Financial Advice New Zealand

Office address: 342 Lambton Quay, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011
Website: financialadvice.nz
Year established: 2018
Company type: financial services
Employees: 1,680+ members
Expertise: financial planning, investment advice, mortgage broking, lending advice, life insurance, disability insurance, health insurance, risk management, professional development, regulatory advocacy
Parent company: N/A
Key people: Nick Hakes (CEO), Cecilia Farrow (head of professional development), Rebecca Hesketh (member services manager), Anish Pillay (member services associate), Katrina Francis (marketing specialist), Nicky Remkes (head of events)
Financing status: N/A

Financial Advice New Zealand (FANZ) is the country’s largest group for advisers, based in Wellington. The group has over 1,680 members who help Kiwis with planning, investments, lending and insurance. It supports advisers and financial advice providers (FAPs), leads events and policy, and reports 93% of clients found the right cover.

History of Financial Advice New Zealand

In 2018, three industry groups joined forces to form Financial Advice New Zealand. These groups were:

1. The Professional Advisers Association
2. Institute of Financial Advisers
3. New Zealand Financial Advisers Association

They merged to be a single, united voice for financial advisers across Aotearoa. This move brought decades of experience together under one organisation.

Raising standards and building trust

From the start, Financial Advice New Zealand focused on helping advisers earn trust and recognition. It is the only body in New Zealand that awards the Certified Financial Planner and Certified Life Underwriter titles, which are respected around the world.

The group’s partnership with the PAA Legacy Trust has also helped advisers build their skills and careers. Over the years, FANZ has become known for its strong support, professional pathways and commitment to high standards.

Events, leadership and advocacy

Soon after it formed, Financial Advice New Zealand started the National Adviser Conference. Changes in leadership have also shaped the group’s journey.

Katrina Shanks was the first CEO and helped build a strong foundation. After she left, Tony Dench became interim CEO and kept things steady. In 2024, Nick Hakes became CEO and focused on advocacy and member engagement.

Impact of Financial Advice New Zealand

FANZ has set its sights on growing its reach and impact. It reports that 87% of people who received advice feel more secure about their money, and most say they are better off for it. With a renewal rate close to 90%, the organisation continues to help advisers deliver real value to New Zealanders and shape the future of the industry.

Financial Advice New Zealand services

Financial Advice New Zealand sets high standards for ethics and skill in financial advice through these  offerings:

• find an adviser: connects people with qualified advisers for home loans, retirement, insurance and investments
• become a member: offers advisers access to professional support, resources and peer networks
• adviser voice: provides research and insights to support policy and maintain high industry standards
• campus: delivers training, certifications and ongoing professional development for advisers
• signature events: hosts the National Adviser Conference and other major industry gatherings
• communities of practice: supports member groups focused on different advice specialities
• certification: awards Certified Financial Planner and Certified Life Underwriter designations
• adviser voice and advocacy: represents advisers to government and regulators on key issues
• partnerships and community: builds networks with industry groups and service providers for better client outcomes

Financial Advice New Zealand’s services support advisers to guide clients through home buying, planning and protecting their income. This approach helps Kiwis make informed choices and build financial security.

Company culture and values

According to Financial Advice New Zealand, it values lifelong learning and blends formal education with practical experience. The group is guided by these core values:

1. caring: showing empathy, being helpful and listening to others
2. curious: always seeking new ideas and raising standards 
3. united: working as one team and celebrating shared success
4. trusted: being transparent, authentic and reliable 
5. professional: acting with integrity and delivering quality advice

Financial Advice NZ states that it encourages fresh thinking and supports advisers to deliver meaningful advice. It seeks to foster innovation and high standards, helping advisers build trust with clients.

About CEO Nick Hakes and key people

Nick Hakes is the CEO of Financial Advice New Zealand and also serves in other leadership roles. Before this, he was a director at Kaplan Professional and on the board for Pro Bono Financial Advice Network. He holds a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of commerce from Deakin University.

Financial Advice New Zealand’s leadership team brings a mix of experience and fresh ideas to support advisers and the wider community:

• Cecilia Farrow leads as head of professional development and is founder of Triplejump Group Holdings Limited
• Rebecca Hesketh manages member services and is known for strong adviser support and communication
• Anish Pillay assists member services and helps advisers with daily needs and questions
• Katrina Francis works as marketing specialist and has over 10 years in marketing roles
• Nicky Remkes heads events and was a director at an events company

This team at FANZ works to deliver real value for members. Their leadership helps advisers and the financial advice sector achieve better outcomes.

The future at Financial Advice New Zealand

In August 2025, FANZ welcomed the approval of the revised Financial Advice Code, set to raise adviser standards. The organisation helped shape new rules that require advisers to keep building their skills and focus on lifelong learning. These changes seek to help advisers meet client needs and strengthen trust in the profession.

Financial Advice New Zealand partnered with the Retirement Commission to improve access to quality advice. By linking their adviser directory with the Sorted platform, the organisation helps more Kiwis move from learning about money to taking action. This partnership supports FANZ’s goal to boost financial wellbeing and help more Kiwis reach their goals.