Investment Consulting
What Is an Investment Consultant?
An investment consultant is a financial professional who provides investors with investment products, advice, and/or planning. Investment consultants do in-depth work on formulating investment strategies for clients, helping them fulfill their needs and reach their financial goals. Many financial advisors and financial planners would be considered investment consultants.
Investment consultants have experience in many different facets of the financial world and may work independently for a bank or an investment firm. They are usually educated in a financial field, have experience in the financial services industry, and be licensed to work.
Key Takeaways
- An investment consultant helps clients formulate and put into place investment strategies as well as construct and maintain their portfolios.
- As with other financial advisors, investment consultants actively monitor their client’s investments and work with them as their financial objectives change over time to adjust their holdings.
- The job market for personal financial consultants is poised to grow in the next decade (2020-2030).1
- Becoming an investment consultant typically requires a college degree and some work experience.
- Professional investment consultants must also be properly licensed to advise clients.
Understanding Investment Consultants
An investment consultant works with clients to form an investment strategy. Clients may be individuals or businesses—small businesses to larger corporations. The investment consultant is responsible for reviewing the client’s financial situation and formulating a plan to meet their goals. Their duties include actively monitoring the client’s investments and working with them as their financial objectives change over time. Because of the nature of their work, many investment consultants develop long-term working relationships with their clients.
These financial professionals work in various settings, including banks, asset management firms, and private investment companies, or work independently. They provide an essential service to their clients, helping them organize their finances and improve their
financial situation.
