Consultation: Trusted Adviser Financial Advice New Zealand

Oct 2020: Consultation is now closed. If you are an adviser please click here to review the final criteria and/or to apply.

The Trusted Adviser mark is awarded to those Financial Advice NZ members who show they have committed to qualifications and continuing professional development obligations at a level higher than that required by New Zealand law and code.

The public launch of the mark is scheduled for February 2021 to coincide with the new financial advice regime coming into effect the following month. At that time when the AFA and RFA designations disappear, qualifying Financial Advice NZ members will have this new designation to show the public that their high level of qualification, experience and ethics has been recognised by a professional body.

Along with those advisers that have already gained our highest pinnacle marks of CLUCM and CFPCM, those with the Trusted Adviser mark can differentiate themselves from the market. Applications are open now so qualifying advisers can have the Trusted Adviser mark ready before the March 15 2021 new regime.

The Trusted Adviser mark is a visible symbol that an adviser’s high level of qualification, experience and ethics has been recognised by a professional body. The name Trusted Adviser Financial Advice New Zealand was selected as “trust” is representative of the core of financial advice. We know quality advisers build trust and confidence with their clients to obtain the best outcomes. Trust is central to the advice process.

The criteria for this mark of qualifications, experience and ethics build the foundations for quality advice and advice which therefore can be trusted by the public and by us. We believe this mark is easy to understand by the public we serve, and is consumer centric. One of our goals is to encourage the public to seek out quality financial advice to increase their financial health, wealth and wellbeing.

The mark highlights those advisers who have chosen to commit to qualifications and Continuing Professional Development obligations at a level higher than that required by New Zealand law and code. Those that have demonstrated their focus on ethics and who stand by their advice with appropriate Professional Indemnity insurance.

 

Benefits to advisers
• Provides a way to differentiate yourself in the market at a time when the RFA and AFA designations are disappearing.
• Shows your competence, professionalism and ethical focus.
• Gives you added credibility.
• Visually shows your connection to a Professional Body.
• The mark supports increased trust between you and the public.

How to use the Trusted Adviser Financial Advice NZ mark
• Include the logo in your marketing collateral
• Add it to your website next to your profile details
• Add it to your email footer
• The image can click through to a Trusted Adviser Financial Advice NZ public focused webpage which will highlight what a Trusted Adviser of Financial Advice NZ is and what it stands for.