How do you become a CFP in New Zealand?
To use the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) mark in New Zealand you must be a member of Financial Advice New Zealand who gives regulated financial advice to retail clients. You also need three years' relevant experience, an approved tertiary qualification and 12 months of approved supervision, and you must pass the certification case study and/or exam.
Source: Financial Advice New Zealand Certification Rules 2022, rule 21. Checked 18 October 2026.
Who awards the CFP mark in New Zealand?
Financial Advice New Zealand Inc is the licensing authority for the CFP marks in New Zealand. Outside the United States the marks are owned by the Financial Planning Standards Board. Financial Advice New Zealand also awards the CLU mark under the same "Pinnacle Mark" rules.
Source: Financial Advice New Zealand Certification Rules 2022.
What are the CFP requirements?
- Be an Adviser, FAP or Life Member of Financial Advice New Zealand giving regulated financial advice to retail clients
- Three years' relevant experience
- An approved tertiary qualification
- 12 months of approved supervision, or an approved portfolio covering three years of experience
- Pass the case study exercise and/or the exam
- Pay an annual Pinnacle Mark fee. The rules don't publish the amount; ask Financial Advice New Zealand for current fees.
How many CFPs are there in New Zealand?
New Zealand had 223 CFP professionals after seven new CFPs were presented at the 2025 National Adviser Conference.
Source: MPA New Zealand, April 2025.
Is a CFP required to give financial advice?
No. The legal requirement is to give advice for, or as, a licensed Financial Advice Provider and to meet the competence standard in the Code of Professional Conduct, usually through the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5). The CFP is an optional advanced designation. See how to become a financial adviser in NZ.
What do financial advisers earn?
Advertised financial adviser salaries are in our financial adviser salary guide.
Checked against the linked sources on 18 October 2026. FinanceJobs.co.nz is not affiliated with Financial Advice New Zealand.