The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Wealth Advisor (L2)
2-5 yearsSkills to master
- Building standard financial plans, conducting basic client reviews, understanding core investment products, and effective client communication.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully managed a small book of routine clients independently.
- Consistently received positive feedback on client service and plan accuracy.
- Demonstrated initiative in learning advanced planning concepts and market dynamics.
- 2
Paraplanner / Financial Planning Support
3-6 yearsSkills to master
- In-depth financial modelling, research and due diligence on investment products, drafting complex client reports, and understanding regulatory compliance.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently produced high-quality, complex financial plans and reports.
- Developed a strong understanding of various financial planning software and tools.
- Proactively identified opportunities for process improvement and efficiency.
- 3
Investment Analyst (with client exposure)
4-7 yearsSkills to master
- Deep dive into investment research, portfolio construction, performance attribution, and market analysis, coupled with some client-facing experience.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven ability to conduct rigorous investment research and analysis.
- Successfully contributed to portfolio construction and rebalancing decisions.
- Demonstrated ability to articulate investment strategies to non-technical audiences.