Financial adviser regulations

The Financial Advisers Act (2008) came into full effect on 1 July 2011 governing the financial services industry in New Zealand and introducing new obligations on those who provide advice. 

 The Financial Markets Authority (previously the Securities Commission) has introduced the legislation to “encourage public confidence in the professionalism and integrity of financial advisers and brokers”, which we welcome. 

Your Stewart Group team of advisers are all “authorised financial advisers”.  This means we are able to provide you with comprehensive advice on a full range of insurance and investment solutions as our core business focuses on providing clients with a personalised service.

The legislation sets a framework that advisers must abide by, including having minimum standards of education and abiding to a strict code of professional conduct. 

Our level of service to you will not change and you will continue to receive optimum levels of service and professionalism that you have come to expect from us.  Our advice process does require us to have a current understanding of your financial situation, goals, objectives and tolerance for risk, therefore your specific circumstances become an essential consideration in the advice we provide.  You may be asked to provide us with updated information and to sign additional compliance related documentation. 

Find out more about the key points of the financial adviser regulations