Hon Kris Faafoi
Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

12 March 2018 MEDIA STATEMENT
Public and sector urged to have their say on financial advice code of conduct

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Kris Faafoi has welcomed the beginning of public consultation on a new code of conduct for financial advice.

“Consumers trust the people and institutions that provide financial advice, so it is important that financial advice is held to appropriate standards,” said Mr Faafoi.

“This is one of a range of significant changes to the regulation of financial advice contained in the Financial Services Legislation Amendment Bill, which is currently before select committee.

“Under the Bill, all financial advice to everyday clients will have to meet standards of conduct and competency. This is really important because we know that small changes to investments or savings can ultimately make a big difference, for example to funds saved for retirement. This really affects people’s ultimate quality of life – so we do want to ensure the advice is as good as it can be to enable the best outcomes.”

Mr Faafoi says he hopes those who give financial advice will get involved to ensure the new code will be manageable both for advisers and consumers.

The Financial Advice Code Working Group was appointed in mid-2017 to develop the new code, alongside the legislative process to introduce the new financial advice regime.

Once the new code of conduct has been approved, businesses will have about nine months to get a transitional licence. Businesses will then have two years to become fully licensed.

© Scoop Media