You are an advisor at a Career Fair and have to answer questions from graduates who may want to work in a bank, stock-broking firm, or be an independent financial advisor. What advice can you give to them in relation graduate opportunities? What are the statutory requirements to work in the financial industry in Singapore?




Graduates armed with a degree in econ n finance are well sought after in the finance industry after they graduate. Singapore is a important and thriving financial centre for the region. Not only did it serves its domestic economy, it also serves the asia pacific region, and also the world due to globalisation. Some important factors which supports Singapore’s development as an international financial centre are a pro-business environment, sound economic fundamentals, a strong regulatory and supervisory framework, excellent infrastructure, and a highly skilled workforce. Graduates can take up a wide range of jobs, from working in a reputable banks as relationship manager, stock broker, fund manager, commodities trader, real estate agent and even financial planners with a reputable insurance company to name a few. Graduates often enjoy high remuneration due to the fact that talents is scarce and also due to the highly competitive nature of this industry. Graduates are also encouraged to take up new courses and attend seminars to constantly keep themselves abreast of the the development in this ever changing financial industry.

Graduates are encouraged to start sending resumes as soon as they graduate for a higher chance of landing a job in the finance industry as jobs offers normally goes to the best candidate which the company deem fits.

The finance sector in Singapore is largely governed by the Monetary authority of Singapore, also know as the MAS. The MAS in Singapore is comparable to that of the federal reserves in the united states. It is the Central bank of Singapore. The MAS sets the rules and regulations which financial institutes in Singapore largely follows. The Mas also sets the requirement for the individual who wishes to work in the financial sector.

For example, the MAS requires those interested to work as a financial advisers to obtain a license before they are allowed to give financial advise to clients. The requirements of obtaining the license to be a financial adviser are as follows: be at least 21 years of age, qualification higher than or equal to 4 GCE O levels and also passing the required CMFAS examinations. For personal banking associate, the requirements are A recognized University Degree or Diploma Holders with relevant experience, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, self driven and target oriented, demonstrates high level of energy, able to cope with pressure and setbacks, adaptable and able to work in a fast paced environment, able to commit to long working hours (including weekends) Last but not least, integrity and positive working attitude.