Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for Investment Advisor
An Investment Advisor is a professional who advises clients on investment strategies and other financial decisions. They analyze financial data and provide insights and recommendations. In this blog post we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Investment Advisors.
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Main Responsibilities of Investment Advisor
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an Investment Advisor:
Accept
Accept and process orders over the phone or in person.
Act
Act on business opportunities and present information to partners so they can reach their goals.
Adhere to
Adhere to all aspects of the Know Your Client standards, policies and procedures.
Adhere to compliance and risk management rules.
Adhere to internal risk mitigation policies and industry rules / regulations.
Advise
Advise clients on investment strategies and other financial decisions.
Advise clients on the products and services that meet their needs and investment objectives.
Analyze
Analyze data and information to provide insights and recommendations.
Analyze information / trends and apply it to individual client circumstances.
Analyze issues and determines next steps.
Analyze member / client investment needs and recommend personalized solutions.
Arrange
Arrange and process cheques and securities for credit to client accounts.
Arrange for sale of financial products and investments.
Assess
Assess and recommend investments suitable for member's short term and long-term goals.
Assess customer satisfaction and service quality, follow up, and make improvements as needed.
Assist in
Assist in meeting internal and external compliance standards.
Assist in the development of investment plans and written proposals for prospects and clients.
Assist Investment Advisors with processing and confirming client transactions.
Assist other team members with opening, billing and closing accounts as volumes warrant.
Assist Portfolio Manager with re-balancing and trading.
Assist supervisor with activities surrounding periodic account billing.
Assist with day-to-day portfolio and investment strategy review and asset allocation rebalancing.
Assist with managing the due diligence and closing process after a buyer is awarded a deal.
Assist with onboarding of new clients by collecting and verifying KYC information.
Attract
Attract and develop a consistent client base.
Build
Build and maintain a powerful reputation through clear and consistent two-way communication.
Build effective relationships with internal / external stakeholders.
Build investor confidence in the company's vision and ability to deliver investor value.
Build strong relationships within the community, local partners and centers of influence.
Collaborate with
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver on business objectives.
Collaborate with Senior Executives to prepare and implement the strategy for meeting business goals.
Communicate
Communicate effectively, Complexity, Interpersonal Savvy, Situational adaptability.
Communicate effectively, Drive results, Interpersonal Savvy.
Communicate effectively, Interpersonal Savvy, Situational adaptability.
Complete
Complete, check and forward various forms related to account openings.
Complete tasks with minimal direction / supervision.
Conduct
Conduct meetings, presentations, seminars with current and / or potential clients.
Conduct ongoing research on markets and investments, provide regular updates to the advisory team.
Conduct ongoing research on markets and investments, providing regular insights to the team.
Conduct research and follow up as needed to deliver quality service.
Contact
Contact clients with specific buy / sell recommendations as directed by the portfolio manager.
Contact or meet with clients to discuss market trends.
Contact potential clients within the firm's policies and guidelines.
Contribute to
Contribute to business development and the acquisition of new clients.
Contribute to the environment of high performance by growing a book of clients that you manage.
Contribute to the growth of the business by finding new clients.
Coordinate
Coordinate and implement Social Media and marketing campaigns.
Coordinate marketing activities on behalf of several Investment Advisors.
Craft
Craft narratives including location and market write-ups, strategy, and timelines.
Create
Create customized action plans for clients to build appropriate Investment Portfolios.
Deliver
Deliver a superior client experience in assisting clients with day to day cash management requests.
Deliver our investment experience to clients.
Determine
Determine the risk tolerance of clients.
Develop
Develop a comprehensive investor relations framework and strategy.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients and internal departments.
Develop and recommend financing alternatives to present to producers.
Develop and recommend financing alternatives to present to the Producer.
Develop and retains long-term client relationships and delivers an exceptional client experience.
Develop an overall understanding of the client's investment strategy in order to best service them.
Develop financial plans for clients.
Develop new and maintain existing client relationships.
