Step 1 — Meet the entry requirements
To be appointed as a financial adviser's representative you generally need to be at least 21 years old, hold a minimum of four GCE 'O' Level credits or an equivalent qualification (many entrants hold diplomas or degrees in any discipline), and satisfy MAS's fit-and-proper criteria covering honesty, integrity, competence and financial soundness. Singapore citizens, permanent residents and eligible pass holders can apply.
Step 2 — Pass the CMFAS examinations
The Capital Markets and Financial Advisory Services (CMFAS) exams, administered by the Singapore College of Insurance and the Institute of Banking and Finance, cover the rules and products you will advise on. For a typical financial advisory role you will sit M5 (Rules and Regulations for Financial Advisory Services), M9 (Life Insurance and Investment-Linked Policies), M9A (Life Insurance and Investment-Linked Policies II) and HI (Health Insurance). To advise on unit trusts you add M8 and M8A (Collective Investment Schemes).
Each paper is multiple-choice and can be prepared for in a few weeks of focused study; your firm provides study guides and often sponsors the fees.
Step 3 — Choose the right firm
You cannot practise alone: you must be appointed by a licensed financial adviser or exempt financial institution. The firm you join determines the products you can recommend, the training you receive and — crucially — whether you get help finding clients. Ask about lead generation, seminar opportunities, coaching structure, marketing support, technology and culture. Affinity Group, representing Infinity Financial Advisory, is built around exactly these five systems.
Step 4 — MAS representative notification
Once you pass your exams and accept an offer, your firm lodges your appointment with MAS under the Representative Notification Framework. You appear on the public Register of Representatives and can begin advising. You must then complete continuing professional development every year to maintain your status.
Step 5 — Your first 90 days at Affinity
New Affinity advisors start with a structured onboarding: foundations training, planning concepts, sales conversations, compliance and technology. You are paired with a mentor, join weekly performance reviews (Pulse), build your personal brand with the Surge team, and begin attending and later speaking at Ignite seminars. The aim is a confident, compliant advisor with real client conversations underway within the first quarter.
