A financial firm’s reputation hinges on the expertise and integrity of its team. To earn client trust and deliver meaningful guidance, firms must invest in building a knowledgeable, mission-driven workforce. This starts with hiring professionals who not only bring technical skills but also align with the company’s values and commitment to client success.
To help, Forbes Finance Council members share strategies for building a team of true financial experts who embody your mission and empower clients to make confident financial decisions.
1. Own Your Decisions (And Hire Those Who Do The Same)
A successful team in finance—or any industry—starts with a strong foundation of trust and accountability. It’s important to lead by example. Own your decisions, hire people who do the same and create a culture where team members trust and value each other. A group of experts is valuable, but a true team of experts, where each member is supported and empowered to take risks, is exceptional. – Sonya Thadhani Mughal, Bailard, Inc.
2. Look For Great Listeners And Lifelong Learners
We have found that successful financial advisory firms scale through advisors who are great listeners and lifelong learners. Guiding our clients in making their best decisions requires understanding their specific goals and often supporting them in changing behaviors and habits. We look for advisors with empathy and curiosity. – Ruvin Levavi, Power Forward Group
3. Hire For Expertise And Strategic Thinking
A great financial team isn’t just built—it’s designed. Hire for expertise and strategic thinking, then invest in mentorship, adaptability and technology to keep them ahead. The best teams don’t just manage numbers; they anticipate challenges, drive growth and redefine financial strategy. – Milica Rajkovic
4. Combine Centralized Training And Development
Firms should employ a mentorship model that is a combination of centralized training and development mixed with client-facing problem-solving. A combination of a training and development team with successful mentorship creates both scalability and accountability, ensuring clients are getting consistent advice from experts. – Christopher Foder, CExP, Meridian Financial Associates
5. Develop A Deep Network Of ‘Centers Of Influence’
Hiring subject-matter experts will always be crucial to ensuring an organization has ready access to financial insights. Secondarily, developing a deep network of “centers of influence,” or individuals with expertise in related fields—such as accountants, trust and estate lawyers or specialty insurers—can ensure the organization brings maximum value to each client. – Luke Andriuk, Saugatuck Financial
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6. Seek Diverse Team Members With Complementary Skills
Building a knowledgeable team of experts is essential to embodying your client’s mission and providing them with sound financial guidance. Key strategies to achieve this would be to assemble a diverse team with complementary skills, foster a collaborative culture and continuous professional development, embrace technological advancements, network and align team objectives with the company mission. – Pankaj Vasani, Cube Highways InvIT
7. Focus On Core Value Alignment
Hire people who align with your core values—not just those with the right credentials. Creating a culture that feels like family, where everyone genuinely cares for clients, fosters trust and collaboration. Ongoing education, mentorship and a shared commitment to the mission ensure that every client receives expert guidance with a personal touch, not just financial advice. – Michael Foguth, Foguth Financial Group
8. Foster Continuous Learning
Financial firms should focus on building the right team of skilled, adaptable professionals while fostering continuous learning. Equally important is aligning talent with the company’s mission, goals and products through clear communication, training and organizational culture—ensuring every client interaction reflects the expertise and the firm’s core values. – Sagiv Korenfeld Amar, NICE
9. Invest In Professional Development And Mentorship
Cultivate a high-caliber team by investing in advanced certifications, continuous professional development and mentorship initiatives. Prioritizing expertise refinement ensures alignment with corporate objectives, enhances strategic acumen and fortifies client trust through informed, sophisticated financial counsel. – Sumeet Grover, UFCU
10. Promote Morals, Curiosity And Cross-Functional Teamwork
It’s essential to promote morals, curiosity and cross-functional teamwork. Instead of recruiting specialists, companies should allow employees to learn, problem-solve and stay current. Advisers can support customers with behavioral finance training, case studies and job rotation. Financial experts can improve by evaluating and changing plans after results. – Neil Anders, Trusted Rate, Inc.
11. Embed Fair Conduct Into Leadership, Culture And Strategy
It starts at the top. Build expert teams by embedding fair conduct into leadership, culture and strategy. Deliver the critical tools and training to enable transparent products, honest advice and proactive support—especially for vulnerable clients. When fairness is visible in every decision and action across your value chain, you earn trust, inspire loyalty and create a legacy of impact. – Shivali Kukreja , NIB NZ
12. Create A Culture Of Innovation And Collaboration
Creating a strong internal culture starts with hiring experts who bring technical skill, real experience and a mentorship mindset. It’s about building a team that not only aligns with the firm’s mission but also enhances it by collaborating, innovating and continuously learning. Every member should be committed to growth and put clients first. – Letitia Berbaum, Blue Sands Wealth
13. Seek Individuals With A Client-Centered Mindset
Attract the right talent and focus on individuals with a client-centered mindset. Also, establish a mentorship program between senior and junior advisors to promote knowledge transfer. You can also utilize technology to streamline decision-making. Lastly, commit to ongoing education to make sure the team is equipped to offer clients well-rounded guidance. – Dessy Prasad, RIA Innovations
14. Hire For Both Experience And Empathy
Building financial teams isn’t just about sifting through CVs looking for the best pedigree or the most impressive schools—it’s about fit. You need to target individuals who have experienced the same issues your company might face—or are facing—and those issues of your customers as well. Experience, combined with empathy, is the key. – David T. Nudelman, Scandinavian Capital Markets
15. Prioritize Ethics And Trust
It starts with hiring passionate, knowledgeable professionals who align with the company’s mission. The firm must invest in ongoing education, mentorship and cutting-edge tools to keep employees sharp. Ethics and trust come first because clients deserve honest guidance. By fostering specialization and a client-first culture, companies can ensure every financial decision is made with confidence. – Bob Chitrathorn, Wealth Planning By Bob Chitrathorn of Simplified Wealth Management
16. Look For Integrity And Passion
Hire for integrity and passion. While skills can be learned, a good purpose fit is invaluable. Invest in continual training to keep your staff knowledgeable and promote a collaborative and learning culture. Promote mentoring and practical experience. Above all, set a good example for your team to follow. When they witness your dedication to your clients, they will be inspired to do the same. – Jared Weitz, United Capital Source Inc.
17. Consider A Fractional CFO
Expert financial guidance is often a patchwork combination of the CEO’s intuition and a senior controller whose function is more operational in nature. CPAs are often so focused on compliance that their capacity to provide strategic guidance is often limited. We’ve found firms that bring on a fractional CFO can move faster. Look for a firm that may offer a CFO, CPA and legal combined. – Alexander Ronzino, Rework Capital LLC
The information provided here is not investment, tax, or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation.
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