Meet a Financial Advisor

Marcus Roberts is a Director and Financial Advisor at Mirador Wealth Management in Sydney. He has over 15 years of experience in the Financial Industry. His past roles include that of a bank manager, corporate lender, and mortgage broker. 

The course required to become a financial advisor is the Diploma of Financial Planning (RG 146 accreditation). On top of the minimum requirements, I undertook the Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning in addition to my already held Masters of Applied Finance and Investment.  There is talk about increasing the minimum education standards, which I am fully supportive of, and any future advisor should really think about the Advanced Diploma as a minimum.

In my current role, I work with a select number of clients to help them achieve their financial goals. This is done through a combination of coaching, advice, and technical knowledge.

Day to day, I help people get what they want out of life by providing them with advice that will increase their wealth and financial security.  This includes meeting with clients, having ‘re-focus’ sessions, reading financial literature, and monitoring their portfolios. Often, if the markets are volatile, you may need to remind clients of their long term goals so that they don’t suddenly make short-sighted decisions. Ultimately, think of advice as a personal trainer for wealth. You can have a gym membership that sits on the shelf, but only by working with someone do most people reach their goals.

Marcus Roberts from Mirador Wealth Management.

First, I believe a good advisor should have empathy as well as great listening skills. Every client’s goals are different, and an advisor should be able to draw the “must-have” goals out in each conversation. Technical skills are a must, and you’ll get these both with training, as well as experience working with other advisors and clients. Last, while not a skill, a strong sense of ethics is a must as you are helping people with their money, which can be a very sensitive subject for many. Often, you’ll have conversations that your clients would never have with their closest friends and family.

I get to hear different stories, goals, and aspirations every day. One client might want to buy their first home, while the next might be saving for their retirement. Speaking with clients over time and watching them achieve their goals is incredibly satisfying and is truly something I still get a kick out of. After you’ve had experience in the industry and if you one day decide to become your own boss, it’s a great business to operate as well.

Do it. Many of our advisors in Australia are seeking retirement in the coming 5-10 years, and while there are some younger professionals entering the industry, we still have so many people to help in the years ahead. Be prepared for some hard work, but with the return that you’re making a difference in peoples’ lives.

Thank You, Marcus, for sharing your story with training.com.au