Is annual IRA training for the entire bank staff mandatory?

No. It's only a good idea.

IRA rules are not as dynamic as many vendors describe them as being. Aside from the COLA effects on dollar amounts, recent changes have been of minimal importance and affect very few customers. On the other hand, IRAs are a seasonal product and employees who do not deal with them all of the time simply forget the basics in the off season.

Sometimes, they will say "I already knew that." In my experience, the fact they heard it before does not mean they knew it. Repetition keeps the valuable information at the top of the pile.

Thanks Ken, I didn't think it was mandatory, but my boss does!