CAVEAT EMPTOR - Do your homework, Know what expectaions are, Have deep pockets... - Financial Advisor Equitable Advisors Employee Review

4.0
May 11, 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Axa is a good place to work if you are 1. experienced, 2, have an existing book of business or 3. have an extensive business and social network to jump start your career. If your new to the business and have to get licensed and training etc. you better have sizeable savings and/or a working spouse as you are not paid during this period and can't sell anything until you are licensed. Aside from living expenses, there are constant business expense "surprises" that pop up, and are quite costly. You are in "business for yourself" as you are often reminded and you get nickel and dimed for everything. They do offer alot of training you should take advantage of but your real linch pin for success is the abilities and assistance that your ditrict manager provides (or doesn't) you. Some are really committed and go out of their way to help you. Others do the minimum just to get a slice of your action. It's a very conservative company and everyhting is "black and white". Be prepared, you have quarterly "validations" to meet and if not, it's adios, regardless of the reason. It is a revolving door there and people disappear regularly with no explanations. There are many people making alot of money there, it just won't be you for at least 3 years, so expect to work long hours "building your business" while working your schedule around all the time expended on the mandatory (unpaid) training and meetings you are required to attend during the day (8am-5pm) every week. Your AVAILABLE work time will mostly consist of nights and weekends. That is their expectation, this is not a 9-5 job unless you're a manager and have open time during the day to schedule client meetings. In addition to working/training through the day, I work 4-5 (often till 10pm-11pm) nights a week, almost every Saturday and some Sundays. If you can stick it out and hit your quotas it can be lucrative after you're established and able to cover all their expenses. They do have good network and administrative support, as well as longevity (150 yrs) and size in the market.

Cons

High base expenses just to work there. See above

Explore other reviews about Equitable Advisors

5.0
Apr 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Compensation structure, product availability, brokerage system, overall tools, open structure to do best for your clients

Cons

Support staff are more hands off, not a lot of in house support staff members.

1.0
Jun 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good place for career changers to get financial licenses (they will license anybody)

Cons

Very bad pay model for new hires- will tell you 6% commissions on certain products but then you have to kick up 10% to your manager and the other half of what's left to whoever is working w you because they make you go out in pairs...and mostly seem want to get ahold of all your friends and family for sales you can't participate on without the 66....but you have no time to study that bc you are too busy selling for the products that don't require it to make quota, as your clock starts when you pass the 7, so pretty much they just want your people. It's very eat what you kill, and then only after it's been picked over.... which is fine if you're young with no obligations, but not great if you have a family. If you were an existing advisor and had your own book/contacts it could work. Otherwise get your licenses, learn a little, but don't be afraid to move on to other opportunities.

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