A Broker brings a buyer and seller together in order to make a deal. In the city, brokerage firms focus on trading stocks. An individual broker works on an exchange – for example the stock exchange - making sales or purchases.

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Stockbrokers work for specialist brokers or for investment banks investing clients' funds in stock markets.

Stockbrokers manage clients' share portfolios and either make investment decisions on behalf of clients or give advice on when to buy or sell shares. Stockbrokers then carry out transactions as per client instructions.

Stockbrokers work in challenging and fast paced environments and must be prepared to work long hours as dictated by the opening times of relevant financial markets (including overseas territories) and for the convenience of clients.

Typical tasks carried out by Stockbrokers include:

• Working closely with clients - face to face or via telephone or written communciation - to understand their investment requirements and attitude to risk.
• Researching financial products and markets (national and international) to gain expertise and experience.
• Advising clients on investment opportunities.
• Carrying out trades and transactions on behalf of clients and as a result of client instructions.
• Obtaining the best possible prices for clients.
• Managing client portfolios.

Qualifications

Although stockbrokers do not require specific qualifications, the profession is regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and anyone managing or advising on investments must be approved by the FSA. Stockbrokers learn their profession whilst working with experienced colleagues. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA UK) Society of the UK and the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment both offer recognised training and qualifications.

Are you a stockbroker? Would you like to contribute to our "Day in the Life of..." series? Email us at info@topfinancialjobs.co.uk for more details.