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A professional who works with individuals or businesses to help them with their financial decisions is a financial advisor. A financial advisor provides clients with advice on retirement planning, investments, taxes, insurance, and savings.
Many people also seek their advice on long-term financial goals, such as estate planning, real estate, and education for their children.
Traditionally, the advisor in most financial products was the actuarial scientist, economist, and accountant - the financial advisor function was primarily captured by those professions until recently in India.
If you are thinking of advising or being a registered investment advisor (RIA) in India this article will clarify the eligibility requirements, the services provided, the types of financial advisors, and the scope of this profession in India.
As people in India seek trusted advice on investing their money, the role and demands for financial advisors in India is increasing.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulates registered investment advisors (RIAs) or licensed financial advisors who have demonstrated that they are providing superior advice and acting in the best interest of their clients.
SEBI regulates the eligibility requirements to become a registered financial advisor in India, to ensure that advisors are qualified, trained, and are responsible in providing clients with services.
A bachelor's degree in accounting, business management, economics, finance, or commerce is required. Professional degrees such as Chartered Accountancy (CA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or Master of Business Administration (MBA) in finance are also accepted by SEBI. SEBI may occasionally add new requirements.
You will need to have worked within the financial services sector for a minimum of five years.
This could include working experience as in wealth management, fund management, financial planning, investment advice, and others.
Your relevant experience shows your ability to take care of the clients' portfolios and financial planning needs.
You must successfully complete the Level 1 Investment Advisor exam given by the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM).
The Level 1 Investment Advisor exam assesses your knowledge of the financial planning process, securities markets, relevant legislation and regulations, and client advisor responsibilities.
Registration requires the certification.
A minimum net worth of ₹1 lakh is required of an individual advisor.
Depending on the size of the company, partnerships and businesses require a higher net worth.
When registering, proof of net worth must be provided.
You shouldn't have been found guilty of economic offenses, fraud, or breaking any regulations.
To make sure advisors have a spotless professional and legal record, SEBI conducts checks.
Ideally, as a financial advisor, you should be focused on your clients' best interests.
When it comes to conflicts of interest, SEBI requires that advisors avoid situations where their interests might interfere with those of their clients.
Subsequently, you will submit an application to SEBI that involves your qualification, work experience, any relevant documentation of the respective preceding, along with applicable fees.
When your application has been approved, you will be registered as a SEBI RIA.
You must comply with the SEBI regulations, produce periodic reports, and renew your registration afterwards.
Advisors must also comply with SEBI regulations and the Code of Conduct as an Advisor.
Representatives must finish the continuing professional education (CPE) programs.
This ensures that they are aware of market developments, new products, and regulatory changes.
The specific eligibility criteria and requirements may change over time, and it’s essential to check the latest guidelines and regulations issued by SEBI or consult with legal and compliance experts to ensure you meet all the necessary qualifications to become a financial advisor in India.
Financial advisors in India help people manage their money in different ways. Some of the main services they provide are:
Investment Planning – Helping clients choose where to put their money, such as in shares, bonds, mutual funds, or fixed deposits.
Tax Planning – Giving advice on how to reduce tax legally and manage it better.
Retirement Planning – Helping people save money and set up income for life after they stop working.
Estate Planning – Guiding families on how to pass wealth to the next generation in an organised way.
Insurance Planning – Suggesting life, health, or general insurance to protect against risks.
Wealth Management – Managing large amounts of money and investments for wealthy clients.
Debt Management – Advising on how to manage or reduce personal and business loans.
Complete Financial Planning – Making a full plan that covers savings, spending, investment, and protection for long-term security.
A fee is not often charged directly by financial advisors. Some people sell financial products and operate on a commission-only basis.
They might offer bonds from banks and financial institutions, mutual funds, or insurance.
The product provider pays them a commission rather than charging customers.
Although this model lowers the cost of assistance for clients, it may also increase the possibility of prejudice.
Important Information Regarding Commission-Only Advisors
Advisors are required by SEBI to reveal their commission arrangements.
Customers should be aware that rising commission rates may have an impact on some recommendations.
Clients should weigh the advise against their individual financial objectives.
focusing on tax advice, estate planning, or retirement planning.
supplying objective, fee-based advice to win over clients.
expanding one's audience through the use of technology.
provide comprehensive financial planning that addresses every facet of money management.
To be a registered finance advisor in India requires education, experience, certification, and compliance with SEBI regulations. More than simply being qualified (which they are), advisors are obligated to act in their clients' best interests, and keep their knowledge in the field current.
They can offer their clients every conceivable need, including retirement and estate management, tax planning, investment planning, and more. Transparency and ethical conduct are vital in both situations, even if a certain advisor may be working as a fee-based adviser, others are compensated via commission.
Rising incomes, increasing levels of awareness about finance, and more usage of digital platforms has increased the demand for financial advisors in India. There will always be opportunities in the growing field of financial advice for advisors that operate professionally and who can adapt to what their clients need.
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Submit application with qualifications, experience, net worth details, fees & supporting documents to SEBI.
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