Money wise

Investment advisers are qualified finance professionals who provide advice to corporate and individual clients. The job involves assisting clients in asset allocation, choosing the right investments such as mutual funds, equity shares, bonds, debentures, insurance policies, commodities and real estate.

The lowdown

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Investment advisers are qualified finance professionals who provide advice to corporate and individual clients. The job involves assisting clients in asset allocation, choosing the right investments such as mutual funds, equity shares, bonds, debentures, insurance policies, commodities and real estate. They also help clients in raising capital such as private equity, debt syndication, venture capital, venture debt and structured debt etc. The work involves a thorough understanding of risk/return profile of every investment option, the client’s business in terms of its growth potential, profitability, competitive landscape, strengths and challenges of the team.

Clockwork
9.30am: Reach office, check mails
10am: Scan newspapers for investment advisory transactions
10.30am: Concall with client
11.30am: Discussion with the team
12.30pm: Meeting with a first-time entrepreneur
1.30pm: Lunch meeting
2.30pm: Finalise and validate a financial forecasting model
4pm: Discussion with lawyers
5.30pm: Follow up calls to a few private equity investors
6.30pm: Read research report on renewable energy sector
7.30pm: Day ends

The payoff
While the fixed component of the pay could be average, the variable pay linked to the number of deal closures can be a significant component, even as high as 100% of the fixed salary or more

Skills/TRAITS
* Strong analytical capabilities
* Good understanding of financial statements
* Marketing and relationship- building skills
* Knowledge of regulations

Getting there
It is essential to clear the Association of Mutual Funds of India certification test to become a personal investment adviser. A certified financial planner certification would be an exceptional qualification. To become a corporate investment adviser, graduation/postgraduation with specialisation in finance is a must

Institutes and URLs
* Indian Institutes of Management, www.catiim.in
* Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi www.fms.edu
* Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai www.nmims.edu
* International College of Financial Planning, New Delhi www.icofp.org
* Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai www.jbims.edu
* Xavier School Of Management, Jharkhand www.xlri.ac.in

Pros and cons
* Excellent remuneration and job satisfaction
* Long working hours and unreasonable expectations of key stakeholders

An investment adviser has a major impact on the life of his client, who thrusts responsibility on him, leaving limited scope for error of judgment ----- N Muthuraman, director, RiverBridge Investment Advisors, Chennai