As certified wealth advisors, they will be able to provide affluent clients with holistic advisory services that go beyond home loans.

Singapore, 6 October 2025 – OCBC has launched a first-of-its-kind upskilling programme to transform seasoned mortgage specialists into certified wealth advisors. Following an intensive four-month programme, mortgage specialists will take on an expanded role in advising home loans customers on a full spectrum of investment and insurance products. This move aligns with OCBC’s strategic focus on wealth management.

In the banking sector, mortgage specialists are limited to offering home loans while only certified financial advisers are authorised to provide wealth advisory services, including investment and insurance solutions. Empowering individuals with both capabilities enables seamless service delivery, removes hand-offs and deepens customer relationships. Based on OCBC’s statistics, home loan customers have twice as many products with the bank compared to those without a home loan, and 1.6 times higher assets under management.

The initiative also serves as a talent retention strategy, helping mortgage specialists grow their skillsets and stay engaged with the bank. The transition from a ‘mortgage-only’ role to full-spectrum wealth advisory one is a logical next step for them. As it is, they are well-placed to support affluent customers as they can leverage their expertise in property – a key component of wealth portfolios. In addition, they are often the first touchpoint that customers have with OCBC, with 1 in 4 new-to-bank customers starting with a home loan.

15 senior mortgage specialists have been selected for the programme so far. The first batch of nine – with an average tenure of 9 years as a mortgage specialist – have completed the four-month programme and stepped into their expanded roles on 1 October 2025.

A Robust Upskilling Programme

The programme equips senior mortgage specialists with a strong foundation in wealth management, anchored by a comprehensive syllabus that covers product knowledge, fair dealing and product suitability for customers. There are three components to the programme:

• Classroom Training
  Adapted from OCBC’s relationship manager curriculum, the training blends technical and soft skills through classroom teaching, case studies and role play. Mortgage specialists gain exposure to the full spectrum of wealth products, portfolio construction and fraud detection.
• Industry Certification
  Participants will attain the Capital Markets and Financial Advisory Services (CMFAS) certifications administered by the Institute of Banking and Finance Singapore. These certifications – also required of Relationship Managers – validate their advisory capabilities across portfolio management, asset allocation, client engagement, and compliance.
• On-the-job Coaching
  Mortgage specialists receive hands-on support from product experts in investments, bancassurance, and FX. During initial client meetings, they are accompanied by supervisors who provide real-time coaching on advisory conversations and engagement strategies.

Graduates of the programme will also undergo annual refresher courses to stay current on developments in both mortgage and wealth management.

Mr Sunny Quek, Head of Global Consumer Financial Services, OCBC, said: “Homeownership is a major life milestone, and the financing process can be complex. As such, mortgage specialists play a key advisory role, often operating at the intersection of home financing and financial planning. This initiative not only expands their areas of expertise but also strengthens the OCBC Premier Banking proposition. By equipping mortgage specialists so that they can support customers holistically, from home financing to long-term wealth planning, we can deepen relationships and reinforce our position in wealth management. It also supports and develops the long-term career aspirations of our senior mortgage specialists.”

Mortgage specialist Ms Belle Leow, who has completed the programme, shared: “Supporting my clients through their home loan journey has given me insight into their broader financial goals. Before, many asked if I could help with financial planning, and I always wished I could do more. This programme has made that possible. It’s not just about expanding my role — it’s a chance for personal growth. I’m excited to build on my mortgage loan expertise and support customers more holistically.”