The Code of Professional Conduct for Financial Advice Services 2025 is now in force, and it has strengthened what advisers are expected to know and be able to do, especially under Code Standard 9, which sets a clearer obligation to continually maintain and develop competence, knowledge, and skill. 

As part of the sector’s scheduled qualification review, the benchmark qualification has been refreshed to NZCFS (Level 5) v3. The updated qualification reflects the expectations of the 2025 Code, including new client-interpersonal skill outcomes and updated regulatory content. 

Existing advisers, whether they were an AFA immediately before the commencement of the Code or hold an earlier version of the NZCFS (Level 5), are not required to complete v3. But they are expected to show they meet the Code’s updated expectations, and that their competence, knowledge, and skill is aligned with current standards. Closing the Gaps is the most practical way to do this.

Why Closing the Gaps (CTG) matters 

Many advisers and FAPs are now looking for a clear and efficient way to align their CPD with the updated expectations of the 2025 Code. CTG provides a structured, defendable way to: 

• Align your knowledge with the expectations of the 2025 Code. 

• Bridge the differences between earlier qualifications and v3. 

• Understand the key recent regulatory changes that advisers need to be aware of. 

• Demonstrate a clear and consistent approach to Code Standard 9. 

This makes CTG a sensible early step as you plan your 2026 CPD. 

What the course covers 

Closing the Gaps brings advisers quickly up to date on: 

• The knowledge differences between earlier qualifications and v3, including expanded interpersonal and client-engagement skill outcomes. 

• The regulatory changes that advisers need to be familiar with to meet today’s advice obligations. 

• What the updated expectations of the 2025 Code mean in practice. 

Course structure 

Delivered online via Radar, Strategi Institute’s learning platform, CTG includes: 

• Three self-paced modules (approx. 1–1.5 hours each). 

• Video lessons and downloadable Learning Guides. 

• Interactive quizzes with instant feedback. 

• A CPD certificate upon completion. 

Total: 3–4.5 CPD hours 

Who should complete Closing the Gaps? 

• Advisers who hold AFA status. 

• Advisers who hold an earlier version of the NZCFS (Level 5). 

• FAPs seeking a consistent, defendable CPD foundation for their adviser team in 2026. 

If your question is “How do we demonstrate we meet the updated expectations of the 2025 Code?”, this is the answer. 

Pricing

• $250 + GST per adviser. 

• $200 + GST per adviser for FAPs enrolling 10 or more advisers. 

Begin your 2026 CPD plan with confidence 

Keep pace with the updated Code, ensure your knowledge remains current, and demonstrate your commitment to ongoing competence. Enrol in Closing the Gaps now.