Develop personally tailored investment solutions for clients.
Direct
Direct support staff in the professional and personable delivery of client service.
Distribute
Distribute client documentation to all relevant internal partners.
Educate
Educate and simplify the methodology used for clients.
Educate and update investors, analysts and company shareholders.
Ensure
Ensure account maintenance, operations, and escalations are managed and resolved in a timely manner.
Ensure administrative tasks are completed, meeting company compliance standards.
Ensure all business is in conformity with Bank Policies and other guidelines.
Ensure customer needs are met or exceeded.
Ensure processing is within regulatory and firm guidelines for advisory accounts.
Ensure successful completion of overnight backup and rotate media.
Escalate
Escalate complex or unresolved client situations.
Establish
Establish and maintain reciprocal relationships across all Echelon teams and stakeholders.
Establish and maintain reciprocal relationships with partners.
Establish local contacts, and partner with community organizations to make an impact.
Establish relationships with existing and new high net worth individuals, families & business owners.
Execute
Execute risk management practices through the adherence to our policies and procedures.
Execute trades, cash movement, and frequent purchase plan instructions from clients.
Exempt
Exempt Market Dealer License / Registered with OSC or Canadian Securties Course.
Facilitate
Facilitate and be part of the client on-boarding process.
File
File quarterly and annual statements for client investments.
Focus on
Focus on each client experience and connect on a personal level to make every interaction meaningful.
Follow
Follow through on the investment actions approved by clients.
Follow up
Follow up on orders to ensure proper settlement and delivery.
Fulfill
Fulfill client sales and service activities in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Gather
Gather and formats data into regular and ad-hoc reports, and dashboards.
Gather, file and send documents.
Gather information from various stakeholders.
Generate
Generate leads, registered clients, high-net-worth, and institutional investors for investment sales.
Grow
Grow your network to create lasting connections that will generate future opportunities.
Help
Help build marketing material.
Help clients establish their financial plan to ultimately realize their unique vision.
Help their clients at key moments in their lives achieve their financial goals and dreams.
Identify
Identify and make referrals to other business groups.
Identify buy / sell opportunities.
Identify clients' financial goals and objectives.
Identify opportunities and proactively refer them to the advisor.
Identify opportunities for asset consolidation and referrals.
Identify opportunities that will lead to an increase in our client base.
Implement
Implement and administer a CRM and gather pertinent client data to build maintain the database.
Implement changes to portfolios by trading equity and fixed income securities.
Implement changes to portfolios by trading equity, fixed income and money market securities.
Implement continuous improvement.
Implement investment policy decisions, monitor asset mixes and rebalance portfolios.
Interface
Interface with graphic designers.
Keep
Keep current on emerging trends and keep others informed and up to date on work status, progress.
Lead
Lead weekly analyst meeting to answer questions and help grow future talent.
Maintain
Maintain account lists and compile statistical information and reports.
Maintain a culture of risk management, adhere to internal policies and procedures.
Maintain and grow assets under management.
Maintain and organizes client database.
Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of investment products.
Maintain appropriate communication to satisfy clients according to established standards.
Maintain bank employee referral summary.
Maintain proper documentation of investment actions taken on behalf of clients.
Maintain strong knowledge and understanding of Financial Services, Capital Markets and Economic data.
Maintain the confidentiality of client and Bank information.
Make
Make photocopies of various documents.
Make your annual sales and assets under management goals.
Manage
Manage and build long-term relationships with affluent and high net worth clients and their families.
Manage and complete client account opening and correction processes with all parties involved.
Manage client accounts by using the team's investment management process.
Manage daily client inquiries and transactions.
Manage positions to be in line with models.
Manage positions to be in line with policy.
Mentor
Mentor junior associates and analysts in real estate underwriting / financial modeling.
Monitor
Monitor changes in the stock market and trends likely to affect member / client investments.
Monitor service quality and productivity.
Monitor the evolution of the stock market and sector trends likely to influence clients' investments.
