FNB Private Banking and Advisory Graduate Academy 2026
Position Summary
Company: FirstRand Group
Industry: Private Banking and Financial Advisory
Job Category: Graduate Programme / Wealth Management
Location: 5 Merchant Place, 9 Fredman Drive, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196
Listing Reference: R33146
Closing Date: February 2, 2026
Introduction
The FirstRand Group invites ambitious, finance-driven graduates to apply for the highly prestigious Private Banking and Advisory Graduate Academy 2026. Tailored for elite graduates, this contract-based program sets a strong foundation for a successful career in private banking, wealth management, and financial advisory services. The academy focuses on grooming graduates to deliver exceptional service to high-net-worth clients, combining in-depth financial knowledge with personalized client relationship skills.
The programme operates from the three main hubs—Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, and Cape Town—and is carefully designed to transform talented individuals into professional Private Advisors, equipped with superior client management, investment strategy, and wealth preservation techniques.
Job Description
The Private Banking and Advisory Graduate Academy 2026 is a career-defining opportunity for graduates passionate about finance, investment, and wealth management. Successful applicants will undergo intensive, hands-on training across several key areas of private banking:
- Wealth management and advisory services
- Financial and estate planning
- Investment analysis and strategy development
- Client relationship management tailored for high-net-worth individuals
- Regulatory and compliance fundamentals in the private banking sector
This immersive program is more than just a graduate internship—it’s a potential gateway to permanent employment with one of South Africa’s leading financial institutions. Upon successful completion and outstanding performance, candidates may secure a full-time Private Advisor role within the FirstRand Group.
Please note: This application is intended for talent pool creation. There may be no immediate active vacancies, and updates on your application status may not be provided immediately. Nevertheless, submitting your application ensures you are considered for future openings aligned with your skills and aspirations.
Requirements
Applicants for the Private Banking and Advisory Graduate Academy 2026 must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of a FAIS-accredited qualification at NQF level 7 (Undergraduate) or NQF level 8 (Postgraduate) in:
- BCom Investments
- Financial Planning
- Estate Planning
- Financial Management
- Accounting
- Economics
- Qualifications must be obtained from one of the following recognized institutions:
- University of Pretoria
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Johannesburg
- University of Western Cape
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
- University of Free State
- North-West University
- Geographic flexibility to be based in Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, or Cape Town hubs
- Commitment to complete the academy programme and a strong aspiration to pursue a long-term career in private banking
Role Responsibility
As a participant in the Private Banking and Advisory Graduate Academy, you will be responsible for:
- Engaging in structured training and development programmes that cover the core competencies of private banking
- Participating in practical case studies and client interaction simulations
- Learning to assess client financial needs and offering tailored investment solutions
- Building foundational knowledge in tax, estate, and retirement planning
- Developing skills in portfolio management and risk assessment,
- Collaborating with senior advisors and support teams to deliver comprehensive banking services
- Preparing client proposals and documentation in line with regulatory requirements
- Adhering to the bank’s compliance and ethical standards at all times
Throughout the programme, you will be mentored by seasoned professionals, offering you guidance, support, and practical advice to ensure your success.
Skills & Attributes
The Private Banking and Advisory Graduate Academy seeks candidates with a unique combination of technical and soft skills to thrive in the high-stakes environment of private banking:
- Financial acumen: A solid understanding of financial principles, investment products, and market dynamics
- Client-centric mindset: Passion for building lasting relationships and delivering personalized service
- Analytical thinking: Ability to assess complex financial information and recommend appropriate solutions
- Attention to detail: High level of precision in financial analysis, documentation, and client communication
- Emotional intelligence: Capability to navigate client emotions and offer empathetic financial advice
- Professionalism: Upholding the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and ethical conduct
- Adaptability: Ability to learn quickly and respond effectively to changing market conditions and client needs
- Communication skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills for client interactions and reporting
- Team collaboration: Willingness to work as part of a dynamic team while also operating independently when needed
Additionally, the ideal candidate must exhibit a genuine interest in the world of wealth management and an ambition to become a trusted advisor for high-net-worth clients.
Final Thoughts
FirstRand Group’s Private Banking and Advisory Graduate Academy 2026 is an exceptional stepping stone for finance graduates seeking to excel in private banking. The comprehensive training, exposure to real-world client management, and mentorship by seasoned professionals make it a golden opportunity for aspirant Private Advisors.
By applying to this programme, you position yourself among the future leaders of South Africa’s private banking sector, ready to offer premium wealth management services in a competitive and dynamic financial landscape.
