Advisers urged to master AI as tools evolve
Financial Advice New Zealand has launched the AI in Advice Certificate, a 12-week executive short course designed to help financial advisers confidently integrate artificial intelligence (AI) tools into their professional practice.
Commencing Oct. 24, the certificate responds to growing demand for practical, adviser-specific AI education that supports both innovation and compliance.
The program forms part of the Modern Financial Adviser professional development curriculum and was developed following strong feedback from advisers across the country seeking more structured guidance on AI integration.
Global research from the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) in 2024 revealed that 78% of advisers believe AI will help them better serve clients, 60% say it will improve the quality of financial advice, and 41% are already using AI for client communications – from onboarding to engagement and follow-up.
“AI is no longer a competitive advantage – it’s a necessity,” said Nick Hakes (pictured), CEO of Financial Advice New Zealand.
“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.”
A blended learning experience
Participants can start their learning journey with the Immersive Masterclass: Unlock the potential of large language models – Master prompt engineering, held in-person in:
- Christchurch – Oct. 14, Addington Raceway
- Auckland – Oct. 15, Ellerslie Racecourse
- Wellington – Oct. 16, Lower Hutt Events Centre
The masterclass can be taken as a standalone professional development experience or as the first step into the full certificate, which begins online via a live webinar on Oct. 24.
Practical skills for the modern adviser
Across 12 modules and 25 accredited CPD hours, advisers will gain hands-on expertise in:
- Prompt engineering for large language models (LLMs)
- AI-powered productivity tools
- Client engagement and marketing automation
- Systems and strategies to embed AI across the advice process
The course aims to help advisers adopt AI confidently while maintaining ethical standards and compliance frameworks relevant to financial advice.
The launch follows rising demand for balanced, practical AI education in the industry. Recent surveys show that 65% of New Zealanders fear AI could take their job, yet advisers are increasingly optimistic about using it to improve client outcomes.
Global expertise and industry recognition
The programme features international AdviceTech innovator Panos Leledakis (US), founder and CEO of IFAAcademy, who was a visiting expert at the 2025 National Adviser Conference. His plenary and masterclass there received a perfect 5/5 rating for relevance and value.
With over 25 years in financial planning, Leledakis is globally recognised for his leadership in AI adoption, digital transformation, and insurance innovation, and has received 11 international innovation awards, including recognition from MIT.
Programme details and registration
- Live webinars commence: Oct. 24
- Duration: 12 modules over 12 weeks
- CPD hours: 25
- Tuition fees:
- Member: $1,725 incl. GST
- Non-member: $1,955 incl. GST
- Digital Badge: $90 incl. GST
Participants who complete the in-person masterclass and continue into the certificate will receive a $287.50 rebate (incl. GST) off the total tuition fee.
For more details or to register, visit www.financialadvice.nz/AI-Certificate.
Stay informed with the latest housing market trends and mortgage insights – subscribe to our free daily newsletter.
