Who Needs the Series 65 License?

Who Needs the Series 65 License?
🧠 Understanding the Role of the Series 65
The Series 65 license—also known as the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination—is required for professionals who want to act as investment adviser representatives (IARs). Unlike other securities licenses, Series 65 is not tied to selling securities but rather to offering investment advice for a fee.

💼 You Need the Series 65 If You Intend To:

1. 📊 Provide Investment Advice on securities such as stocks, bonds, ETFs, or mutual funds.
2. 💰 Charge a Fee for Financial Planning or portfolio management services.
3. 🧾 Work for a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) as an IAR.
4. 🌐 Operate Your Own Advisory Firm—in most states, this requires passing the Series 65 or qualifying for a waiver.

👩‍💼 Who Commonly Pursues the Series 65?

• Independent financial advisers starting their own practice
• Fee-only planners who are not compensated via commissions
• Wealth managers who tailor portfolios for high-net-worth clients
• Insurance agents adding advisory services to their offerings
• Accountants and CPAs expanding into investment advisory roles

📌 Important Notes:

• The Series 65 exam tests knowledge of securities laws, ethics, retirement planning, portfolio theory, and economics.
• Passing the exam alone may not be enough—you may also need to register with your state regulator.
• If you already hold the CFP®, ChFC®, or CFA® designation, many states will waive the Series 65 requirement.

🎯 Conclusion
If your career involves giving investment advice for compensation—especially in a fee-based or fiduciary model—the Series 65 is your ticket to legal and professional credibility.

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