What skills does a financial adviser need?
At their core, financial advisers provide tailored advice to clients to help them meet their financial goals. In order to meet these goals, advisers require an array of hard, teachable skills, alongside important soft skills.
This article will break down the hard and soft skills advisers need to have a successful career in the financial industry, and how to develop them. Find out how you can grow into being a better financial adviser.
If you would like to learn more about our Associate Adviser Program, please enquire today.
Hard skills financial advisers need
Hard, technical skills form the bedrock of all successful professionals in the financial sector. They’re specific, tangible, and teachable skills you need as an adviser.
Soft skills financial advisers need
While not as specific or teachable as hard skills, these soft skills provide a solid foundation for those wishing to have a successful career in financial services.
How to develop financial adviser skills
Before becoming a financial adviser, you must complete an accredited degree (such as a bachelor's, graduate diploma, master’s, or equivalent qualification), pass the financial adviser exam, and complete a professional year.
As part of your development as a financial adviser, you can also use company-specific pathways to attain the necessary skills. The Ord Minnett Associate Adviser Program is one such pathway that develops all the skills necessary to be a good financial adviser.
Find out more about the Ord Minnett Associate Adviser Program in the video below:
A day in the life of a financial adviser
The typical day for a financial adviser involves monitoring the market, collaborating with colleagues on finance projects, having meetings with clients and developing their action plans, and much more. The following video shows an average day for a financial adviser at Ord Minnett.
Building wealth for generations
Ord Minnett is an Australian owned wealth management firm, offering financial advice and investments for individuals, families, businesses and organisations to protect and grow wealth. With corporate origins dating back to 1872, we’ve been building wealth for our clients for generations.
270
Financial Advisers focused on service excellence
15
Locations across Australia and Hong Kong
$73.4
Billion funds under advice as of 31 December 2025
300+
Stocks under coverage, from emerging and mid-cap to large-cap companies
154
Years of service. Ords’ corporate origins date back to 1872
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need strong maths skills to be a financial
While you do need to know some basic mathematics surrounding interest rates, percentages and similar everyday skills, you do not need to know advanced mathematics (such as calculus) to be a financial adviser.
Do financial advisers need strong research skills?
Yes, they do. Successful financial advisers need strong research skills to keep on top of financial product developments, as well as being educated on market conditions and the array of options available to clients for wealth creation.
Through research, advisers should be able to identify risks for clients, as well as industry trends and new opportunities that may benefit them.
How important is empathy for financial advisers?
Empathy is hugely important for a financial adviser. An empathic adviser shows their clients that they truly care about their success and want to see them reach their goals. Empathy signals to clients that they matter and are not just a number on a sheet. Showing empathy helps develop true partnerships and inspires loyalty.
Are financial advisers financial planners?
Though they both deal with finance, financial advisers and planners are two different roles. An adviser gives specific, targeted advice to clients about products and services that can improve a client’s finances, while planners look to create wealth through holistic, long-lasting relationships.
Can I learn financial adviser skills on the job?
You can learn some soft skills on the job as a financial adviser, such as empathy and communication. However, some of the hard skills (such as financial law knowledge) require structured training and ongoing professional development separate from the day-to-day role as an adviser.
What skills should beginner financial advisers focus on?
A provisional financial adviser should focus on developing their soft, interpersonal skills, such as empathy, active listening, and resilience. They should also solidify their understanding of current financial laws and regulations to prepare for client work.
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