Graduate Programme – Independent Financial Adviser (IFA)

Company: MSP Consultants in partnership with Momentum Distribution Services (MDS)
Position: Graduate Programme – Independent Financial Adviser (IFA)
Reference Number: MMH260817-10
Position Type: Graduate
Location: Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Closing Date: 24 August 2026
Remote Work: None
Industry: Financial Services

Graduate IFA Programme at Momentum Distribution Services

MSP Consultants, in partnership with Momentum Distribution Services (MDS), is offering a structured three-year Graduate Programme for graduates who want to build a career as an Independent Financial Adviser.

The programme combines accredited training, mentorship, practical workplace experience and progressive career development. Successful candidates will move through three stages, starting in administrative support and progressing to paraplanner and junior financial adviser responsibilities.

No previous financial services industry experience is required.

Programme Structure

Year 1 – Administrative Assistant

Stipend: R6,500 per month

The first year focuses on building a strong foundation in financial services, administration, compliance and client support.

Key areas include:

• Supporting Independent Financial Advisers with client onboarding and administration.
• Assisting with compliance documentation.
• Learning about financial needs analysis and client communication.
• Developing knowledge of FAIS and POPIA requirements.
• Building skills in practice management, financial literacy, marketing and digital tools.
• Completing structured technical, business and client training.
• Receiving ongoing mentorship and coaching.
• Developing professional relationships with clients, mentors and stakeholders.

Year 2 – Paraplanner

Salary: R14,000 per month

In the second year, graduates transition into a paraplanner role with greater exposure to financial planning and technical responsibilities.

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The role includes:

• Supporting advisers with holistic financial planning.
• Preparing for the Regulatory Examination (RE5).
• Developing financial plans and assisting with client reviews.
• Learning about financial products and quoting processes.
• Identifying appropriate cross-selling and upselling opportunities.
• Developing analytical, reporting and client relationship skills.
• Continuing structured training through the New Adviser Academy.

Year 3 – Junior Financial Adviser

Salary: R18,000 per month

The third year prepares graduates for a career as a qualified financial adviser.

Candidates will:

• Work as junior financial advisers under supervision.
• Complete Fit & Proper competency requirements.
• Complete Class of Business training.
• Obtain product-specific accreditation.
• Complete the RE5 qualification.
• Gain practical experience in client-facing engagements.
• Develop skills in advice delivery and ethical financial practice.
• Participate in mock client-facing assessments.
• Prepare for potential future progression towards RE1 and CFP designation.

Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum BCom degree in Financial Planning, Estate Planning, Legal Business Management, Marketing, Communications or Finance.
• Strong digital capabilities.
• Willingness to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• No previous financial services industry experience is required.
• Must reside in the placement region and surrounding areas.
• Strong willingness to learn and develop professionally.

Key Responsibilities

Successful candidates will be expected to:

• Support IFAs with client onboarding, administration and compliance documentation.
• Prepare reports, presentations and data analysis.
• Follow FAIS, POPIA and other regulatory requirements.
• Participate in structured learning, assessments and feedback sessions.
• Provide professional, client-focused support.
• Build positive relationships with clients, community partners and internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to effective service delivery.
• Identify opportunities to improve client service.
• Participate in community and CSI initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, mentors and stakeholders.
• Keep up to date with financial services trends and ethical practices.
• Take responsibility for personal career development.
• Identify ways to improve workflows and reduce resource wastage.
• Assist with risk identification and mitigation.
• Maintain accountability when managing company resources.

Competencies

The programme is suited to graduates who demonstrate:

• Initiative and accountability.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Commercial and entrepreneurial thinking.
• Client-focused service.
• Ability to follow policies and procedures.
• Resilience when dealing with pressure and setbacks.
• Systems thinking and awareness of broader business objectives.
• Commitment to ethical and professional conduct.
• A willingness to learn and accept constructive feedback.

Why Join the Programme?

The Graduate Programme provides a structured pathway into financial advice, with progression from administrative support to paraplanner and ultimately junior financial adviser.

Participants receive accredited training, mentorship, practical experience and progressive remuneration while developing the technical and professional competencies required for a career in financial services.

Location: Randburg, Gauteng
Closing Date: 24 August 2026
Reference: MMH260817-10

Application: Interested graduates should apply through the official Momentum/MDS career platform and verify the legitimacy of the vacancy before submitting personal information.

Disclaimer: Applicants should verify the legitimacy of this job advert on the company’s official career page.