An Investment Consultant provides valuable advice and guidance to help clients realize their financial objectives. Investment Consultants carry out in-depth research and assess clients’ needs and circumstances in order to recommend a mix of appropriate investments. Their expert analysis and recommendations may extend to selecting investments, crafting asset allocation strategies, recommending portfolio rebalancing and adjustments, select investment funds, structures, and services, and provide advice on retirement planning, estate, and tax planning.

Investment consultants must have an understanding of the complexities surrounding investments, assets, and financial markets, as well as the ability to explain financial topics and strategies clearly. Investment consultants may specialize in areas such as equities, real estate, commodities, derivatives, tax-advantaged investments, and more. Professionally, they may work alone or as part of a larger financial services firm.

In order to become an Investment Consultant, a college degree is usually required and some work experience, either in the investment consulting sector or another related field. Professional investment consultants, in order to advise clients successfully and safely, must be properly licensed and must have passed required tests administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC).

The demand and growth in this field has been evident in the past decade, and is expected to continue to grow in the next decade (2020-2030). Clients need to connect with smart, competent, reliable professionals when managing their money, and Investment Consultants will be in high demand. Professional Investment Consultants need to be flexible and creative in the fast-moving financial industry, and be a trusted source for their clients. They are the ones researching, analyzing, and applying investment strategies so that clients can maximize their financial goals and objectives.