Staying Competent in a Field That Is Constantly Changing

New Learning Objectives for Continuing Professional Education 2027

The financial world never stands still. New technology is changing the way you work, clients have different expectations, and societal developments are finding their way into financial practice at an ever-faster pace. What does AI mean for financial advice? How do you deal with new forms of investment? And how do you keep the client’s best interests in mind as markets, products, and information become increasingly complex?

The new learning objectives for DSI Continuing Professional Education 2027 are aligned with these changes in professional practice. They form the basis for the PE programs that training providers are currently developing. View the new learning objectives on this page: www.dsi.nl/leerdoelen-permanent-vakbekwaam-2027

What does this development mean for your work?

If you look at the learning objectives for 2027, you’ll see familiar topics, such as sustainable investing, geopolitics, cryptocurrency, regulation, and digitization. But there’s also a clear trend emerging.

It’s becoming less and less about simply knowing what’s changing. What’s becoming more important is what such a development means for your work, your client, and your own responsibilities as a professional.

This is particularly evident in the field of Artificial Intelligence. AI can assist with analysis, service delivery, and advice. At the same time, the professional remains responsible for the final outcome. That is why various learning objectives for 2027 focus specifically on the accuracy, explainability, and appropriateness of analyses and recommendations.

The Person Behind the Financial Decision

The customer also receives special attention. For example, the learning objectives for retail professionals cover behavioral finance: how does our behavior influence the decision to invest or not, and the choices we make along the way? In addition, topics such as risk tolerance, fiduciary duty, and product suitability remain important.

That fits in with a financial world in which the new investor has access to an ever-increasing amount of information, products, and platforms. Social media, for example, can influence trading behavior and market sentiment and also plays a role in opaque or fraudulent investments.

From AI to sustainability: society is making its way into your profession

The learning objectives for 2027 highlight just how closely the financial profession is connected to what’s happening around us. Artificial Intelligence, Crypto, Sustainable Finance, Compliance, and Integrity are addressed from various perspectives. So are geopolitics, cybercrime, digitization, and changing financial markets.

In this, we also recognize the seven themes that DSI continues to explore: Integrity, Compliance, Sustainable Finance, Artificial Intelligence, Crypto, The New Investor, and The Hybrid Professional.

These are different topics, but in practice they often overlap. New technology can offer opportunities, but it also raises questions about responsibility. A new investment product requires knowledge, but also a careful assessment of risks and the client’s best interests. And sustainable investing requires not only knowledge of the rules, but also a transparent and well-reasoned explanation for the client.

Developed Based on Real-World Experience

It is no coincidence that the learning objectives are so closely aligned with current developments. They are determined in collaboration with and by experts from the financial sector—professionals who understand the realities of the field and know which developments and dilemmas require attention.

Compared to 2026, 2027 takes this a step further. Topics such as AI, sustainability, geopolitics, and digitization were already clearly on the agenda back then. The new learning objectives highlight more clearly what these developments specifically require of you as a professional.

And that is precisely where professional competence and integrity intersect. DSI’s core principles—such as “Take responsibility,” “Focus on customer interests,” “Communicate openly,” “Show expertise,” and “Act honestly”—provide guidance when new developments raise questions. The ten core principles form the essence of the DSI Code of Conduct.

Ready for 2027

Continuing Professional Education means staying up to date with your profession—not by blindly following every new development, but by understanding what those developments mean for your work, for your clients, and for the choices you make every day.

The new learning objectives form the basis for the PE programs that training providers are currently developing. You are expected to be able to start the new PE program in February 2027 at an accredited training provider of your choice.