Financial Services Brokers
Overview
Introduction
Financial services brokers work to represent both individuals and organizations who wish to invest in and sell stocks, bonds, or other financial products. They are sometimes known as registered representatives, account executives, securities sales representatives or agents, or stockbrokers. Financial services brokers analyze companies offering stocks to see if investing is worth the risk. They also advise clients on proper investment strategies for their own investment goals. Secu...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Trainee brokers usually receive a salary until they develop a client base. In September 2019, Glassdoor.com reported the median annual salary for broker trainees was $43,178. Once the financial services broker has acquired a sufficient number of accounts, he or she works solely on a commission basis, with fees resulting from the size and type of security bought or sold. Some firms pay annual bo...
Work Environment
Brokers work more flexible hours than workers in other fields. They may work fewer hours during slow trading periods but be required to put in overtime dealing with paperwork during busy periods.
The atmosphere of a brokerage firm is frequently highly charged, and the peaks and drops of market activity can produce a great deal of tension. Watching fortunes being made is exciting, but the...
Outlook
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) predicts that job opportunities for financial services brokers are expected to grow about as fast as the average for all careers through 2028 because of continued interest in the stock market and the increasing number and variety of financial products. Rising personal incomes and greater inherited wealth are increasing the amount of funds people are able to in...