We've recently updated our service. Because of this, you'll need to reset your password to log in. It's quick and easy!Reset Password

Stockbroker

Look after investments for people or companies.

Also known as: wealth manager, investment manager

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: National Careers Service

Weekly

£462

Entry level

£2,404

Experienced

Monthly

£2,000

Entry level

£10,417

Experienced

Yearly

£24,000

Entry level

£125,000

Experienced

2,400

people are currently employed

Low growth

100 more jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

What it's like

You would look after investments for people or companies. It would be your job to get the best financial returns by buying and selling stocks, shares and other financial products.

You could offer three types of service:

  • Discretionary – making investment decisions for your clients

  • Advisory – giving clients advice about investments

  • Execution only – buying and selling only if clients ask you to, without giving advice

You may specialise in one type of service or offer all three.

For all types of service, you would:

  • Manage clients' investment portfolios

  • Help clients develop their investment strategy

  • Work closely with investment analysts to research financial markets

  • Answer clients' questions

  • Keep clients informed about their investments and changes in the market

  • Instruct stock market traders to get the best market prices

  • Market your services to new clients

In larger companies, you might specialise in investing in certain markets such as technology or finance, or in specific regions such as the Far East.

Hours

You would work long hours, typically 7am until around 6pm, Monday to Friday. If you work with commodities or Asian markets, your hours may be irregular due to international time differences.

Environment

You would usually work in a large, open plan office, and spend most of your time at the computer and on the telephone.

Explore more information about this job

Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:

Like the sound of this career?

Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Stockbroker'

Select qualification level(s)

Show me courses

Other careers that you might like

  • Insurance broker
Browse all job profiles

Related industries

Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.

  • Financial services
View all industries

Top skills

Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!

It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.

Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:

  • analysing
  • making decisions
  • taking initiative
  • attention to detail
  • working with numbers
  • verbal communication
  • networking
  • cooperating

Your skills are important

Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.

Discover skills

Getting in

Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

  • Accounting

  • Business

  • Economics

  • Mathematics

  • Skills for Work: Financial Services

  • Statistics

  • Foundation Apprenticeship: Financial Services

  • Applications of Mathematics

You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.

You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.

Discover what's on offer at your school on  Apprenticeships.scot.

Most entrants are graduates.

Employers expect an honours degree at 2:1 or above (SCQF level 10). Some employers now look for postgraduate qualifications (SCQF level 11) such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Degrees in accountancy, economics, law or another business-related subject are useful.

Ability in one or more foreign languages.

Once in the job you must achieve industry-recognised qualifications and register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Explore over 22,000 courses in Scotland

Find the perfect course to boost your career.

View all courses

Search jobs and apprenticeships

View work opportunities