What they do
Financial investment managers are responsible for the management and investment of clients’ assets to generate a profitable return. They may work with other financial professionals, such as analysts, to research and plan client investment portfolios. They advise clients on a range of investment strategies, such as stocks and bonds, retail or mutual funds, superannuation funds, property and shares, that will maximise financial returns.
Financial investment managers may work across a range of fields such as the financial services industries and real estate sector.
Working conditions
Financial investment managers usually work in an office environment, although they may travel to meet with their clients. They may manage and oversee client investments and review the performance of client portfolios. They may also attend company, industry and community events to talk about investment options.
They usually work regular hours, but may be required to work longer hours at times during peak financial periods.
Tools and technologies
Financial investment managers use computers and a range of data processing programs and specialised financial software programs to analyse markets, write reports and monitor client investment portfolios. They also use securities reports and financial periodicals to stay up to date with market cycles.
How do I become one?
Education and training
To become a financial investment manager, you usually need to complete a commerce or business degree, majoring in finance, economics or accounting.
Most universities in Western Australia offer relevant courses. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information.
Most financial investment managers will generally have worked in the industry for a number of years before progressing to a manager role. You may also be required to complete further studies in management.
The education and training requirements for this occupation are undergoing a formal review. This may or may not lead to changes in the requirements.
From 1 January 2019 changes to the Corporations Amendment (Professional Standards of Financial Advisers) Act 2017 mandate that every person entering the profession of financial planning (i.e. financial advisers) must complete a minimum Bachelor degree approved by the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority. VET graduates may potentially have modified employment outcomes as they will no longer meet the licensing requirements to be employed as a financial planner, financial adviser or any occupation that directly provides financial planning/advisory advice to retail clients.
Required registration and licensing
To work as a financial investment manager in Western Australia, you may need to obtain an Australian Financial Services licence (AFS) and registration from the Australian Security and Investments Commission (ASIC).