• Financial Advisor

    • Core Competencies

      The Financial Advisor should have:

      (a) A thorough understanding of financial products, financial markets, capital markets, structured products, portfolio and wealth management practices;
      (b) A good understanding of financial services activity relevant to the licensee and the wider industry and its regulatory environment;
      (c) In-depth knowledge of financial planning principles and expertise in creating and executing customised financial plans based on the unique needs and goals of clients;
      (d) Expertise in identifying and managing risks related to clients' portfolios, such as market risk, inflation risk, interest rate risk, and liquidity risk;
      (e) Ability to assess clients’ risk tolerance, risk capacity, and time horizon, and to recommend appropriate investment strategies based on these factors;
      (f) Comprehensive understanding of investment products such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds), REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts), and alternative investments like private equity and hedge funds;
      (g) Familiarity with asset allocation, diversification, and portfolio management strategies, as well as understanding risk tolerance and how it influences investment decisions;
      (h) Strong understanding of deal structuring, investment research, financial planning and financial analysis;
      (i) Understanding of AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations, ensuring that the advisor performs due diligence on clients and monitors financial activity for suspicious behaviors;
      (j) Ability to use financial models and software to forecast outcomes and recommend strategic changes; and
      (k) Knowledge of ethical codes such as those set by professional bodies like Certified Financial Planner Board (CFP Board), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA Institute), or other relevant regulatory bodies.
      Added: March 2025

    • Experience and Qualifications

      (a) A minimum experience of 3 to 5 years in financial advice or asset management; and

      (b) Hold a relevant academic/professional qualification which include but are not limited to:

      (i) Certified Financial Analyst (CFA);
      (ii) IFA Certificate for Financial Advisers;
      (iii) Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA);
      (iv) General Securities Representative Qualification (Series 7);
      (v) Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (The Chartered Insurance Institute - CII);
      (vi) ACI Dealing Diploma/Certificate (The Financial Markets Association);
      (vii) Any Securities Institute certification.
      Added: March 2025