A career in financial planning

A new direction.
Experience you can build on.

Considering a move from another industry? I’ve made that switch myself. Explore how you could help people with their finances, with guidance from me and our team.

Start with your current role and what you hope to change. We’ll discuss the work, training and income model before you decide whether to take it further.

Wealth Solutions Consultant · Financial planning and client relationships

Alvin Seah
Alvin Seah · ChFC®/S · AEPP®
Wealth Solutions Manager · HSBC Life Singapore
Could this suit you?

Your next chapter can draw on your last one.

I moved into financial services in 2015 after about nine years in aviation and semiconductors. I wanted to understand investing and money management more deeply. I know a career change also raises practical questions about learning, income and family responsibilities.

You may enjoy this work if you like explaining ideas, building relationships and following through. You’ll also need to initiate conversations, handle rejection and develop a consistent working routine.

No finance background or existing client base? You can still explore the role. We’ll discuss your starting point and how you could develop your knowledge and your own opportunities.

Get to know Alvin
What you would do

Useful conversations.
Support when it matters.

Learn skills you can use in your own life and, once authorised to advise, help clients make informed decisions.

Help a family plan

A new parent wants protection without stretching the household budget. Listen to their priorities, understand what they have and explain suitable options.

Make investing clearer

A professional has savings but is unsure where to begin. Help them understand their goals, time horizon and risk before considering suitable investments.

Stay involved as life changes

A job change affects employee benefits, or a client needs help with a claim. Help organise the next steps and revisit their plans as circumstances change.

Building your practice is part of the job. Learn to start conversations through useful content, events, introductions and regular follow-up. It takes initiative and persistence.

Learn with Alvin and our team

You won’t have to figure it all out alone.

Get practical guidance from me and our team, backed by HSBC Life’s structured training and professional development.

One-to-one guidance

Work through your learning priorities, prepare for initial client conversations and review what you learn from them with me.

Team training and resources

Discuss planning concepts, learn approaches to client meetings and servicing, and use resources to prepare for your own conversations.

Practice with other rookies

Practise explaining ideas and responding to questions together. Build confidence through feedback and shared learning.

Structured company training

Build your knowledge in financial planning, prospecting, sales and the industry’s rules and regulations. As you develop, company programmes also cover personal development, recruitment, supervision and management.

Bring what you learn back to our team sessions and one-to-one discussions, so we can help you put it into practice.

Explore HSBC Life’s training and career support
Before you start

A worthwhile change needs a realistic plan.

Understand the commitments as well as the opportunity. We can discuss your household finances, learning timeline and any support you may qualify for.

Support for your next chapter

Explore the training, guidance and financial support that could help you get started.

Eligible candidates may qualify for transition support[1] and the 2026 exam reimbursement programme. The applicable amounts, conditions and timeline need individual confirmation.

Minimum entry requirements

  • Age 21 or above
  • Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident
  • A full diploma from a Singapore polytechnic, a full GCE A Level certificate, an International Baccalaureate diploma, or an equivalent academic qualification

Equivalent qualifications are subject to assessment. Appointment requires the applicable exams and selection process.

Your questions, answered

Explore the details when you’re ready.

What if I have no finance background or client base?

Your previous industry and experience with people can be a useful starting point. We can identify an audience you understand, a relevant topic and a manageable outreach routine. Building a client base requires your active involvement; there is no promise of assigned clients or guaranteed leads.

You still need to meet the entry requirements, complete the applicable exams and become authorised before advising clients.

What transition support could I qualify for?

Eligible candidates may receive transition support of up to S$12,000 per month, for up to three years.[1]

The applicable amount, duration and conditions are confirmed individually, subject to eligibility, validation and scheme terms and conditions.

How does the 2026 exam reimbursement work?

Exam reimbursement is available to qualifying candidates under the 2026 programme. One key criterion is being appointed and coded with HSBC Life by 31 December 2026.

Other conditions apply. We can discuss your applicable exams and joining timeline before you make commitments.

How would I prepare and join?

Start with a conversation about your current work and goals. If there is a mutual fit, we can discuss the company interview, applicable exams and a preparation plan. A joining date depends on completing the requirements and selection process.

Our team’s resources, one-to-one guidance and rookie practice support your learning, alongside HSBC Life’s training programmes.

Can I develop as an adviser or move into leadership?

You can focus on building your advisory expertise and client relationships. If developing people interests you, there is also a management pathway involving recruitment, supervision and mentoring.

Progression depends on the applicable requirements and selection; a management appointment is not automatic. View HSBC Life’s published career pathways

What other career benefits can I explore?

Beyond our team’s guidance, HSBC Life offers access to global resources and networks, advisory and management career pathways, and sponsorship for the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) programme.

You can also plan your working schedule around client needs and your responsibilities. We can discuss which development opportunities and sponsorship arrangements apply to your stage of the journey.

See the company’s published career benefits
Can this work around my family commitments?

Bring those commitments into the conversation. We can discuss how client meetings, training and outreach could fit your responsibilities, and plan a routine that works for your household.

Do I need to resign before speaking with you?

No. You can explore the option while still employed. The first conversation is a chance to ask questions and understand the work, not a commitment to join or an appointment offer.

Start with a conversation

What would you like your next chapter to look like?

Tell me about your current role, what you hope to change and your biggest question. We’ll explore the work, support and income considerations, then decide whether a next step makes sense.

You don’t need to decide on a career switch before we speak.