapters across the country, Advocis is the definitive voice of the profession, advocating for professionalism and consumer protection. Advocis works with decision-makers and the public, stressing the value of financial advice and working toward an environment in which all Canadians have access to the advice they need. Follow us on Twitter @advocis or visit www.advocis.ca.

About CICEA

The Canadian Institute of Certified Executor Advisors regulates the Certified Executor Advisor designation in Canada. The role of the CICEA includes educating candidates to a standardized level of care, conduct and professionalism; providing current and relevant updates, tools and resources; and aiding executors in locating CEAs in their region and by their discipline. www.cicea.ca.

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