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How to Become An Investment Advisor

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What is a Investment Advisor

An investment advisor guides people and businesses toward their financial goals. They are experts in planning, investment strategy, and risk.

They look at each client’s finances and build a tailored plan. The plan may cover shares, bonds, managed funds, and superannuation. They keep up with market trends and rule changes to stay current and compliant.

Each day, investment advisors meet clients, check portfolios, write reports, and explain complex ideas in plain language. They build strong trust with clients, which is key to long-term success in this field.

To practise in Australia, advisors must pass the ASIC financial adviser exam. They must also complete an approved bachelor degree. They need to hold or work under an AFS licence. The career pays well, with skilled advisors earning well above the Australian average wage.

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Career Outlook for Investment Advisor

Investment advisors have strong career prospects in Australia. Around 63,400 people work in this field. The number grows by around 900 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The median age is 44, so there is steady demand for newer entrants.

Most advisors work full-time, averaging 45 hours a week. Median weekly pay is $2,320, which is around $120,000 a year (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Entry roles start from about $70,000. Senior advisors at larger firms can earn above $160,000.

Future demand is rated as moderate (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Australia’s ageing population is driving demand for retirement and wealth advice. The need for skilled advisors is set to stay strong. Joining the FAAA and keeping up your CPD hours can help grow your career faster.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an Investment Advisor

Step 1: Complete an ASIC-Approved Bachelor Degree

Enrol in an ASIC-approved bachelor degree in finance, commerce, or financial planning at an Australian university. Common choices include a Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning) or a Bachelor of Business (Finance). These take three years full-time. Your degree must be on the approved list at fas.treasury.gov.au. The course covers financial markets, tax, managed investments, ethics, and client advice.

Step 2: Pass the ASIC Financial Adviser Exam

Sit the national financial adviser exam, run by ASIC. It tests financial advice law, ethics, superannuation, investments, insurance, and tax. You can sit the exam after you finish your degree. Passing is a legal must before you can give personal financial advice to retail clients in Australia.

Step 3: Complete Your Professional Year

Complete a 12-month professional year under an experienced financial advisor within an AFS-licensed business. The year must include at least 1,500 hours of work and 100 hours of structured training. This step is a must before you can advise clients without supervision.

Step 4: Work Under or Obtain an AFS Licence

To give financial advice by law, you need an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence. Most new advisors start as an approved representative under an existing licensee. Once you have the experience and systems in place, you can apply for your own AFS licence through ASIC. Check current rules at asic.gov.au.

Step 5: Meet CPD Requirements and Join a Professional Body

Once registered, you must complete at least 40 hours of CPD per year. At least 70% must come from ASIC-approved sources. Joining the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) gives you access to resources, events, and professional credentials. This helps build client trust and supports your long-term career.

What does an Investment Advisor do?

Investment advisors spend their days working with clients on financial plans and investment decisions. They check each client’s finances, set clear goals, and build strategies that suit the client’s risk level. They track markets daily, update portfolios when things change, and keep clients in the loop with regular reports. They also make sure all advice meets ASIC rules and the national Code of Ethics. Beyond the numbers, they build strong client trust through clear and honest communication. They take a genuine interest in their clients’ financial success.

Tasks

Investment advisors help clients plan, grow, and protect their finances. They combine market expertise with personal service to deliver strategies that work.

  • Client consultation – meeting clients to understand their goals, risk level, and investment preferences.
  • Financial analysis – reviewing assets, debts, income, and goals to build tailored investment strategies.
  • Investment strategy development – creating plans that match client objectives and current market conditions.
  • Market research – staying updated on trends and economic data to inform advice.
  • Portfolio management – monitoring and adjusting portfolios to optimise returns and manage risk.
  • Regulatory compliance – ensuring all advice meets ASIC standards and the Code of Ethics.
  • Client education – explaining investment options and financial decisions in plain language.
  • Networking – building connections with financial professionals to support client needs.
  • Performance reporting – preparing regular updates on portfolio performance and market conditions.
  • Continuing professional development – keeping skills and qualifications current with CPD requirements.

Skills for Success

To succeed as an investment advisor, you need sharp analytical skills and strong people skills. You need to read market data, spot opportunities, and build plans that fit each client’s goals and risk level.

Clear communication is just as vital. You will explain financial strategies to clients who may have little background in finance. Building trust through honesty and plain language sets the best advisors apart. You also need to stay current with ASIC rules and CPD needs. This keeps your advice relevant and compliant.

Skills & Attributes

  • Financial market knowledge
  • Investment analysis and strategy
  • Risk assessment and management
  • Financial planning and modelling
  • Client relationship management
  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Analytical thinking and problem-solving
  • Ethical judgement and integrity
  • Knowledge of ASIC regulations and compliance
  • Time management and organisation
  • Adaptability to market changes
  • Negotiation and persuasion
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Proficiency with financial planning software

Average Salaries

Investment advisors in Australia earn a median of around $120,000 a year. This is based on a weekly rate of $2,320 for financial investment advisers (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Entry roles usually start from $70,000. Senior advisors at larger firms can earn above $160,000.

min $70 K

max $160 K

av $120 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.