The Trusted Adviser quality mark has been officially launched by Financial Advice New Zealand, meaning qualifying advisers can apply for the mark in time for the start of the new regime on 15 March 2021.
The mark is awarded to members of the organisation who can demonstrate they have committed to qualifications and continuing professional development at a level higher than that required by the regulators. The organisation has 1,635 members.
A Trusted Adviser of Financial Advice NZ will:
- Have a Level 5 qualification in Financial Services, including the relevant strands for the advice areas provided, or a higher qualification recognised by Financial Advice NZ
- Be a current financial adviser providing regulated financial advice to retail clients and have been for at least three years
- Have maintained an annual Professional Development Plan and attained a minimum of 20 hours relevant structured continuing professional development every year
- Have attended a Financial Advice NZ or endorsed Ethics in Financial Services three-hour workshop every three years
- Be protected by appropriate professional indemnity Insurance
Katrina Shanks, CEO, Financial Advice NZ, has launched the Trusted Advice mark.
“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,” says Katrina Shanks, CEO of Financial Advice NZ.
“At that time, when the AFA and RFA designations disappear, qualifying Financial Advice NZ members will have this new designation to show the public their high level of qualification, experience and ethics has been recognised by a professional body.
“Along with those advisers who have already gained our highest pinnacle marks of CFPCM and CLUCM, those with the Trusted Adviser mark can differentiate themselves from the market.”