8 Best Financial Advisor Sales Training Programs

Successful financial advisors recognize the importance of maintaining a steady stream of new clients to keep their businesses running smoothly. Developing sales skills is essential for bringing in new business and encouraging clients to entrust you with their financial goals. If you are not a natural salesperson or you simply want to elevate your game, an investment in professional sales training may help. The key is choosing a financial advisor sales training program that’s designed to produce results tailored specifically to your personality type and sales style.

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Benefits of Sales Training for Financial Advisors

Completing a sales training program requires both time and money, so it is important to ensure you get a solid return on your investment.

Effective financial advisor sales training programs typically focus on several key areas.

Developing intuitive skills to help you better understand your client’s needs and how to meet them.
Fostering better communication with both your clients and your colleagues.
Building confidence in your skills so you can approach selling without feeling intimidated.
Tracking industry developments and changes so you can more effectively serve your clients.
Cultivating a unique value proposition that allows you to stand out from the crowd while keeping pace with the competition.
Setting realistic goals for business growth and developing clear strategies to achieve them.

Sales training is not a requirement to become a financial advisor, but it may be worth considering if you are not generating as many new leads as you would like or if you feel your business is stagnating.

A sales training program can offer a fresh perspective and introduce proven strategies for new client acquisition that you may have overlooked.

Data and Methodology

We identified the plan options below through exhaustive research and analysis of financial advisor sales training. They are listed in an order that’s in direct correlation with their individual composite score based on our methodology, which includes how much the courses cost and the length of time it requires to complete the course.

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1. The Weylman Center

The Weylman Center, founded by industry expert Richard Weylman, is widely respected for its success in helping financial advisors grow their practices through specialized, research-driven training.

The program emphasizes strategies for building credibility and influence with affluent clients, a market segment that requires a distinct approach. Advisors who participate gain insight into not only how to attract these clients but also how to sustain long-term, trust-based relationships.

The Weylman Center offers access to interactive courses and members-only webinars, as well as hot links to local business and professional organizations with prospects. You’ll get action plans, scripts and implementation tools, all of which are available via your desktop or mobile device.

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2. The Taylor Method

The Taylor Method is designed to teach financial advisors the sales skills they need to sell solutions to their clients. The program is designed for advisors who struggle with:

Growing annual revenues beyond the $250,000 mark
Overcoming client objections during meetings
Approaching sales confidently
Generating a steady stream of qualified prospects

Marketing their services to high-net-worth clients

The Taylor Method uses a multi-pronged approach to help advisors develop the sales skills they need to move past these challenges and scale more effectively. Some of the topics covered include effective fact-finding, advanced closing techniques and strategic client development. You’ll have access to 50+ hours of on-demand content, as well as live weekly AMAs with course founder Eszylfie Taylor.

3. Sandler (Essentials Bootcamp)

Sandler Systems has long been recognized as a leader in professional sales education, and its Sandler Solutions programs adapt that expertise for financial advisors.

Multiple financial advisor sales training programs are available, as well as two leadership programs. Advisors can choose the type of learning environment that works best for them, with options that include self-paced online sessions, instructor-led classes (virtual and on-site) or a blended approach.

The Essentials Bootcamp is an intensive, short-term sales training program designed to introduce financial advisors to the core Sandler selling methodology. Rather than offering a broad menu of learning paths, the bootcamp focuses on foundational skills that advisors can begin using immediately in prospect and client conversations.

The program is typically delivered in a structured, instructor-led format and emphasizes practical application over theory. Advisors work through a defined curriculum that covers key stages of the sales process, including prospecting, qualification, needs discovery and closing. Training materials may include video instruction, guided exercises, digital resources and live interaction with an instructor, allowing participants to practice concepts in real time.

4. The Cates Academy

The Cates Academy, founded by expert coach Bill Cates, is known for its high-level, boutique approach to financial advisor development.

Unlike broad, one-size-fits-all sales programs, this academy is designed for experienced advisors who want to refine their messaging, elevate their client engagement and commit to business growth strategies. The training focuses on sharpening skills around client acquisition, communication and relationship management, all while maintaining the professionalism expected of top advisors.

Membership includes a full year of access to:

4 core video courses emphasizing a different advisor skillset
1 bonus video course on social event marketing
Role-play demonstrations
Bill’s “Referral Repair Shop”, which is designed to help you get back on track if you’ve lost focus
Unlimited 1:1 coaching with Bill
A 60-day action plan
Scripts, templates, checklists and assessments
Weekly video lessons

This hands-on format makes the lessons highly practical, giving advisors the confidence to apply new techniques immediately in their client meetings. If you’d like to learn more, you can schedule a call with Bill or should you choose to enroll, you’re covered by a 100% money-back guarantee.

5. Bill Good Marketing

Student in training to be a financial advisor

Bill Good Marketing has built its reputation on helping financial advisors develop repeatable systems for prospecting, client retention and practice management.

The program is rooted in a methodology called the “Bill Good System,” which combines marketing strategies with disciplined sales processes. Its goal is to give advisors a structured framework for growing their practices without relying solely on unpredictable referrals.

A hallmark of the program is Altitude, its proprietary AI-based CRM program. Using over 118 tested practices, you can build a personal marketing plan with over 4,000 pieces of content to integrate into market updates, custom client correspondence and targeted email sequences.

You can step up your knowledge with personal coaching to grow your business. Its step-by-step approach will teach advisors best practices, including its exclusive Wilson Campaign. Advisors can also access a whole library of articles, webinars and guidebooks to advance their skills. If you have time to spare, there is also the Asset Accelerator, an intensive three-and-a-half-day course specifically designed to increase sales and drive business growth.

