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How to Become A Financier

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What is a Financier

A financier is a finance professional who helps people and businesses get the right loans, insurance, and investment products. It’s a hands-on, client-facing career in one of Australia’s biggest industries. If you love numbers and enjoy helping others, this could be a great fit.

On a typical day, a financier meets with clients to learn about their financial goals. They research loan and investment options, compare products, and build strategies to suit each client. They also handle paperwork and stay across the latest finance rules and market changes.

Tasks include assessing home loan applications, arranging business finance, and managing investment portfolios. Financiers work with banks, lenders, and other finance professionals to get deals done. Good communication and a sharp eye for detail make a big difference in this role.

It’s a career with real variety, from first home buyers to big commercial deals. As you build experience, you can specialise, grow your client base, or move into management. The finance sector in Australia is active, so there are solid opportunities for those who put in the work.

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Career Outlook for Financier

Around 17,100 people work as finance brokers and financiers in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The occupation has Moderate future demand, meaning opportunities are stable and steady. The sector is driven by Australia’s strong home ownership culture and ongoing demand for financial products.

The median weekly wage is $1,635, or around $85,000 a year (YourCareer.gov.au, 2025). Full-time financiers work an average of 46 hours per week. Experienced brokers and those with investment credentials can earn well above the median.

The role offers variety and independence. Many financiers work for themselves or in small broking firms, setting their own hours and building their own client base. There is a clear path from junior broker to senior adviser or practice owner. This makes it a rewarding long-term career choice.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

How to Become a Financier in Australia

Step 1: Complete the Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking (FNS40821)

Enrol in the Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking (FNS40821) at a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO). This takes 12 to 24 months part-time and covers loan processing, credit applications, and client needs assessment. It meets the minimum education standard set by ASIC under Regulatory Guide 206 for credit licence applicants.

Step 2: Complete a Bachelor of Finance, Commerce, or Economics

For roles in investment finance, corporate finance, or financial advisory, complete a bachelor’s degree at an Australian university. Most programs run for three years full-time. Core subjects cover financial analysis, corporate finance, investment management, and economic theory. A degree gives you a strong base for higher-level roles and professional accreditation.

Step 3: Obtain an Australian Credit Licence or Become an Authorised Representative

To operate as an independent financier in Australia, apply for an Australian Credit Licence (ACL) through ASIC. If you are starting out, you can work as an authorised credit representative (ACR) under an existing licensee instead. This status is required under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009. The ACL application process typically takes one to three months.

Step 4: Join a Professional Association and Meet CPD Requirements

Join the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) or the Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA). Membership gives you access to industry resources, professional development, and a dispute resolution framework. Both bodies require members to complete continuing professional development (CPD) each year. This also supports your ASIC licence obligations.

Step 5: Advance with the Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management (FNS50322) or the CFA Program

Once you have two or more years of experience, consider the Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management (FNS50322). Enrol at a TAFE or RTO for 12 to 18 months part-time. This opens doors to senior broking and management roles. For investment-focused careers, enrol in the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program through CFA Institute. The CFA program takes two to four years and is recognised in investment management worldwide.

What does a Financier do?

Financiers in Australia work across a wide range of tasks each day. They meet with clients to review their finances and find the right products, from home loans to investment accounts. They compare lenders, run numbers on risk, and put together written strategies and reports. They also handle regulatory paperwork and keep their knowledge current as rules and markets change. The job is a mix of research, communication, and problem-solving, making no two days exactly alike.

Tasks

Financiers help clients get the most from their money. Every day looks different, from meeting clients to chasing approvals and analysing market data. Here are the key tasks you will take on as a financier.

  • Client consultation – meeting clients to understand what they need and what they want to achieve
  • Financial analysis – digging into financial data to find the best options and advice
  • Investment strategy – creating smart, tailored plans based on each client’s goals
  • Market research – staying on top of trends and economic shifts to guide clients
  • Risk assessment – spotting potential risks in financial decisions and showing clients how to manage them
  • Loan arrangement – helping clients get home loans, mortgages, and other finance approved
  • Portfolio management – tracking and fine-tuning investment portfolios to get results
  • Regulatory compliance – making sure everything is done by the book under ASIC’s rules
  • Reporting – writing up detailed reports on performance and outcomes for clients
  • Networking – growing a network of lenders, financiers, and referral partners

Skills for Success

To thrive as a financier, you need a good head for numbers and a genuine interest in how money works. Strong analytical skills let you dig into financial data and make sense of it for clients. The better you are at this, the better your advice.

Communication is just as vital. You will need to explain complex products in plain English so clients feel confident in their decisions. Listening well and asking the right questions helps you understand exactly what each client needs.

A solid grasp of financial regulations is also a must. ASIC’s rules cover how you can operate and what you must disclose. Staying on top of these keeps you compliant and builds client trust.

Great time management, attention to detail, and a talent for building relationships all matter in this career. These skills help you handle multiple clients at once while still giving each one attention.

Skills & Attributes

  • Analytical and numerical reasoning
  • Attention to detail
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Financial modelling and data analysis
  • Knowledge of financial products and markets
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Ethical judgement and integrity
  • Adaptability to market and regulatory changes
  • Knowledge of ASIC regulations and compliance
  • Proficiency in financial software and tools
  • Networking and relationship management
  • Time management and organisation

Average Salaries

The average yearly salary for a financier in Australia is around $85,000 (source: YourCareer.gov.au, 2025). This is based on median weekly earnings of $1,635 for finance broker roles. Entry-level positions typically start around $55,000. Experienced financiers can earn up to $130,000 or more. Pay varies with experience, specialisation, and the client base size.

min $55 K

max $130 K

av $85 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.