Things to Consider Before You Join the Financial Advisory Industry (2025 Edition) 💼📊 Part 1 #GenZ

Wondering WHY a Financial Advisor (FA) in Singapore is SO popular AND common lehh?

The industry offers _POTENTIALLY _high-income, flexible hours (especially those who detest rigid hours OR juz can't sit still jkjk), and the chance to help others—

BUT it’s not for everyone!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, financial markets and industry regulations are subject to change.

Readers should conduct their own research and consult a licensed financial professional before making any career or investment decisions. The author is not responsible for any financial or career outcomes resulting from the information in this article.

Many new FAs struggle with sales pressure, unpredictable income, and traditional outreach methods like cold calling and roadshows.

For context, having had a short stint as an FA myself, I realized that regardless of how large and reputable the company is, most still rely on old-school prospecting techniques—tapping on the warm market (friends & family) or cold outreach (roadshows & cold calls).

But there’s an emerging trend (WHILE JOB HUNTING!) —using AI-powered marketing channels to attract clients to you instead of chasing them. (THINK: Pull NOT Push!)

Let me share the benefits while learning & being with them🙂 #FreeOfCharge #FinancialInternship:

💰 Sponsored Exams—If you ever consider a finance career, these certifications will give you a head start.

🧠 Master a New ‘Language’(commonly Enneagram or DISC)—Learn how finance pros understand people—an invaluable skill in any career

📢 Soft Skills Growth—Sharpen communication and networking skills while meeting a diverse crowd—from finance directors to everyday employees.

🤝 New Acquaintances—Expand your social circle (hopefully without the awkwardness), making meaningful connections along the way.

✅ Newfound Experiences—Heighten & Deepen your experiences, going overseas trips with them aLL!

Once you learn these insights, you’ll never see the world the same way again. Whether you pivot into finance or simply refine your financial literacy, the experience is priceless. 🚀

NOW, here’s what you need to know about the realities of the FA industry and how to position yourself for success. 🚀

🔍 Step 1: Familiarize the FA Industry in Singapore

Before jumping in, it’s crucial to know what being a Financial Advisor really involves.

✅ Not Just Selling Insurance – You’ll _also _be able to help clients with other forms of insurance, wealth planning, investments including unit trusts, and retirement including CPFIS for the older and RICH folks ;)

And estate planning (USUALLY once you master your sales ability and/OR want to diversify your skillset)

NOTE: This means more exams HAIZZZ

✅ Commission-Based Income – Most FAs don’t get a base salary—you earn from commissions & bonuses. I repeat! MOST! So do scout around if you have the time BUT fair warning: Singapore is a small country so don't leave things hanging with the previous company lest it 'karma' comes back haunting you...

✅ Regulated by MAS & SCI – You must _pass _the Singapore College of Insurance (SCI) exams and be licensed under MAS (thank God our government is stringent!)

That also means....you need to take ~2weeks and above to do some background checking on your past employment records

🎯 Target Income (Entry-Level FA): $3,000 - $10,000/month (Depending on your educational background, past salary (if applicable) so YOUNG FOLKS, GOR GOR would recommend go build your social networks FIRST to get an EDGE over poly grads!

YES, you can opt for lower pay scheme but that means lesser commitment, KPI etc ai ya everything lahh

To perform well would largely depend on your CONSISTENT discipline (NOT just discipline) + existing & growing network (as they say, "your network is your net worth!)

Source: giphy

💰 Step 2: Can You Handle Unstable Income⁉️

Unlike a fixed-salary job, income in FA is unpredictable. Take for instance,

🔹 Month 1-6: You _might _earn nothing as you build your client base.

🔹 Month 6-12: Your income could _fluctuate _wildly depending on sales.

🔹 Year 2+: If successful, you could earn $100K+ annually—but building a consistent amount of "loyal people" is key.

How to Prepare:

✅ Have 6-12 months of savings before going full-time. #emergencyfunds

✅ Start part-time while transitioning into FA. (< $3,000)

✅ Develop multiple income streams (e.g., freelance consulting, investments). Fair Warning: It can be EASY to focus on predictable income VS unpredictable income because there's a lot of long term goals/forecasting in conflict with short-term gains

Source: giphy

📢 Step 3: Traditional Prospecting vs. AI Marketing

Most agencies train new FAs to prospect using traditional methods:

❌ Tapping on warm markets – Reaching out to friends & family.

❌ Cold calling – Hundreds of calls per day, most of which are ignored.

❌ Roadshows/Canvassing – Stopping strangers in malls, hoping for leads.

🔹 The New Approach: AI-Powered Marketing

Some advisors are shifting towards digital marketing & AI-driven lead generation to bring clients to them instead of constantly chasing leads.

✅ AI Chatbots & Automated Funnels – Qualify leads before you even speak to them.

✅ SEO & Content Marketing – Build authority through LinkedIn, TikTok, or blogs.

✅ Facebook & Google Ads – Target specific audiences based on financial needs

Pro Tip: Maybe combine traditional methods with AI tools to maximize lead generation without burning out.

Steps 4-6 will be in the next post! ⬇️

If you’re considering this path, talk to experienced FAs, understand the challenges, and have a backup plan (Type 6s, you know who you are!)

Success is possible, but only if you’re ready for the realities of the industry. 💼📊

Did anything new inspire you to join the FA industry? Or are you already in it? Drop a comment below! 👇

🔗 Related Reads:

📌 Next: Things to Consider Before You Join FA (2025 Edition) Part 2

📌 How to Build a Strong Client Base in the D2C/B2C industry? (Stay Tuned!)