Financial planning and management have become indispensable in today's world. Whether it's providing investment advice, retirement planning, or financial risk management, a financial advisor can be an invaluable asset to individuals and businesses alike.
India's finance industry has witnessed tremendous growth over the past few years, with the sector projected to grow at a rate of 7.5% over the next decade. If you're considering a career in finance, becoming a finance advisor could be an excellent choice for you.
In this step-by-step guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about becoming a finance advisor in India.
What Does a Finance Advisor Do?
A financial advisor is responsible for helping clients make informed decisions about their investments, savings, and insurance plans. This involves assessing clients' financial goals and risk tolerance levels, developing a customised plan, and monitoring its progress over time.
To become a finance advisor in India:
- You need to have at least a graduate degree in finance or related fields like accounting, economics, or business administration.
- It is also important to gain practical experience through internships or entry-level positions.
- You must register with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
- Once you have completed your education and gained some practical experience, you can apply for finance advisor roles.
Some basic skills required to be successful in this role include:
- Analytical skills: As a finance advisor, you will need to evaluate financial data and market trends to make informed decisions.
- Communication skills: You will need to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively.
- Attention to detail: Accuracy is crucial when dealing with finances.
Job Roles and Salary Expectations
There are many career paths available within the industry for finance advisors in India.
As a finance advisor in India, wealth management, investment banking, financial analysis, and risk management are some of the most popular specialisations.
- Wealth managers work with high-net-worth individuals to manage their portfolios.
- Investment bankers raise capital for companies through IPOs or private placements.
- Financial analysts evaluate investment opportunities for clients based on market trends and economic conditions.
- Risk managers identify potential risks to a business or investment portfolio and develop strategies to mitigate them.
You could work your way up from an entry-level analyst position to become a portfolio manager or executive at a financial institution.
Here's a look at different job roles and salaries in the finance industry:
Education and Certification Options
To become a finance advisor in India, you'll need a strong foundation in economics, accounting, or finance.
Bachelor's degrees in finance or accounting can provide you with fundamental knowledge of financial systems and help you develop analytical skills that are necessary for the role of finance advisor.
Master's degrees in finance or MBA programmes with specialisations in finance can help you gain more advanced knowledge about financial markets, investment management techniques, and risk analysis methodologies.
Apart from academic degrees, there are several certifications that can enhance your credibility as a finance advisor, which include:
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP),
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA),
- Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA)
- Financial Risk Manager (FRM)
- Certificate in Investment Banking (CIIB)
Other popular certification programmes available in India include:
- National Institute of Securities Markets Certification
- NSE Academy Certification in Financial Markets
- BSE Institute's Certifications
- Association of Mutual Funds of India Certification
- Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Certification
Upskilling Opportunities
Online courses and specialisations are a convenient way to upskill as a finance advisor in India. Here's a list of popular upskilling programmes:
- NSE Academy Certified Capital Market Professional Programme
- Moody's Analytics Certification Programmes
- Financial Modelling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA)
- CFA Programme
Industry Growth and Trends
The Indian finance industry has been experiencing significant growth over the past few years. According to a report by KPMG India, the industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 8% between 2019 and 2025.
One trend that has emerged in recent years is the rise of fintech companies. These startups are disrupting traditional financial institutions by offering innovative products and services such as digital payments, lending platforms, and robo-advisory services.
Another trend is the increasing demand for sustainable investments. Investors are becoming more conscious of their impact on the environment and society, leading to a growing interest in socially responsible investing (SRI) or environmental social governance (ESG) investing.
FAQs
1. Can a CA become a financial advisor?
Yes, Chartered Accountants (CA) can become financial advisers by completing additional certifications like CFP or RIA.
2. Is it hard to be a financial advisor?
Becoming a financial advisor requires dedication and hard work. However, with the right education and skillset, anyone can pursue this career path.
3. How many financial advisors fail?
The failure rate among new financial advisors is estimated to be around 90% within the first three years of their careers.
4. Do banks have financial advisors?
Yes, many banks have in-house financial advisers who guide customers on investment options.
5. What are the drawbacks of being a financial advisor?
Some drawbacks include high-pressure sales targets, long hours, and emotional strain from handling clients' investments during market uncertainties.
Congratulations on taking the first step towards becoming a finance advisor! With the right education, certification, and upskilling, you can build a successful career with ample job opportunities and salary potential.
Remember that WIZR is here to help you choose the best certification programmes and upskilling opportunities. With our financing options, you can focus on building your career without worrying about financial burdens.