Organize
Organize work and information to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Oversee
Oversee projects or work streams within broader projects and provide mentorship.
Participate in
Participate in ongoing professional development.
Participate in seminars for clients and prospects, in collaboration with team members.
Perform
Perform additional administrative duties as required.
Perform any other related task assigned by the supervisor.
Perform complex financial modeling and spreadsheet analysis.
Perform various administrative tasks associated with direct mail advertising and billing.
Plan
Plan, develop and coordinate workshops and seminars.
Platform
Platform and Infrastructure to build on Diversify and Expand Investment Niche.
Prepare
Prepare and process new account documentation.
Prepare and vets client / prospect calls lists.
Prepare New Issues & Private Placement documentation.
Prepare weekly marketing update reports to clients.
Process
Process and follow-up on client documentation for proper maintenance of accounts.
Process the data gathered from various systems and produce reports and documents, as per needs.
Promote
Promote and integrate the use of technology to enhance "team” efficiency.
Promote the service offering associated with this business model to enhance client engagement.
Protect
Protect the Bank's assets and complies with all regulatory, legal, and ethical requirements.
Provide
Provide additional research and context on Equity, Mutual Fund and fixed Income products.
Provide all stated reports to the Advisor on the 1st of each month.
Provide basic financial planning.
Provide each client with a completed Progress Review within 90-days of the original engagement date.
Provide / gather information through good communication skills (both verbal and written).
Provide input into the planning and implementation of operational programs.
Provide portfolio composition advice and market commentary when required.
Provide proactive client service on the phone and in person, respond to client inquiries.
Provide to clients and potential clients the necessary information on financial products.
Rectify
Rectify issues with ICA Sales Review.
Refer
Refer clients and may collaborate and partner professionally with other TD areas.
Request
Request information and documentation from clients to open and update accounts.
Research
Research and resolve issues, errors or billing discrepancies in a timely manner.
Resolve
Resolve complex client escalations, ensuring complete client satisfaction.
Respond to
Respond to buyer questions regarding properties and the overall commercial real estate market.
Return
Return all phone calls to clients and prospects by the end of the day.
Review
Review, administer and follow-up on all Compliance related queries.
Review, administer and follow-up on credits and debits.
Review and communicate portfolio performances to clients.
Review, monitor and report on investment portfolios regularly for targeted strategy.
Review portfolios regularly and rebalance them with guidance from the advisory team.
Review underwriting workbooks / financial exhibits / statements for prospective values.
Serve
Serve an existing clientele within an established and experienced team.
Share
Share best practices, information and expertise with colleagues.
Stay on top of
Stay on top of market conditions and products available on the market.
Support
Support branch or team business objectives by identifying ongoing business opportunities.
Support portfolio managers in portfolio management related activities.
Support the development and execution of the business strategy and business planning activities.
Support the PM by identifying and assisting growth of new business opportunities.
Think
Think creatively and proposes new solutions.
Track
Track progress as required.
Trade
Trade stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other investment products on behalf of investors.
Understand
Understand the importance of Compliance with established operating procedures and protocols.
Use
Use available systems (CRM, etc.) to organize your practice for growth and a strong retention plan.
Utilize
Utilize contact management system for daily task management.
Utilize internal reports to proactively look for opportunities within portfolios.
Work with
Work closely with your team to connect clients with the right opportunities.
Work collaboratively within the branch and with business partners.
Work toward meeting productivity goals and targets.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of an Investment Advisor:
Financial Services
Investment
High Value Sales
Building a Book of Clients
CPH
Accreditation
Cold Calling
Investment / Financial Services Industry
Networking
Prospecting Referrals
Sales
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of an Investment Advisor:
Self-motivated
Commitment
Integrity
Communications
Empathy
Autonomous
Written and oral communication skills
Interpersonal skills
Organizational capacity
Analytical ability
Problem-solving attitude
Attention to detail
Entrepreneurial mindset
Work ethic
Time-management
Multi-task
Collaborative
Critical thinker
Exercises judgment
Solve problems within given rules
