According to a latest Statistica report, the global Financial Advisory market is expected to witness an upsurge to reach an astonishing USD 126.10 trillion in terms of Assets under Management this year. Furthermore, the report also shed light on the positive growth trajectory of the market which is anticipated to witness a continual growth with an annual growth rate of CAGR 5.35%. Showcasing a significant increase in market volume, the market is set to grow impressively by USD 155.30 Trillion by the year 2028. We are also witnessing an innovation with respect to the developments of robo-advisors which are truly gaining popularity among tech-savvy investors.
Furthermore, it is quite evident that financial advisory is a colossal segment, and it is really hard to anticipate to what lengths the industry can grow as new products and solutions are paving their way into the heart of the financial advisory market.
The experts who are in this quintessential sector are expected to combine robust investment advice with other financial services tailored to their varied clientele base. So to say, financial advisors play a crucial role in making crucial suggestions across different investment vehicles.
So who are the financial advisors?
We can call these wealth managers as the stewards of assets and financial life coaches where these individuals are expected to be experts in corporate financial planning with tax services, while targeting significant life purchases. There are also advisors who work in a particular niche, for instance financial advisors who offer estate planning services. Also, these advisors work in firms or as independent consultants and while also serving either businesses, individuals, or both.
Money, like emotions, is something you must control to keep your life on the right track.” - Natasha Munson
Now, let’s delve into the skills you need to be a financial adviser?
An individual who wishes to become an advisor is very important to have a combination of technical and soft skills. If we talk about technical skills, this will enable you to improve the economic situation of the clients you have been partnered with. This can be achieved by indulging oneself in education or training. While, if we speak of soft skills, it really enhances your technical skills, which can be nurtured over time through real-time practice. This is further important when it comes to establishing an effective interaction with the partner clients and coworkers and staying organized to produce quality work.
Let’s dig deeper to understand the intricacies of an Financial Advisors and what knowledge should be bagged to navigate hurdles:
Client Relationship Skills
One of the most important aspects in the realm of Financial advisers is creating a strong relation with the clients. This is also important in attracting new clients while retaining the clients they already have. Furthermore, to increase clientele base, professionalism and positive relationship-building can help you get noticed thereby encouraging more people to refer financial advisers to others in their network; aiding the expansion of a given advisor's business.
To foster a trust, advisers also must know how to keep their clients informed at all times over the engagement period. Here, emotional intelligence can also play a pivotal role in being mindful of a client's financial situation.
“Opportunities come infrequently. When it rains gold, put out the bucket, not the thimble.” – Warren Buffett
Research
It is quite evident that an adviser must conduct a thorough and all encompassing research about the client's economic history. Examining how the client's previous money management contributed to their current situation and how we can make it better and sustainable.
Also, advisers must investigate ways to achieve the client's financial goals. This can include making strategic investments in stocks or properties or investing in products such as insurance policies or retirement accounts. A well done research greatly helps advisers to remain informed on new products and stay abreast of the changing financial dynamics.
Wealth Management
One of the most crucial skills an advisor has is the competency in advising clients on earning and managing their money. Financial advisers must understand and have a clear picture of the ways to achieve and maintain wealth. An advisor must know which investments would be favorable to generate higher income. One must understand the availability of different investments that are lucrative in the market today; identifying wise investments based on clients' funds and the wealth which they wish to accumulate.
Analytical Thinking
Another crucial aspect in the analytical thinking of financial advisers is that it is imperative to steer oneself with respect to the changing circumstances and devise solutions to problems. There are also instances where a client can express their financial goal, but might have limited monetary resources to achieve it. In this case, advisers should analyze the state of the client's finances so as to devise the most comprehensive suggestions which can produce a positive outcome without wasting the ever important funds. In addition, as new products emerge on the market, advisers must leverage their practice analytical thinking to decide which products can benefit the client.
Risk Assessment
Finally, in the world of finance, the advisers need to assess and manage risks before offering the ever important advice to their clients. Risk assessment is the first step towards creating a robust financial roadmap for an individual of businesses. Here, advisers must anticipate challenges that clients might face as they pivot themselves towards financial freedom. For instance, fluctuating markets can greatly influence the success of investments, or lack of job security, which can increase financial stress and possibly limit income for the client in the future.
