First Principal Financial possesses the key qualities of reputation, expertise and longevity. We look forward to continuing our relationship with you in the years ahead.
Career Candidates - Industry Practitioner
You are an industry practitioner with a financial planning organisation. You have worked a number of years, acquired the necessary professional qualifications and are wondering how to further your career. Perhaps you are a tied agent, or someone in banking. How different is First Principal from other financial institutions? What is the entrepreneurial model and what are our strengths, work culture and opportunities for advancement? This section addresses some of these key concerns. Read on for your answers.
A Reputation for Quality and Service
Known for our pioneering spirit, First Principal is one of the leading IFA (Independent Financial Advisory) firms in Singapore. We are also a top life brokerage and have been, since we started the company in 1997. Our stable of products from most of the insurance companies, banks and general insurance companies gives us the leverage to customise almost any plan that a client requires. We have distribution rights for many of the fund houses, offering a wide array of investment products. (see Institutional Affiliates)
We are the first fully-licensed, foreign-owned PMA to operate under a brokerage concept in Indonesia. These offices offer regional opportunities to advisers who wish to expand their practice beyond our shores.
You will be working with the best minds in the financial planning services industry. Our founding partners hold key positions in trade and industry associations that work closely with legislative organisations. They also contribute actively to curriculum development and are much sought-after as speakers in industry-related events. (more in Founders Profiles)
Proprietary Asset Allocation Models and IT systems
We offer the best that information technology can offer. Designed so that you enjoy ease of operations, complex system processes have been streamlined into a fully-integrated suite of application software at your finger tips.
Analysing our clients’ financial situation is done with much ease with our proprietary Financial Planning software, which looks into almost every conceivable issue your clients may face. Through this system, proper analysis can be made, leading to sound recommendation and advice.
Our internet-enabled, information management system, tracks our clients’ portfolios and provides you with all necessary analytical tools you will need to make a financial recommendation. This includes an accounting system for transacting commissions and fees of products and services provided.
More importantly, we have developed PAM, a portfolio asset management system that offers an array of investment portfolios to meet every client’s risk appetite. This proprietary system is by far the most comprehensive in the local market and we are very confident of its success and marketability. (more in Advisory Services – Investment Planning)
Network of Specialists at Your Disposal
Be it tax or legal advice, all of these are at your disposal. Supported by paraplanners, group and general insurance specialists, everything has been set in place, so that you can concentrate in providing the best solutions to your clients.
Besides being the top life brokerage in Singapore, our specialists in the General Insurance and Employee Benefits departments can work closely with you, to offer an array of products and services to meet your clients' every need. This also extends to mortgage brokering where our loans specialist can help you find the most competitive packages for your clients. Essentially, we are the one-stop service centre where financial planning services are concerned.
You will also enjoy the support of an efficient administrative department that takes care of all sales and administrative documentation for you.
An Entrepreneurial Model that Differs from A Salaried Position
As a salaried employee of a financial institution, you service the institution’s clients and market a limited range of products offered by that institution. Your career is dependent on institutional needs and what others may dictate. In short, you build the institution’s business.
As an independent adviser, however, you are your own boss. Like a doctor, lawyer or accountant in private practice, this is a business that you can cultivate and call your very own. You manage and build your own clientele, and this relationship should last a lifetime if managed well. In short, you build your own business.
There is tremendous income potential to be generated from multiple business channels. Over the longer term, your cumulative income could grow to substantial proportions. If you possess tenacity, resourcefulness and a strong desire to succeed, then this is just the career for you.
Your Career Path and Future at First Principal
New entrants start off as an Independent Financial Advisory Representative at First Principal. Within 3 years, depending on your performance, you could be promoted to the next 2 levels, Executive Adviser, then Senior Adviser. Your remuneration will increase with each promotion.
The 4th year is likely the time when most decide to branch off into one of 3 areas. Some continue to grow in their general practice as Senior Adviser, some choose to become managers with their own team of advisers, while others specialise in an area of financial services. This could range from a variety of services offered at First Principal, in the areas of Investment Planning, Estate Distribution, Retirement, Taxation, Corporate Pension, Employee Benefits, Business Continuation, General Insurance Brokering or Mortgage Loans. (details in Product Showcase / Advisory Services)
Rigourous Professional Training
Our strength is in our domain knowledge. Our comprehensive IFA programme will systematically take you through what you need to know about the financial planning process, and our range of products and services. To keep you at your best, training is on-going and matched to the level of sophistication and advancement you wish to acquire.
Higher professional certification, such as ChFC, CLU and CFP will very much enhance your value. This, along with regular case analysis and joint work with more experienced colleagues, will ensure you are kept current and equipped to respond to the changing needs of the industry and those of your clients.
Our Corporate Culture
We are a dynamic, team-spirited bunch of people who believe strongly in what we do. More than a job, we see this as a vocation; as a confidante and counsellor to our clients’ financial affairs, we aim to make a difference in the lives of our clients. We see them as our friends and the relationships we build go the distance.
The guidance offered by our qualified and experienced management team, recognised as leaders in this field, will greatly foster your growth. Join the winning team and have Us Professionals on Your Side.
