FMA seeks feedback on robo-advice exemption
FMA seeks feedback on robo-advice exemption
The FMA is seeking feedback on its proposals to allow entities to provide personalised financial advice generated by a computer programme or algorithm (robo-advice). This would be a temporary measure before new legislation is passed by Parliament.
The current law, passed in 2008, did not contemplate digital advice, meaning that personalised advice, or advice that takes into account an individual's financial situation or goals, can only be given by “a natural person". Proposed changes to financial adviser laws are designed to address this issue, but will not come into effect until 2019.
The FMA is proposing to use its exemption powers to facilitate robo-advice prior to the legislative changes. The purposes of the Financial Advisers Act (‘FA Act’) are aligned with the Financial Markets Conduct Act, which include “promoting innovation and flexibility in financial markets.”
Liam Mason, FMA Director of Regulation, said: “we’ve been looking at ways to enable innovation to help tackle the advice gapin New Zealand, but also to mitigate the risk of poor consumer outcomes. We are seeking to ensure we maintain the standards of consumer protection provided by the legislation while encouraging innovation that can help more people get help with investment decisions. Robo-advice offers a way to address the low numbers of consumers currently receiving personalised financial advice[i].”
Robo-advice has been increasingly adopted around the world and New Zealand companies have approached the FMA to discuss introducing digital financial advice tools here. The FMA’s proposals would allow personalised robo-advice, subject to limitations and conditions to safeguard consumers. Class robo-advice, or generic recommendations based on characteristics such as age and risk profile, can already be provided.
Some of the
key limits and controls that would apply to the exemption
(see consultation paper for the full list):
Limited to
financial advice and investment planning services Does not
cover discretionary investment management services
(‘DIMS’)
Limited to a list of eligible products
considered easy to exit KiwiSaver and other managed funds,
listed equity securities, government bonds, listed debt,
general insurance, savings products and credit contracts
(excluding mortgages). Personal insurance may be included
with special provisions as this is harder to
exit
Pre-notification procedure Providers must notify FMA
they intend to rely on the exemption and make ‘good
character’ declarations
Clear disclosure obligations
tailored to robo-advice Obligations to explain to clients
the nature of the service and how the tool works, as well as
the fees involved
Capability Having people with
appropriate expertise in the technology and algorithms used,
as well as appropriately qualified individuals who can
oversee and review the advice generated.
Investor
safeguards Including processes to filter out clients who are
not suited to receive the robo-advice
The limits and
conditions of the proposed class exemption, together with
other existing legislative requirements, are intended to
ensure that personalised robo-advice would facilitate
technological innovation while protecting consumers.
The exemption proposed for personalised robo-advice would be effective under the current FA Act. The requirements that apply under the exemption may be different from those that will apply once the law reform takes effect.
The consultation on robo-advice exemption can be found here.
More information about the
FMA’s approach to supporting innovation can be found here.
Ends