Financial Advice New Zealand Launches AI In Advice Certificate

Financial Advice New Zealand has launched the AI in Advice Certificate, a 12-week executive short course designed to help financial advisers confidently embed artificial intelligence (AI) tools into their professional practice.

Commencing 24 October 2025, the certificate responds to the demand for practical, adviser-specific AI education that supports both innovation and compliance. It’s a strategic addition to the Modern Financial Adviser professional development curriculum, based on the feedback received from advisers across the country.

Global research from the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) in 20241 revealed:

• 78% of advisers believe AI will help them better serve clients
• 60% say it will improve the quality of financial advice
• Already, 41% are 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, 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.”

1 [FPSB’s Impact of AI on Financial Planning global research 2025]

A world-class blended learning experience

Advisers can choose to begin their learning with the Immersive Masterclass: Unlock the potential of large language models: Master prompt engineering, offered in-person in:

• Christchurch – 14 October, Addington Raceway
• Auckland – 15 October, Ellerslie Racecourse
• Wellington – 16 October, Lower Hutt Events Centre

This masterclass can be taken as a standalone professional development experience or as the first step into the full certificate programme, which begins online via a live webinar on 24 October.

What advisers will gain

Across 12 modules and 25 accredited CPD hours, participants 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

International faculty

The programme features global award-winning AdviceTech innovator Panos Leledakis (US), founder and CEO of IFAAcademy. Panos was a visiting expert at the 2025 National Adviser Conference, where his plenary and masterclass received a perfect 5/5 rating for relevance and value.

With over 25 years’ experience in financial planning, Panos is internationally recognised for his leadership in AI adoption, digital transformation, and insurance innovation. He has received 11 global innovation awards, including recognition from MIT.

Programme details

• Live webinars commence: 24 October 2025
• 12 modules over 12 Weeks
• CPD Hours: 25
• Certificate Tuition Fee:
  • Member: $1,725 incl. GST
  • Non-Member: $1,955 incl. GST
• Digital Badge: $90 incl. GST

Participants of the in-person Masterclass who continue into the Certificate will receive a rebate of $287.50 (incl GST) off the total Certificate tuition fee.

To register or learn more, visit www.financialadvice.nz/AI-Certificate

About Financial Advice New Zealand: Financial Advice New Zealand is the largest financial adviser-representative professional body for Financial Advisers and Financial Advice Providers (FAPs) in New Zealand. Our members provide trusted advice to consumers across financial planning and investments, mortgages and lending, and life, disability & health insurance, which ultimately helps Kiwis grow, manage, and protect their wealth.

Today, Financial Advice New Zealand is a vibrant, innovative association, where the underlying driver of policy is that great advice transforms lives. We promote the highest professional standards for financial advice, so more New Zealanders have the confidence to actively seek quality financial advice to improve their financial health, wealth, and well-being.

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