You might hire a portfolio manager to:
- Devise an appropriate investment strategy based on individual or group needs
Monitor how investments are performing — and rebalance allocations as necessary
Execute specific financial investing moves, as approved by the client
Review market activity, create forecasting reports, and remain on top of trends
| Required skills and qualifications | Preferred skills and qualifications |
| Experience in a quantitative or analytical field, such as accounting, finance, economics, mathematics, statistics, physics, or engineering | Degree in finance, business administration, or economics |
| Advanced written and oral communication abilities | Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification (which carries a base level requirement of a bachelor’s degree and four years of work experience) or equivalent |
| Knowledge of securities, insurance, and mutual funds industries | Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification awarded by the CFP Board (with a base level requirement of a bachelor’s degree and 12–18 months of coursework) or equivalent |
| Proficiency with financial planning software | Licensing by a national or regional agency, such as the U.S. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC), or equivalent |
| Personal integrity and a commitment to ethics and client confidentiality | If assets under management (AUM) total a few million USD, registration with an oversight commission such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, or equivalent |
