Investment advisor’s primary role includes creating a portfolio for the investor based on his needs, risk profile and successfully managing the same. While maintaining high service standards is pertinent, it shouldn’t gain precedence over the advice part.
Can he smartly diversify your investment?
Providing investment solutions is a completely different ball game as compared to simply selling investment products. Check if your investment advisor offers you the entire range of products ranging from equity, mutual funds, insurance, real estate, gold, bonds to fixed deposits i.e. is he in a position to offer you all the options to construct the ideal portfolio?
More importantly your investment advisor should help you attain the ideal asset allocation. The various investment options he offers you need to be customized to your needs, objectives and risk appetite
Decide what services you need?
Before contacting potential advisors it’s a good idea to know in advance what you are really expecting from an advisor. Make a list of expectations to go along your financial goals. An advisor may not be able to help you if they don’t know what you want. It’s your own responsibility to make sure that you’ve provided an advisor with the information they need to advise you appropriately.
Do an interview with everyone you are considering and don’t be afraid to ask for references. Interrogate some of the queries like:

· Are you registered with SEBI ?
· Are you member of NSE & BSE?
· Is your Terminal Operator NCFM Certified?
· Are you AMFI Certified?
· Are you IRDA certified?
· What licenses, certificates and registrations do you have?
· What services do you provide?
· What kind of clients do you serve?
· How many clients do you have?
· How long have you been in the business?
· How would you summarize your philosophy of money management?
· How you analyze technical & fundamental research and which software do you use for this?
· What types of investments do you recommend?
· What is your area of expertise?
· What separates you from others in the field?
· What are your educational credentials and business experience?
· How do you keep up to date in the field?
· How does your past investment performance rank against your benchmarks and peers?
· How are you compensated and how do you set your fees?
· How are fees calculated?
· What do I receive for that fee?
· How often do you communicate with your clients?
· How often will the portfolio be reviewed?
Once you are satisfied with the credentials of your financial advisor by asking above said questions, the most important thing is the trust and belief you have in him. You have a choice when choosing your investment advisor. Make your choice wisely. This becomes a partnership and like any other partnership, to succeed it has to be base on faith. He is the one who will keep in mind your age, your needs, current and future liabilities and your lifestyle then will accordingly outline a solid financial plan that can help you reach your short, medium and long term financial goals.
Good luck in making this important decision!

ntegrity is the single most important factor in choosing an investment advisor. You must be able to rely on this person’s integrity as much as your doctor’s, because both individuals have your future in their hands. Also, Factors like rapidly changing market conditions and availability of various investment options have necesseciated the presence of a sound and well-informed investment advisor. Since many of us are not well-versed with the details pertaining to mortgages, insurance, investments, loans, and other financial matters, it is advisable to seek professional guidance from an Investment Advisor. What does an investment advisor do? They work with you directly to advise and guide you with your investments. You have to be able to trust and believe in this person and also get along with them, since the two of you will be working close together to develop and plan your finance. Investment advisor’s primary role includes creating a portfolio for the investor based on his needs, risk profile and successfully managing the same. While maintaining high service standards is pertinent, it shouldn’t gain precedence over the advice part. Can he smartly diversify your investment? Providing investment solutions is a completely different ball game as compared to simply selling investment products. Check if your investment advisor offers you the entire range of products ranging from equity, mutual funds, insurance, real estate, gold, bonds to fixed deposits i.e. is he in a position to offer you all the options to construct the ideal portfolio? More importantly your investment advisor should help you attain the ideal asset allocation. The various investment options he offers you need to be customized to your needs, objectives and risk appetite Decide what services you need? Before contacting potential advisors it’s a good idea to know in advance what you are really expecting from an advisor. Make a list of expectations to go along your financial goals. An advisor may not be able to help you if they don’t know what you want. It’s your own responsibility to make sure that you’ve provided an advisor with the information they need to advise you appropriately. Do an interview with everyone you are considering and don’t be afraid to ask for references. Interrogate some of the queries like: · Are you registered with SEBI ? · Are you member of NSE & BSE? · Is your Terminal Operator NCFM Certified? · Are you AMFI Certified? · Are you IRDA certified? · What licenses, certificates and registrations do you have? · What services do you provide? · What kind of clients do you serve? · How many clients do you have? · How long have you been in the business? · How would you summarize your philosophy of money management? · How you analyze technical & fundamental research and which software do you use for this? · What types of investments do you recommend? · What is your area of expertise? · What separates you from others in the field? · What are your educational credentials and business experience? · How do you keep up to date in the field? · How does your past investment performance rank against your benchmarks and peers? · How are you compensated and how do you set your fees? · How are fees calculated? · What do I receive for that fee? · How often do you communicate with your clients? · How often will the portfolio be reviewed? Once you are satisfied with the credentials of your financial advisor by asking above said questions, the most important thing is the trust and belief you have in him. You have a choice when choosing your investment advisor. Make your choice wisely. This becomes a partnership and like any other partnership, to succeed it has to be base on faith. He is the one who will keep in mind your age, your needs, current and future liabilities and your lifestyle then will accordingly outline a solid financial plan that can help you reach your short, medium and long term financial goals. Good luck in making this important decision!

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