What qualifications do financial advisors need to have? What makes FA more competent at investing compared to retail investors?

I dont think FA are necessarily more competent than the general retail investor in investing w.r.t stock analysis / investing at what price etc

What they have is more expert knowledge in certain investment products such as endowments/annuities/IPL etc which they can advise to the typical guy on the street with no interest to invest on their own

They need to have at least a full GCE A level cert, IB, polytechnic diploma or equivalent to be a FA and also pass the CMFAS module exams to be licensed to provide financial advice. They also need to clock modules and time for continual professional development every year.

https://www.mas.gov.sg/-/media/MAS/Regulations-...

They are equipped with the necessary knowledge to be able to perform their roles. And they are more in tune with regulatory requirements and are expected to constantly improve their skills. In terms of competency, it comes with experience, effort and time with any skillset.

Not an apples to apples comparison in my view. Retail investors could be investing only for themselves but FAs are providing financial advice to other people. Some like to invest as a hobby while others consider it their career. Different people, different paths.