Advisers urged to build AI capability as tools advance
Financial Advice New Zealand has launched the AI in Advice Certificate, a 12-week executive short course built to help advisers integrate AI into day-to-day advice without breaking compliance. The programme starts Oct. 24 and sits within the Modern Financial Adviser curriculum, following strong demand for practical, adviser-specific AI education.
Global research from the Financial Planning Standards Board shows clear momentum: 78% of advisers believe AI will help them serve clients better, 60% say it will improve advice quality, and 41% already use AI for client communications across onboarding, 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."
The launch aligns with the revised Financial Advice Code taking effect, a "pragmatic, future-focused update" that puts lifelong learning at the centre of professional advice.
A blended learning experience
Kick off with the Immersive Masterclass focused on large language models and prompt engineering. Attend in person at one of three locations, then continue into the full certificate via live webinar on Oct. 24. The masterclass can be taken on its own or as the on-ramp to the certificate.
- Christchurch - Oct. 14, Addington Raceway
- Auckland - Oct. 15, Ellerslie Racecourse
- Wellington - Oct. 16, Lower Hutt Events Centre
Practical skills for the modern adviser
The programme delivers 12 modules and 25 accredited CPD hours with hands-on, compliant use cases you can apply immediately.
- 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
The focus is practical adoption with ethical standards intact. While 65% of New Zealanders fear AI could take their job, advisers are increasingly optimistic about using it to improve client outcomes.
Global expertise and industry recognition
The programme features international AdviceTech innovator Panos Leledakis (US), founder and CEO of IFAAcademy and visiting expert at the 2025 National Adviser Conference. His plenary and masterclass there received a perfect 5/5 rating for relevance and value.
With over 25 years in financial planning, Leledakis is recognised for leadership in AI adoption, digital transformation, and insurance innovation, with 11 international innovation awards, including recognition from MIT.
Programme details
- Live webinars commence: Oct. 24
- Duration: 12 modules over 12 weeks
- CPD hours: 25
- Tuition fees: Member $1,725 incl. GST; Non-member $1,955 incl. GST
- Digital Badge: $90 incl. GST
- Rebate: Complete the in-person masterclass and continue into the certificate to receive a $287.50 rebate (incl. GST) off the total tuition fee
Why it matters for advice businesses
AI is becoming standard across research, modelling, and client communications. The edge now is in compliant workflows, better turnaround times, and clearer client outcomes. This course aims to accelerate that shift with structure and accountability.
Register
For more details or to register, visit financialadvice.nz/AI-Certificate.
Related resources
- FPSB global research on AI and advice: fpsb.org
- NZ regulatory context: Financial Markets Authority (FMA): fma.govt.nz
- Tooling for finance teams: AI tools for finance roundup: Complete AI Training
