Financial Advisor Career Guide
Your complete guide to becoming a Financial Advisor in New Zealand - from entry level to senior adviser roles
$55K - $150K+
Salary Range
2-4 Years
Typical Training
High
Job Demand
What is a Financial Advisor?
Financial Advisors in New Zealand help individuals and businesses make informed decisions about their money. They provide advice on investments, insurance, retirement planning, KiwiSaver, and overall financial planning strategies.
In New Zealand, Financial Advisors are regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and must hold appropriate qualifications and licensing to provide financial advice.
Key Responsibilities
- Assess clients' financial situations and goals
- Develop comprehensive financial plans
- Recommend investment strategies and products
- Provide insurance and risk management advice
- Monitor and review client portfolios
- Stay updated with regulatory changes and market conditions
- Build and maintain client relationships
Quick Facts
Average Salary: $75,000 - $95,000
Entry Level: $45,000 - $65,000
Senior Level: $100,000 - $180,000+
Commission Potential: $20,000 - $100,000+
Top Locations: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch
Required License: Financial Advice Provider (FAP) License
Financial Advisor Salary Guide NZ
Graduate/Trainee Financial Advisor
$45,000 - $65,000
- Working under supervision
- Completing qualification requirements
- Basic client servicing and administrative duties
- Learning compliance and regulatory requirements
Financial Advisor (2-5 years)
$65,000 - $90,000 + Commission
- Fully qualified and licensed
- Building own client base
- Providing comprehensive financial advice
- Commission potential: $15,000 - $50,000
Senior Financial Advisor (5-10 years)
$85,000 - $120,000 + Commission
- Established client base
- Mentoring junior advisors
- Specialization in complex planning
- Commission potential: $30,000 - $80,000
Principal Financial Advisor / Practice Owner
$120,000 - $300,000+
- Running own practice or leading teams
- High-net-worth client focus
- Business development responsibilities
- Equity participation and profit sharing
Factors Affecting Salary
Location Premium
Auckland: +15-20% above national average
Wellington: +10-15%
Regional centers: -5-10%
Commission Structure
Trail commissions: 0.5-2% annually
Upfront commissions: 2-7%
Performance bonuses: 10-30% of base
Employer Type
Banks/Large institutions: Higher base, lower commission
Independent practices: Lower base, higher commission
Boutique firms: Variable structures
Qualifications & Licensing Requirements
Essential Requirements (All Financial Advisors)
Financial Advice Provider (FAP) License
All financial advisors must work for a licensed FAP or hold their own FAP license through the FMA.
Level 5 Financial Services Qualification
Minimum qualification standard set by the FMA. Covers fundamental knowledge of financial services, ethics, and regulation.
Qualification Pathways
University Pathway
- Bachelor of Commerce - Major in Finance (University of Auckland, Victoria, Canterbury, Otago)
- Bachelor of Business - Finance specialization (AUT, Massey)
- Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning - Massey University
Timeline: 3-4 years full-time
Professional Qualification Pathway
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP) - Financial Planning Association
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) - CFA Institute
- Financial Advice New Zealand (FANZ) Qualifications
Timeline: 1-3 years part-time
Industry Training Pathway
- Strategi - Level 5 Diploma in Financial Services
- Open Polytechnic - Certificate in Financial Services
- Employer-sponsored programs with major banks and advisory firms
Timeline: 6 months - 2 years
Best Financial Advisor Courses in NZ
Strategi
- Level 5 Diploma in Financial Services - $3,995
- Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning - $4,995
- Specialized insurance and investment modules
- Online and classroom delivery options
- Industry-recognized qualifications
Massey University
- Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning - $4,500
- Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning) - $6,000/year
- Distance learning available
- Strong theoretical foundation
- University credentialed qualification
Open Polytechnic
- Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) - $3,200
- 100% distance learning
- Self-paced study options
- Government-funded options available
- Strong industry connections
Professional Associations
- CFP Certification Program - $8,000-12,000
- FANZ Professional Development
- Continuing education requirements
- Networking and career opportunities
- International recognition
International Online Courses
Coursera
- Financial Planning for Young Adults (UC Irvine) - $49/month
- Investment Management (University of Geneva) - $49/month
- Personal Finance (Duke University) - $49/month
Udemy
- Complete Financial Analyst Course - $99
- Personal Finance Mastery - $84
- Investment Banking Course - $199
edX
- Introduction to Investments (MIT) - Free/$149 Verified
- Finance Fundamentals (Wharton) - Free/$99 Verified
Financial Advisor Career Path
Stage 1: Trainee/Graduate (0-2 years)
Key Activities:
- Complete Level 5 qualification
- Shadow senior advisors
- Handle basic client queries
- Learn compliance procedures
- Develop product knowledge
Skills to Develop:
- Financial product knowledge
- Client communication
- Regulatory compliance
- Time management
- Professional ethics
Stage 2: Financial Advisor (2-5 years)
Key Activities:
- Build independent client base
- Provide comprehensive advice
- Meet sales targets
- Develop specializations
- Complete ongoing education
Skills to Develop:
- Advanced financial planning
- Sales and business development
- Risk assessment
- Investment analysis
- Client relationship management
Stage 3: Senior Advisor (5-10 years)
Key Activities:
- Manage complex client portfolios
- Mentor junior staff
- Lead client acquisition
- Specialize in niche areas
- Represent firm at industry events
Skills to Develop:
- Leadership and mentoring
- Strategic planning
- Advanced tax strategies
- Estate planning
- Business development
Stage 4: Principal/Practice Owner (10+ years)
Key Activities:
- Run independent practice
- Manage team of advisors
- Oversee compliance and operations
- Focus on high-net-worth clients
- Strategic business planning
Skills to Develop:
- Business management
- Team leadership
- Marketing and branding
- Financial management
- Succession planning
Top Financial Advisory Employers in NZ
Major Banks
- ANZ Bank - Comprehensive advisory services
- ASB Bank - Strong retail and business focus
- BNZ Bank - Integrated banking and advice
- Westpac - Full-service financial planning
- Kiwibank - Growing advisory division
Independent Advisory Firms
- Forsyth Barr - NZ's largest investment adviser
- Craigs Investment Partners - Boutique advisory
- Jarden Securities - Institutional and private wealth
- Enable Me - Digital-first advisory
- Milestone Direct - Fee-for-service model
Insurance & Advisory Groups
- Partners Life - Life and health insurance focus
- Fidelity Life - Comprehensive insurance advice
- AMP - Traditional wealth management
- Asteron Life - Specialist insurance advisory
- Generate KiwiSaver - KiwiSaver specialists
Emerging Fintech
- Sharesies - Retail investment platform
- InvestNow - Online investment advisory
- Kernel Wealth - Digital wealth management
- Hatch - International investing platform
- Squirrel - Mortgage and investment advice
Current Financial Advisor Jobs
Find the latest Financial Advisor opportunities across New Zealand