Stockbroker
Stockbrokers manage their clients' investments by trading stocks, shares and other financial products to get the best return.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a stockbroker, you could:
- research financial markets and the latest trading figures
- work closely with investment analysts
- generate new business and develop close relationships with clients
- manage and review client portfolios
- give advice on financial risks
- instruct stock market traders to achieve the best market prices
- meet profit, new business and retention targets
- keep up to date with tax and financial legislation
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Career path and progression
With experience and a good track record you could progress to become a trader, relationship manager or fund manager.
You could also become a partner or set up your own business.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- excellent verbal communication skills
- maths knowledge
- analytical thinking skills
- knowledge of economics and accounting
- the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
- customer service skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- persistence and determination
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
- a graduate training scheme
You could start by doing a degree in a relevant subject like:
- management
- business
- economics
- finance
- maths
A course with a placement year or a summer internship will give you valuable experience and an advantage when applying for work.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
You may be able to get into this job by applying to do an apprenticeship, such as:
- Investment Operations Specialist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Financial Services Level 6 Apprenticeship
You will take professional exams as part of these apprenticeships and at the end you will be able to apply for membership of a professional body that covers your particular area of work.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
You could move into stockbroking if you have a experience in accountancy, banking or insurance and take further training on the job.
You can apply for a place on a company's graduate training scheme if you have a degree. You'll usually need at least an upper second class degree to apply. Useful subjects include:
- business management
- economics
- finance
- maths
There's a lot of competition for places, so it'll help if you have some relevant work experience.
Many graduates have a postgraduate qualification like a master's in business administration.
Registration
- you'll need to register as an 'approved person' by the Financial Conduct Authority
Career tips
You may find it useful to complete professional qualifications with an organisation like the CFA Institute or the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.
Skills in a second business language can also help to widen your options.
Further information
You can find out more about careers and training in stockbroking from the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment and the Chartered Financial Analysts Society UK.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.