Investment adviser
Also known as: investment executive, investment advisor, corporate investment adviser, investing director, RIA, investment consultant
About this occupation
Investment advisers are professionals who offer transparent advice by recommending suitable solutions on financial matters to their clients. They advise on investing pension or free funds in securities such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds to customers. Investment advisers serve individuals, households, families and owners of small companies.
Essential skills and knowledge
- monitor bond market
- synthesise financial information
- securities
- assess risks of clients' assets
- assess financial viability
- funding methods
- monitor stock market
- advise on financial matters
- interpret financial statements
- financial products
- analyse financial risk
- provide support in financial calculation
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Financial Risk Specialists (O*NET 13-2054.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Analyze areas of potential risk to the assets, earning capacity, or success of organizations.
- Analyze new legislation to determine impact on risk exposure.
- Conduct statistical analyses to quantify risk, using statistical analysis software or econometric models.
- Confer with traders to identify and communicate risks associated with specific trading strategies or positions.
- Consult financial literature to ensure use of the latest models or statistical techniques.
- Contribute to development of risk management systems.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Investigative, Enterprising
US median pay: US$117,330 a year (2025), 63,850 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Financial Quantitative Analysts
- Financial and Investment Analysts
- Investment Fund Managers
- Personal Financial Advisors
- Management Analysts
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
- Credit Analysts
- Financial Examiners
- Financial Managers
- Business Intelligence Analysts
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.