Top Specialized Finance Careers and the Licenses You Need – Series 79, 86/87, 99 & More

Investment Banking Representative

• Typical responsibilities include:
• Building financial models
• Performing company and industry research
• Conducting valuation analysis
• Supporting merger and acquisition transactions
• Creating client presentations and pitch materials
• Aiding with capital raising activities

Equity Research Analyst Role

• Common responsibilities include:
• Evaluating company financial performance
• Building earnings models
• Writing research reports
• Conducting industry analysis
• Monitoring economic and market developments
• Presenting investment recommendations

Institutional Sales and Trading

• Career opportunities include:
• Institutional sales representative
• Equity sales trader
• Fixed income sales trader
• Institutional trading associate
• Capital markets associate

Operations and Back Office Roles

• Typical positions include:
• Operations analyst
• Securities processing specialist
• Client onboarding specialist
• Compliance operations associate
• Trade support analyst
• Clearing and settlement specialist

Futures and Commodities Careers

• Career opportunities include:
• Commodities broker
• Futures representative
• Risk management consultant
• Trading desk associate
• Commodity market analyst

Licensing Requirements

Exam Purpose SIE Exam Demonstrates foundational securities industry knowledge Series 7 Qualifies candidates to solicit, purchase, and sell a broad range of securities products as a registered representative. Series 79 Qualifies representatives for investment banking activities Exam Purpose SIE Exam Industry fundamentals Series 86 Research analysis qualification Series 87 Research regulations and ethics qualification Exam Purpose SIE Exam Demonstrates foundational securities industry knowledge Series 7 Qualifies representatives to sell a broad range of securities products Series 63 Covers state securities regulations and registration requirements Exam Purpose SIE Exam Demonstrates foundational securities industry knowledge Series 3 Futures and commodities qualification Series 31 Futures managed funds qualification Series 32 Limited futures qualification for certain registrants Exam Purpose SIE Exam Demonstrates foundational securities industry knowledge Series 99 Designed for operations professionals working in securities firms Series 3 Widely recognized credential for individuals seeking careers in futures and commodities markets Series 31 Managed futures professional qualification Series 32 Certain futures registrants qualification

Why These Roles Are High-Impact

• Supporting IPOs and public offerings
• Facilitating mergers and acquisitions
• Publishing research that influences investment decisions
• Managing operational controls that protect investors
• Supporting risk management activities
• Helping firms comply with regulatory requirements

Skills Required for Success

• Financial Modeling
• Valuation Techniques
• Analytical Thinking
• Communication Skills
• Attention to Detail

Compensation and Exit Opportunities

• Compensation varies based on employer, location, specialty, and performance
• Potential career progression paths include:
• Investment Banking: Associate, Vice President, Director, Managing Director
• Equity Research: Senior Research Analyst, Sector Specialist, Portfolio Manager, Investment Strategist
• Institutional Sales and Trading: Institutional Sales Representative, Equity Sales Trader, Fixed Income Sales Trader, Vice President, Head of Institutional Sales
• Operations: Operations Manager, Director of Operations, Chief Operating Officer, Compliance Leadership Roles

Exam Prep Strategy for Specialized Licenses

• Build a structured study plan
• Use comprehensive exam prep materials
• Complete practice exams regularly
• Focus on regulatory requirements and testable concepts
• Reinforce knowledge through question banks and review programs

Start Building Your Specialized Finance Career

• Specialized finance careers offer opportunities to work on major transactions, influence investment decisions, support capital markets, and develop highly sought-after expertise
• If you’re exploring investment banking, research, operations, or commodities careers, earning the appropriate securities licenses can help position you for success and distinguish you from other candidates