Financial Advice New Zealand is set to offer a new professional development opportunity for advisers with the introduction of the AI in Advice Certificate.
The 12-week course, launching on Oct. 24, is designed to help advisers integrate artificial intelligence into their everyday practice, reflecting the sector’s increasing reliance on digital tools.
The AI in Advice Certificate is being introduced in response to feedback from advisers seeking practical guidance on AI implementation.
The course forms part of the Modern Financial Adviser curriculum and aims to bridge the gap between technological innovation and regulatory requirements.
Recent research by the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) has highlighted the growing influence of AI in financial advice.
According to the FPSB’s recent global study, 78% of advisers anticipate that AI will enhance client service, and 60% expect improvements in the quality of advice delivered.
The study also found that 41% of advisers are already using AI to facilitate client communication, from onboarding to ongoing engagement.
Nick Hakes, CEO of Financial Advice New Zealand, commented that artificial intelligence has shifted from being a differentiator to an essential part of advisory work.
“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,” he said.
The certificate begins with an optional in-person masterclass, focusing on large language models and prompt engineering, scheduled for Christchurch, Auckland, and Wellington in October.
This session can be attended independently or as the initial phase of the broader certificate programme, which transitions to an online format from Oct. 24.
Participants will complete 12 modules over 12 weeks, earning 25 CPD hours. The curriculum covers prompt engineering, productivity tools powered by AI, marketing automation, and strategies for embedding AI throughout the advice process.
The course will feature international input, including sessions led by Panos Leledakis, founder and CEO of IFAAcademy, who is recognised for his expertise in digital transformation and AI adoption in financial services.
Leledakis previously participated as a visiting expert at the 2025 National Adviser Conference.
The programme’s tuition is set at $1,725 for members and $1,955 for non-members, inclusive of GST. A digital badge is available for an additional $90.
Advisers who attend the masterclass and continue with the certificate will receive a tuition rebate.
The launch of this certificate reflects broader trends in the insurance industry, where AI and machine learning are being adopted to enhance underwriting, claims processing, and customer service.
According to Fintrade Securities Corporation Ltd (FSCL), these technologies are primarily being used to automate repetitive tasks and support decision-making, rather than replace staff.
AI-driven models are enabling insurers to assess risk with greater precision, drawing on diverse data sources such as behavioural trends and economic indicators.
The use of intelligent document processing, which incorporates optical character recognition and natural language processing, is helping insurers digitise paperwork, reduce manual errors, and accelerate claims management.
Additionally, AI is enabling the development of more personalised insurance products, including usage-based policies that adjust premiums based on individual behaviour.
Insurers are also leveraging AI to provide policyholders with timely risk alerts, such as notifications about severe weather or property maintenance.
Research from Snowflake and the Enterprise Strategy Group indicates that organisations in Australia and New Zealand are increasing their investment in generative AI.
Thirty-two percent of surveyed firms in the region are allocating over a quarter of their technology budgets to generative AI, compared to 25% globally. These investments are yielding a 44% return in Australia and New Zealand, slightly higher than the global average of 41%.
Further details on the AI in Advice Certificate, including registration information, are available at www.financialadvice.nz/AI-Certificate.
