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How to Become A Financial Dealer

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What is a Financial Dealer

A Financial Dealer buys and sells financial products on behalf of clients. They work in some of Australia’s most fast-paced settings: banks, trading firms, and investment houses. Every trade they make can have a direct impact on a client’s financial outcome.

The work involves gathering market data, reading financial reports, and watching trading screens for signals. When the moment is right, a Financial Dealer places buy or sell orders and relays the results to clients. Speed, accuracy, and sharp thinking are the tools of the trade.

Most Financial Dealers work full-time, averaging around 47 hours a week (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). About 85% of people in this field are employed on a full-time basis. The role is mainly based in Sydney, which accounts for over half of all dealer jobs in Australia.

If you love finance and thrive under pressure, this career can be both exciting and well-paid. It takes solid qualifications, a passion for markets, and a drive to keep learning. For those who put the work in, it is one of the more rewarding paths in Australian finance.

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Career Outlook for Financial Dealer

Financial Dealers work in one of Australia’s most dynamic industries. The median age in this field is 41 (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Most dealers are employed full-time, averaging 47 hours a week. The workforce is mainly based in Sydney, with NSW accounting for over 51% of all jobs. About 85% of Financial Dealers work full-time, well above the national average.

Pay is strong. Median full-time weekly earnings are $2,651 (ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025). That equals around $138,000 a year. This is well above the all-job median of $1,852 a week. Future demand is rated as moderate by the Australian Government. The role has seen modest job losses, with annual growth at -400 (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Candidates with strong skills and AFS authorisation are well placed for roles in Sydney and Melbourne.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Financial Dealer

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor of Commerce, Finance, or Economics

Complete a bachelor degree in commerce, finance, economics, or actuarial science at an Australian university. Full-time study takes three years. These degrees cover financial markets, investment theory, accounting, and economic analysis. Around 72% of current Financial Dealers hold a bachelor degree or higher (ABS Census, 2021). This makes a degree the standard entry path into the role.

Step 2: Apply for a Graduate Role or Internship in Financial Markets

Apply for graduate roles or internships at banks, broking firms, or investment houses. Most firms run structured graduate programmes lasting 12 to 24 months. This hands-on experience covers trading, client work, and compliance. Sydney and Melbourne are the main employment hubs. NSW accounts for over 51% of all Financial Dealer jobs in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025).

Step 3: Get Authorised Under an Australian Financial Services (AFS) Licence

Make sure you are authorised to deal in financial products before you advise or trade for clients. Anyone who deals in financial products must hold or work under an AFS licence. ASIC issues these licences under the Corporations Act 2001. As an employee, you will usually be an authorised representative under your firm’s licence. Review the current requirements on the ASIC website (asic.gov.au).

Step 4: Complete the AFMA Financial Markets Accreditation Programme

Sit the AFMA Financial Markets Accreditation exam to show your knowledge of the field. The Australian Financial Markets Association (AFMA) runs this industry-recognised programme. It covers market rules, conventions, and professional conduct standards. Preparation typically takes three to six months alongside full-time work. AFMA Accreditation signals to employers that you meet national standards.

Step 5: Register with the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)

Register with the ASX if your role involves trading on Australian exchange-traded markets. Dealers who work on the exchange need specific participant or market access approval. The process covers background checks, competency assessment, and formal approval. Check the current conditions on the ASX website (asx.com.au). Requirements vary by role and the products you deal in.

Step 6: Pursue the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Credential

Consider the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) credential to advance your career. The CFA Program has three exam levels and typically takes two to four years to finish. It is issued by the CFA Institute and is the top global award in investment analysis. CFA Societies Australia supports local candidates and members. The credential is highly valued for senior dealer and portfolio management roles.

What does a Financial Dealer do?

A Financial Dealer’s day starts with scanning the markets for conditions and signals. They gather data on securities, rules, and client situations. Then they analyse that data fast to spot the best opportunities. When the time is right, they place buy or sell orders. Clients get quick updates on trade details, prices, and contract numbers. They also track futures prices, bid on commodity contracts, and log each transaction with care. It is a role that rewards sharp thinking and steady nerves.

Tasks

Financial Dealers work at the heart of Australia’s financial markets. They handle trades, track market moves, and keep clients informed every step of the way. The role is diverse, demanding, and genuinely exciting for anyone who loves finance.

  • Gathering data on securities, market conditions, government rules, and client finances
  • Reading data from securities reports, financial news, and trading screens
  • Analysing financial markets and products to spot trends and opportunities
  • Advising clients on market conditions, financial tools, and company prospects
  • Executing buy and sell orders in the market on behalf of clients
  • Relaying trade details to clients, including number of contracts, type, and price
  • Monitoring futures prices and market changes, and bidding on commodity futures contracts
  • Recording and transmitting buy and sell orders with accuracy
  • Calculating and recording the costs of each transaction

Skills for Success

Financial Dealers need a mix of sharp thinking and people skills. They must read market data fast, spot patterns, and make quick decisions under pressure. Technical skill and clear talk both count in this role.

Communication matters throughout the job. Dealers explain complex trades in plain terms to clients. They also need to understand financial rules and stay current as they change. Adaptability, integrity, and a drive to keep learning all help dealers build a strong career in this field.

Skills & Attributes

  • Strong analytical and numerical skills
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Knowledge of financial markets and instruments
  • Data reading and research skills
  • Mathematical aptitude
  • Client relationship management
  • Understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements
  • Quick decision-making under time pressure
  • Negotiation skills
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Adaptability to changing market conditions
  • Skill with trading platforms and financial software
  • Ethical judgement and integrity

Average Salaries

The average full-time salary for a Financial Dealer in Australia is around $138,000 a year. This is based on median weekly earnings of $2,651 (ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025). Pay varies with experience, firm size, and bonuses. Entry-level roles start below this figure, while senior dealers at major banks can earn much more.

min $75 K

max $220 K

av $138 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.