Overview
Securities agents and investment dealers buy and sell stocks, bonds, treasury bills, mutual funds and other securities for individual investors, pension fund managers, banks, trust companies, insurance firms and other establishments. Brokers buy and sell stocks, bonds, commodity futures, foreign currencies and other securities at stock exchanges on behalf of investment dealers. They are employed by investment companies, stock brokerage firms, stock and commodity exchanges and other establishments in the securities industry.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Securities agents and investment dealers
Develop long-term relationships with their clients by preparing investment strategies to help them achieve their financial goals, offering advice and information on various investments to guide them in managing their portfolios
Review financial periodicals, stock and bond reports, business publications and other material, and develop a network within the financial industry to gather relevant information and identify potential investments for clients
Carry out investment orders by buying and selling stocks, bonds, treasury bills, mutual funds and other securities for individual investors, pension fund managers or companies such as banks, trust companies and insurance firms
Monitor clients' investment portfolios and ensure that investment transactions are carried out according to industry regulations.
Brokers
Buy and sell stocks, bonds, commodity futures, foreign currencies and other securities at stock exchanges on behalf of investment dealers
Develop trading strategies by reviewing investment information and monitoring market conditions from the exchange floor and through contact with trading departments of other investment firms, pension fund managers and investment company financial analysts
Make bids and offers to buy and sell securities and complete details of sales on exchange trade tickets
Prepare reviews of portfolios' positions.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$54,142
$77,000
$157,421
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
650expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
A bachelor's or master's degree in economics, business or other discipline is usually required.
A recognized financial designation may be required (CFA, CFP, CIM or others).
Securities sales representatives and brokers require completion of industry investment and sales training programs and completion of licensing courses such as the Canadian Securities Course and the Conduct and Practices Handbook Course offered by the Canadian Securities Institute, or acceptable alternatives such as completion of one or more levels of the CFA Program, offered by CFA Institute.
Additional information
Progression to related management positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Securities agents, investment dealers and brokers in B.C.
- Canadian Securities Course (CSC®) - Securities Agents
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Securities agents, investment dealers and brokers in B.C.
- Chartered Investment Manager (CIM ®) - Securities Agents
- Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) - Securities Agents
- Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) Certification - Securities Agents
Canadian Securities Course (CSC®) - Securities Agents
To work as a securities agent, investment dealer, or broker in B.C., you must complete the Canadian Securities Course (CSC®).
Chartered Investment Manager (CIM ®) - Securities Agents
To work as an investment manager in B.C., you may choose to earn the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM ®) designation. Eligibility for this designation is achieved through the completion of requisite courses and at least 2 years of relevant work experience.
Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) - Securities Agents
To work as a financial analyst in B.C., you may choose to earn a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation. You can earn the designation by completing the CFA® Program and acceptable work experience requirements.
Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) Certification - Securities Agents
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a financial planner in B.C., you may choose to earn the Certified Financial Planner® certification through FP Canada. To obtain the CFP designation, candidates must complete a rigorous education program, pass a national exam, have a post-secondary degree and demonstrate three years of qualifying work experience.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.