What License Do You Need to Become a Financial Advisor?

💼 What License Do You Need to Become a Financial Advisor?

Becoming a financial advisor isn’t just about knowing how to manage money—it’s about meeting regulatory requirements that allow you to legally give financial advice and manage client investments. The license you need depends on the services you plan to offer.

📌 Licenses Based on Services Offered

✅ 1. Series 65 – Investment Adviser Representative (IAR)

• 🧾 Required if you charge fees for investment advice
• 📊 Covers portfolio management, suitability, and fiduciary standards
• ❌ No sponsorship required
• 📌 Needed to register with a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) or start your own firm

✅ 2. Series 7 – General Securities Representative

• 🏦 Required to sell securities: stocks, bonds, options, mutual funds
• 🛡️ Must be sponsored by a FINRA-member firm
• Often paired with Series 66 for those offering advisory services too

✅ 3. Series 66 – Uniform Combined State Law Exam

• Combines Series 63 and 65
• 💼 Required if you already hold a Series 7
• Covers both state law and advisory concepts

✅ 4. Series 6 – Investment Company and Variable Contracts

• Limited license for selling mutual funds, variable annuities, and insurance products
• Often used by advisors at insurance-affiliated firms
• Requires sponsorship

🧠 Do I Need the SIE Exam First?

Yes—for Series 6 or 7, you must pass the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam first. It covers basic financial concepts, ethics, and regulations.

🧾 Insurance Licenses (Optional but Common)

If you plan to offer life insurance, annuities, or other insurance-based products, you’ll also need to pass a state insurance licensing exam.

🚀 Summary Chart

🎯 Ready to Become a Financial Advisor?

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