what is a private banker?
As a private banker, your job is to offer customised financial services to wealthy individuals and families. You will work with specific clients at a major financial institution, examining their financial circumstances and suggesting ways to increase their wealth. Additionally, you will create plans and supervise their execution to ensure that your clients maintain financial stability.
As part of your job, you will work closely with financial institutions and building societies to manage the finances of individuals with high net worth. Your clients will come from diverse industries such as mining, manufacturing, construction, and investment institutions. Your top priority will be to maintain a positive relationship with your clients by responding promptly to their inquiries and addressing any concerns they may have. Additionally, you will use your sales skills to attract new clients to your firm. Attending events with your clients will allow you to connect with other high-net-worth individuals and encourage them to bank with your employer. To excel in this role, you will need technical skills such as industry knowledge and analytical skills to assess clients' investment portfolios. Strong networking skills will also be essential for acquiring new clients.
view vacanciesaverage private banker salary
If you work as a private banker in New Zealand, your yearly salary typically ranges from $60,000 to over $80,000. Your pay may vary based on your level of experience and qualifications, and some employers offer commission for bringing in high-net-worth clients. On average, private bankers in New Zealand earn around $75,000 annually.
how to increase your salary as a private banker
The compensation of private bankers depends on their level of expertise and the value they provide to the organisation. Clients seek knowledgeable advice on investments and asset management, so bankers with extensive experience and industry-specific knowledge usually earn more. During salary negotiations, additional certifications or professional qualifications can raise your earning potential. Additionally, the net worth of your clients can impact your earnings, with ultra-high-net-worth individuals and companies usually offering higher compensation due to the extra services and expert knowledge required for their investments and asset management.
types of private bankers
Some of the types of private bankers include:
- private bankers for individuals: as a private banker, you work with C-level executives, entrepreneurs and other high-net-worth individuals. You develop relationships with your clients, evaluate their financial circumstances and help them build wealth. Your job involves providing investment advice, evaluating their current investment portfolios and asset management. You also answer questions and handle any problems that arise with their accounts.
- corporate/private bankers: as a private banker working with high-value companies or businesses, your role is to help them achieve further growth. You review their investment portfolios and provide recommendations on how they can expand their income or enter new markets. Additionally, you manage their finances by organising loans for financing and assisting them in meeting their goals. You can work with family-owned businesses or publicly traded and private companies.
working as a private banker
As a private banker, you help businesses and individuals achieve their financial goals. If you are interested in the role, here’s a breakdown of the specific duties, work environments and job prospects.
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private banker job description
Some of the responsibilities of a private banker include:
- meeting with clients: as a private banker, your main responsibility is to establish and uphold a positive relationship with your clients. You achieve this by scheduling meetings with them to understand their financial needs and goals. As a mediator between the client and the financial institution, you communicate vital information and ensure exceptional customer service is provided. Building and maintaining these relationships are crucial to the success of your job.
- sourcing new clients: as a private banker, your role involves finding new clients for your financial institution. You reach out to individuals and businesses, offering your services and leveraging your existing client network to find new prospects. You may attend client events and dinners to connect with potential clients and schedule meetings to explain your services.
- evaluating client finances: as a private banker, it is important to thoroughly evaluate each client's financial position and investment portfolios. This involves conducting extensive research on their assets, bank account balances, business and property interests, as well as their debt obligations and potential compliance issues. By doing so, you can prepare a comprehensive financial plan tailored to their unique needs and help them achieve their financial goals. It's all about providing personalised and proactive support to ensure your clients are on top of their financial matters.
- providing financial advice: as a private banker, you offer financial advice to clients. This involves evaluating their assets and recommending strategies to help them grow their wealth and expand their income streams. You also provide guidance on how to position their savings and investments to achieve their goals. If you specialise in retirement or tax planning, you'll advise clients on the most effective ways to plan for retirement and reduce their tax obligations.
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work environment
As a private banker, you offer financial services to high-net-worth clients in a one-on-one setting. Unlike traditional bankers, you have your own office to schedule and plan meetings, but you spend most of your time meeting clients in person. You'll visit clients at their workplaces or homes, and provide a personalised banking experience. Attending networking events is also a common part of your job.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include business banking managers, financial advisors and insurance brokers. You might also be working in close proximity to finance managers and personal assistants. Other specialists you work with could include, but not be limited to, financial analysts, financial planners and accountants.
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work schedule
Private bankers typically work traditional office hours, but they often attend evening events to expand their network and build relationships with clients. They may also work weekends or holidays if urgent advice or assistance is needed. While most private banker jobs are full-time, there are also opportunities for part-time and contract positions.
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job outlook
As a private banker, you have extensive experience in relationship building and client management. That means you can work in any managerial position at the bank. For instance, some private bankers become relationship managers, branch managers and senior bank managers. Since you are good at analysing investment portfolios, you have career options in investment, like becoming a financial planner or financial advisor.
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advantages of finding a private banker job through randstad
Finding your private banker job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a private banker is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
To work as a private banker, your employer may require a tertiary qualification such as:
- bachelor’s degree: when you complete your secondary school certificate, pursue a tertiary qualification like a bachelor’s degree in commerce, business, accounting and finance. Any certification that boosts your knowledge in financial planning and investments improves your chances of becoming a private banker.
- experience: to become a private banker, you require extensive experience in the banking or investment industry. You can join internships and work in entry-level banking positions. When you understand the banking policies and regulations, focus on client-facing roles like becoming a relationship manager. The roles help you gain relevant experience for becoming a private banker.
private banker skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a private banker include:
- customer service skills: as a private banker, you build relationships to land new clients and maintain the existing ones. You require customer service skills to develop lasting relationships with your clients and provide a positive experience. Your customer service skills are handy when answering questions, resolving issues and dealing with complaints.
- communication skills: as a private banker, you convey information to other employees and clients. Hence, you require solid communication skills to communicate effectively with clients. For instance, you explain complex investments in simple terms to help your clients make informed decisions.
- problem-solving skills: as a private banker, you identify challenges and develop solutions to client problems. When evaluating a client's financial circumstances, you may notice issues in their portfolio that need improvement. You rely on your problem-solving skills to address issues, develop financial plans and manage investments.
- time management: as a private banker, you meet clients regularly to review their financial plans and investments. Since you handle multiple clients, you have various tasks for each customer. Having good time management skills helps you prioritise tasks and ensure every client receives the best service.
FAQs about working as a private banker
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a private banker.
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what does a private banker do?
As a private banker, you cater for high-net-worth individuals managing their finances and financial circumstances. You also source new clients and maintain a good relationship with the existing clientele.
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how do I become a private banker?
You require academic qualifications and certifications to become a private banker. Some of the tertiary qualifications you need are a bachelor's degree in business and commerce. Extensive work experience in personal banking also improves your employment prospects.
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who qualifies for a private banker?
Different financial institutions have unique rules on who qualifies for private banking services. However, a private banker works with a high-net-worth individual or company. In New Zealand, you need over 2.5 million in deposits with an annual income of over $250,000 to qualify for a private banker.
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how hard is it to be a private banker?
Becoming a private banker may be quite demanding because there are only a few positions available, and extensive experience and expertise in investment, financial, and retirement planning services are required.
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how much does a private banker make in New Zealand?
Private bankers in New Zealand earn a relatively good salary with an average remuneration package of $75,000 per year. In an entry-level position, you receive a salary of $60,000 annually, gradually increasing to over $80,000 yearly. The earnings usually fluctuate based on experience and qualifications.
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how do I apply for a private banker vacancy?
Applying for a private banker job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.