Behind every successful financial adviser or financial planner sits a unique blend of skills, attitudes, and behaviours that enable them to build trust, foster lasting relationships, and ultimately help clients achieve their financial goals. Drawing from years of experience, we’ve distilled these into what we call the “Magnificent 7”. These are the seven core attributes that set great advisers apart. 


Below, we explore these essential traits and how the St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy helps you master them.
 

1. Technical wealth management knowledge

Before anything else, a great adviser needs a solid foundation of financial knowledge. Whether it’s understanding complex financial products, staying ahead of industry developments and market research, or navigating ever-evolving regulations - expertise and analytical skills are fundamental to providing sound advice. But rest assured—we’ve got this covered. 

The Academy equips you with all the technical skills you need to thrive, no matter your background. 

In fact, 59% of our graduates come from non-financial backgrounds, proving that expertise can be built with the right guidance and commitment.
 

2. Resilience

The journey of a financial adviser is filled with highs and challenges. Rejection, setbacks, and periods of uncertainty are inevitable. The key to success? Resilience. The best advisers can bounce back quickly, staying focused on their long-term goals. Thriving under pressure, especially in volatile markets, is a skill that can be developed. 

Our Academy not only prepares you for the technical aspects but also helps you strengthen your resilience through real-world scenarios and continuous support. Resilience, along with other soft skills, is crucial for financial advisers to navigate the challenges of their career.

3. Performing Under Pressure

Financial adviser skills often include the ability to stay calm and composed in high-stakes situations. Whether it’s navigating tight deadlines or adapting to sudden market shifts, those who succeed are the ones who can make sound decisions when it counts. 

With our support, you will develop the mindset and strategies to remain steady under pressure, ensuring you will develop a track record of confidently guiding clients through challenging times.

4. Planning for Success

Great advisers always have a plan—not only for their clients but also for themselves. As part of your application, you’ll be asked to create a business plan that outlines your personal career goals. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you tailor it, ensuring it plays to your strengths and pushes you just enough out of your comfort zone. 

Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, the Academy helps you craft a plan that aligns with who you are, while ensuring you remain focused on long-term success.

5. Communication Skills

At the heart of financial advice lies the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Clear communication is crucial in providing tailored investment advice to clients as you must be able to translate complex financial concepts into language your clients understand. 

But great communication isn’t just about speaking—it’s about listening, too. Exceptional advisers listen more than they talk, tailoring their advice to meet the unique needs of each client – for both existing clients and prospective clients. 

Through the Academy, we help you refine your communication skills so you can deliver advice that really resonates. Strong communication skills are essential for financial planners and advisers to build a strong client business and maintain long-term relationships.

6. Empathy

A great adviser goes beyond the numbers. They have the ability to step into their client’s shoes, understand their fears, financial stresses and offer guidance with compassion. Empathy is essential for creating meaningful financial planning strategies that prioritise the client's needs and goals. 

Empathy is not just about helping clients, but about recognising that every client sees the world differently, and great advisers know how to connect emotionally. This is the cornerstone of building long-lasting relationships and understanding clients’ financial goals. We teach you how to see the world from your client’s perspective, ensuring the advice you give is not only relevant but also meaningful to your client’s interests on a deeper level.

7. Genuine Care

Genuine care is a trait of a successful financial adviser - it is the trait that ties everything together. The best advisers don’t just offer financial advice - they show they genuinely care about their clients’ financial wellbeing. When clients feel their adviser is truly invested in their success, it transforms a transactional relationship into a trusted partnership, and truly satisfied clients. The Academy nurtures this ethos, encouraging you to go above and beyond, ensuring every interaction demonstrates genuine care and commitment.

At St. James’s Place, we believe that these seven traits are the foundation of a successful career in financial advice. Through our Financial Adviser Academy, we don’t just help you master these attributes - we ensure you embody them. If you’re ready to embark on this rewarding journey in the financial industry, we’re here to support you every step of the way, turning your potential into long-term success.