Financial Advice New Zealand has launched an AI in Advice Certificate, a 12-week executive short course designed to help financial advisers embed AI tools into their professional practice.
The organisation says the certificate, which starts on October 24, responds to a demand for practical, adviser-specific AI education that supports both innovation and compliance.
“It’s a strategic addition to the Modern Financial Adviser professional development curriculum, based on the feedback received from advisers across the country.”
Nick Hakes, CEO of Financial Advice, says AI is no longer a competitive advantage – it’s a necessity.
“This certificate recognises that embedding AI into advice can feel complex. Our goal is to give advisers a clear, practical learning experience which builds confidence and technical fluency in AI, while maintaining compliance and client trust.”
Financial Advice NZ says global research from the Financial Planning Standards Board in 2024 found:
- 78% of advisers believe AI will help them better serve clients
- 60% say it will improve the quality of financial advice
- Already, 41% are using AI for client communications – from onboarding to engagement and follow-up
The organisation says advisers can choose to begin their learning with an immersive masterclass: Unlock the potential of large language models: Master prompt engineering, offered in-person in:
- Christchurch – 14 October, Addington Raceway
- Auckland – 15 October, Ellerslie Racecourse
- Wellington – 16 October, Lower Hutt Events Centre
It says the masterclass can be taken as a standalone professional development experience or as the first step into the full certificate programme, which begins online via a live webinar on 24 October.
With 12 modules and 25 accredited CPD hours, participants will gain hands-on expertise in:
- Prompt engineering for large language models
- AI-powered productivity tools
- Client engagement and marketing automation
- Systems and strategies to embed AI across the advice process
The programme features global award-winning AdviceTech innovator Panos Leledakis from the United States, the founder and CEO of IFAAcademy. He was a visiting expert at the 2025 National Adviser Conference, where his plenary and masterclass received a 5/5 rating for relevance and value.
Financial Advice NZ says that with more than 25 years’ experience in financial planning, Leledakis is internationally recognised for his leadership in AI adoption, digital transformation, and insurance innovation.
Click here to register and learn more.