Placement Overview

Handles portfolio of private clients, working within the City of London with support of a major investment firm.

Generic Job Description for a Stockbroker

Stockbrokers buy and sell money, investments known as stock and shares, and other financial products. They work on behalf of private clients or within financial institutions. The Stockbrokers aim is to help clients maximise return on their investments.

A Stockbrokers responsibilities include; providing advice to clients, researching information about the market in domestic or foreign equities, securities and government stocks, buying or selling for clients and managing and reviewing portfolios.

Skills:

• Exceptional numeracy skills
• Good communication skills
• Decisive
• Confidence
• The ability to work well alone or as part of a team
• The ability to remain calm under pressure
• Honesty
• Good organisational skills
• Focused

Pay:

• Entry £25,000
• £35,000 - £65,000 with experience
• The most successful Stockbrokers can earn £180,000 or more

Please not that salary figures are a guide only. Actual salaries may vary depending on the organisation and geographical location

Hours:

• Typically Monday – Friday 7am to 6pm
• Long hours are common

Environment:

• Typically in an open-plan office alongside other traders
• The working environment can be noisy and stressful

Qualifications:

• A degree is essential for entry
• Most degree courses require five GCSE passes grades A-C and two A-Levels
• A Degree in Economics, Accountancy or Law or a related subject would improve chances of employment

Training:

• Training is on-the-job working alongside experienced Stockbrokers
• An examination must be passed before qualifying
• All qualified Stockbrokers must be registered with the Financial Services Authority (FSA)

Opportunities:

• There are around 13,000 Stockbroker working in the UK
• Most opportunities are in London
• Employers include specialist stock broking firms, financial investment houses and global banks
• Competition for jobs is fierce

Links:

www.fsa.gov.uk - Financial Services Authority (FSA)

www.apcims.co.uk - The Association of Private Client Investment Managers and Stockbrokers (APCIMS)

www.londonstockexchange.com - The London Stock Exchange

www.fssc.org.uk - The Financial Services Skills Council