This combination of ready-made materials and personalized guidance makes the program both accessible and actionable for financial advisors seeking versatility.

6. Carson Coaching

Carson Coaching is recognized as one of the most comprehensive advisor training platforms in the industry.

Rather than focusing solely on sales tactics, it takes a holistic approach to advisor development by blending business strategy with client service and personal growth. This makes it especially valuable for advisors who want to build sustainable practices while improving the overall client experience.

Advisors have several coaching options to choose from:

Executive Business Coaching offers the ultimate experience in personalized growth planning that’s reinforced with 1:1 coaching
Carson Coaching Online gives advisors unlimited access to on-demand practice management education
Group coaching combines in-person and on-demand sessions to help you and your team level up your business

Carson Coaching works with advisory firms of all sizes, from emerging advisors who are just entering the industry to executives who are ready to don a CEO cap. You can schedule a free, one-hour discovery call to learn more about how the program works and which coaching option may be most suited to your needs.

7. CEG Worldwide

CEG Worldwide has built its reputation as a premier coaching program for financial advisors wanting to elevate their practices to the highest levels.

The firm specializes in helping advisors transition from serving a broad base of clients to focusing on high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth households. By teaching strategies that target high-net-worth markets, CEG Worldwide positions advisors to grow both revenue and influence.

There are two coaching options:

The Elite Wealth Manager is a 10-month coaching program that combines live sessions with professional coaching to help you learn the strategies you need to attract wealthy clients. You’ll be paired with an accountability partner for the duration of the program, which also includes access to the Accelerating Your Alliance virtual half-day conference.
Roundtable is a mastermind group that includes live and virtual sessions as well as one-on-one coaching and an online roundtable community. Roundtable is designed for advisors who have already completed The Elite Wealth Manager program.

This mix of individualized attention and collaborative learning fosters accountability and accelerates skill development. However, this program doesn’t come cheap so you’ll need to consider your expected return to determine if the cost is worth it to you.

8. Oechsli Institute

The Oechsli Institute has long been recognized for its expertise in helping financial advisors attract and retain affluent clients.

Its programs are tailored to the unique challenges of working with high-net-worth clients. They place a strong emphasis on building trust, deepening relationships and positioning advisors as indispensable partners in their clients’ financial lives. Coaching includes access to on-demand classes, live courses and one-on-one advice.

What sets the Oechsli Institute apart is its dedication to ongoing research into the behaviors and preferences of wealthy investors. The curriculum reflects these insights, teaching advisors exactly how affluent clients make decisions, what they expect from advisors and how advisors can differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace.

This evidence-based approach ensures that participants utilize learning strategies that align with real-world client expectations. Structured coaching sessions are offered twice monthly and advisors can stay in the program for as long as they need without any long-term contract requirements.

How to Choose a Sales Training Program

When searching for the best financial advisor sales training program, these criteria can help you evaluate different options.

Program length: Some training programs run longer than others, so it is important to consider how much time you can realistically commit. The program that you choose should be flexible enough to fit your busy schedule.
Format: Format can also make a difference, as not everyone learns the same way. For example, workbook-based training may not be ideal if you prefer to learn through videos or virtual events.
Cost: Sales training can easily cost several hundred dollars, with some programs requiring an investment of $1,000 or more. It is a good idea to compare your investment for sales training against the kind of return you expect to receive to see if it is worth it.
Transparency: A good financial advisor sales training program should be able to answer any questions you may have upfront. This includes details about how the program works and the type of results it has generated for past participants.
Reputation and legitimacy: If someone is making claims about producing big results for their students, it is wise to double-check their validity. Testimonials and reviews from advisors who have completed the training can shed some light on both the program and its creator.

Finally, consider the program’s approach and the types of sales strategies it employs. No matter how highly rated a training program may be, it could still be the wrong match for you if its tactics do not align with your personality type or values.

SmartAsset AMP for Growing Your AUM

Before you can judge the efficacy of your new sales strategy, you first must obtain as many leads as you can.

Financial advisor sales programs are great for improving your relationships with potential clients, but they won’t be effective if you don’t have clients in the first place. Be sure to prioritize a training program that teaches you the right method to bring in a consistent flow of potential clients.

One of the ways to do this is through an online lead generation service. SmartAsset AMP is an end-to-end marking solution for fiduciary financial advisors. The platform spans a wide range of services for advisors, but its main goal is to help advisors generate client referrals and convert those prospects into clients. AMP features a variety of tools to help advisors do just that, including automated messaging, CRM integration and Next Call, a custom call log that tracks your communication with referrals and automatically updates.

Bottom Line

Financial advisors in sales training session

Sales training can be a stepping stone for finding success as a financial advisor, but it is essential to choose the right program for your needs and future goals. To find the best financial advisor sales training program to suit your business style, be sure to compare different sales training programs so you can better understand how to offer the best financial services to your growing clientele.

Tips for Growing Your Advisory Business

Growing your firm is vital and sales is only part of the picture. SmartAsset AMP (Advisor Marketing Platform) is a holistic marketing service financial advisors can use for client lead generation and automated marketing. Sign up for a free demo to explore how SmartAsset AMP can help you expand your practice’s marketing operation. Get started today.
Digital marketing can be an effective way to cultivate your brand image and connect with new clients. Creating content for social media platforms and cultivating an email list are two examples of ways to leverage the potential of marketing your business online.