Office address: Private Bag 93504 Takapuna Auckland, 0740
Website: kepa.org.nz
Year established: 2014
Company type: financial services
Employees: 10+
Expertise: life insurance, health insurance, mortgages, general insurance, wealth management, compliance support, adviser training, business growth strategies, technology and CRM support, regulatory guidance
Parent company: New Zealand Financial Services Group (NZFSG)
Key people: Brendon Neal (CEO), Thinus Theron (BDM), Lynda Newman (accounts manager), David Atkins (finance manager), Estee Badenhorst (inbound account manager), Paula Damen (training and development manager)
Financing status: corporate backed or acquired
Kepa is a New Zealand dealer group supporting financial advisers nationwide. It offers compliance, training, business tools and product access for advisers. Also referred to as Kepa, the advisers institute, it aims to help advisers grow, stay compliant and serve clients better.
Kepa was co-founded by former CEO Jeff Page in 2014, when Ginger Group and The National Partnership (TNP) decided to come together. Both groups saw that advisers needed more support as regulations tightened and the market shifted. By joining forces, they set out to give advisers better tools, stronger compliance help and a sense of community.
In the years after, the firm focused on building strong partnerships and broadening its services. The company was guided through its early growth before Page retired in 2018. It introduced Kepa General Insurance, teaming up with PSC Connect and the Steadfast Group to help advisers offer more general insurance options.
The company also invested in Mortgage Lab, which allowed more advisers to add mortgage services. It supported Financial Design Group’s expansion in wealth management. Kepa’s stake in Lloyds Insurance also helped the firm grow its risk insurance advice across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato.
The firm’s approach to partnerships helped it stay relevant as the industry kept changing. In 2020, Kepa merged with New Zealand Financial Services Group, opening a new chapter for the business. After the merger, it continued as a brand and support network, helping advisers adjust to fresh challenges and keep their businesses on track.
The company offers a flexible support model for financial advisers in New Zealand. Members can choose from two main service options, each designed to help advisers grow and stay compliant:
Kepa’s offerings are designed to give advisers the right mix of compliance, business tools and professional growth. These services help advisers stay up to date, meet regulatory standards and build stronger, more successful businesses.
Kepa fosters a professional environment focused on supporting financial advisers with practical tools and guidance. The company takes a collaborative approach, offering resources for advisers whether they operate independently or under the Kepa licence.
Kepa's services cover life and health insurance, mortgages, general insurance and wealth management. It seeks to make compliance and business growth easier for advisers.
The firm's adviser benefits include regular advice audits, compliance checks, and ongoing training and development. The company also provides access to business templates, technology support and CRM solutions. This approach is designed to help advisers work efficiently, stay compliant and deliver quality service to their clients.
Brendon Neal served as CEO of Kepa for three years. He later became an executive director at The Mortgage Lab and now works as managing director at InvestiQ. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Massey University and a certificate from the Institute of Directors in New Zealand.
The key people who have helped Neal lead the company include:
These dedicated professionals have worked together to support advisers and help their businesses grow. Kepa’s team is committed to delivering high quality licensee services and practical support for financial advisers.
The company’s future has been shaped by its merger with New Zealand Financial Services Group, which both groups reported as positive in 2020. This merger allowed Kepa to broaden its reach and offer more resources to its adviser network. Since then, the firm's operations have been adapted within NZFSG’s wider business structure.
The group remains focused on adviser support and compliance, adjusting to ongoing industry changes. Its legacy of collaboration and professional growth continues to guide adviser support today. As the financial services sector changes, its role within the bigger organisation is expected to shift to meet new challenges and opportunities.
Country manager for New Zealand appointed
CEO says the guide will be a deciding factor for many advisers
"Our value proposition is in being a safe pair of hands"
The newly created role will manage the group’s regulatory and compliance work
Chairman says the new name will be an "outstanding addition" to the group
The organisations joined forces to create an “adviser powerhouse”
The new group will be settling over $17bn in mortgages
“Like any market, there’s got to be room for different business models”
