Advisers have until March 6 2026 to apply for Fidelity Life’s inaugural Ross Collett Million Dollar Round Table Scholarship.
The insurer says the new initiative is designed to support New Zealand advisers to expand their capability, perspective and impact through attendance at the MDRT Global Conference or MDRT Annual Meeting.
The scholarship will provide a $5,000 grant to support one adviser to attend either MDRT event “…giving them access to world‑class thinking, global best practice and an international network of top‑performing advisers.”
Fidelity Life notes that MDRT is an international association representing top-performing life insurance and financial advisers committed to high standards (see: 2025 MDRT Annual Meeting- Miami).
The scholarship was announced last year at its Engage on tour and has been created in honour of Ross Collett – a long‑standing and passionate supporter of the MDRT community, and a strong advocate of continuous learning and connection to lift adviser capability and customer outcomes.
Bronwyn Kirwan, Chief Commercial Officer at Fidelity Life, says Collett has “…always championed the idea that great advice doesn’t stand still – it’s shaped by curiosity, connection and a willingness to learn from others.”
“This scholarship reflects those values. It’s our way of honouring Ross’s legacy by supporting advisers who want to broaden their perspective, challenge themselves and bring fresh thinking back to New Zealand.”
The company says the scholarship reflects Fidelity Life’s ongoing commitment to adviser growth and professional development, “…recognising the vital role advisers play in delivering great customer outcomes and building trust in the insurance industry.”
It says that for the successful recipient, the scholarship offers more than financial support. “It’s an opportunity for them to be immersed in global thinking, challenge their perspectives, and return with fresh ideas that can be applied in practice, and shared more broadly across the adviser community.”
As part of the scholarship, the successful applicant will be asked to share their learnings with the wider New Zealand adviser community, helping to lift capability and spark conversation across the industry.
Encouraged to Apply
Applications for the scholarship are now open to New Zealand‑based advisers who meet MDRT qualification criteria for 2026. Applications close on March 6 with the successful applicant to be contacted shortly after.
“If you’re an adviser serious about your professional growth and motivated by the impact great advice can have, we’d encourage you to apply,” says Kirwan.
Eligible advisers can apply via Fidelity Life’s Adviser hub by completing the online application form. Terms and conditions apply.