Series 65 for Investment Planners and RIAs
- April 1, 2025
- Posted by: 'FINRA Exam Mastery'
- Category: Finance
📘 Series 65 for Investment Planners and RIAs
The Series 65 license is the gateway for professionals who want to offer investment advice for a fee and operate as Investment Adviser Representatives (IARs). Whether you’re an independent financial planner or looking to build your own Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) firm, Series 65 is the credential that makes it all possible.
🎯 What Is the Series 65?
The Series 65 exam—officially the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination—is administered by NASAA and focuses on investment strategies, ethics, laws, and fiduciary responsibilities. Unlike FINRA licenses, it is not tied to commission-based sales. Instead, it qualifies individuals to charge fees for advice related to securities, portfolio management, and financial planning.
👤 Who Needs It?
- Independent Financial Planners
- Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs)
- Wealth Managers and Portfolio Consultants
- Fee-only Advisers who do not sell products
- Career changers entering the advisory profession
🧠 What the Exam Covers
- Economic Factors and Business Information
- Investment Vehicle Characteristics
- Client Investment Recommendations and Strategies
- Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines, including Ethics
You’ll be tested on your ability to analyze risk, construct portfolios, comply with regulations, and act in the client’s best interest at all times.
📜 Benefits of the Series 65 License
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| ✅ No Sponsorship Required | You can take the exam independently, with no firm backing. |
| ✅ Work with Fee-Based Clients | Charge directly for your advice, planning, or management services. |
| ✅ RIA Registration | Required to register as an RIA in most U.S. states. |
| ✅ More Credibility | Demonstrates fiduciary responsibility and regulatory compliance. |
| ✅ Career Flexibility | Operate as an independent adviser or join an advisory firm. |
🔑 Series 65 vs Other Licenses
| License | Best For | Requires Series 7? | Commission Sales? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series 65 | RIAs, Planners | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Series 66 | Dual registrants | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Series 7 | Brokers | ❌ Yes (with BD) | ✅ Yes |
🚀 Build Your Advisory Career Today
If you’re serious about launching or growing your practice as an investment planner or RIA, the Series 65 license is essential. At
👉 finra-exam-mastery.com,
you’ll find everything you need to succeed:
✔ Complete digital course built by industry experts
✔ Lifetime access with regular updates
✔ Real exam simulations and compliance-focused lessons
✔ Perfect for independent professionals and career switchers
Get licensed. Build trust. Grow your business.