OCBC is giving its mortgage specialists a new career path, turning them into wealth advisers through an intensive four-month training programme designed to bridge home financing and financial planning, according to The Business Times.
The initiative aims to expand the scope of mortgage specialists, who traditionally handle only home loans, by equipping them to advise customers on investment and insurance products.
OCBC said this will enable a more holistic approach to financial guidance and strengthen long-term customer relationships.
Fifteen senior mortgage specialists have been selected so far, with the first group of nine graduating on 1 October.
The inaugural batch has an average tenure of nine years, reflecting OCBC’s focus on developing experienced staff for broader advisory roles.
The bank noted that mortgage specialists often serve as the first touchpoint for new clients, with one in four customers beginning their relationship through a home loan.
Customers with home loans also tend to hold twice as many products with OCBC and maintain 1.6 times greater assets under management compared to those without, underscoring the value of linking mortgage and wealth services.
The programme combines classroom training, professional certification, and on-the-job coaching.
Participants are trained in product knowledge, portfolio construction, and customer suitability, and are required to complete Capital Markets and Financial Advisory Services (CMFAS) certifications through the Institute of Banking and Finance Singapore.
They also undergo practical coaching with OCBC’s product experts in investments, bancassurance, and foreign exchange, supported by supervisors who provide real-time feedback on client engagements.
Graduates will attend annual refresher courses to stay current with regulatory and market developments.
OCBC said the initiative doubles as a talent retention strategy by giving senior mortgage specialists a structured career progression path within the bank.
It also supports OCBC’s broader push in wealth management by leveraging an existing team familiar with clients’ property portfolios and overall financial goals.
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by OCBC
