What’s changing

The new Code of Professional Conduct for Financial Advice Services takes effect on 1 November 2025, along with an updated benchmark qualification – the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) v3.

If you’re already an adviser, you won’t need to complete the new qualification. However, the updated Code continues to expect advisers to maintain and develop their competence, knowledge, and skill – and that means understanding what’s changed. This includes important updates to the Code, legislation, and qualification, particularly around client engagement and conduct.

To meet the new Code’s expectations, it makes sense to check your knowledge against the new standard and identify any areas where you may need to “close the gaps”.

Our solution: the Closing the Gaps course

Strategi Institute has created an easy way for existing advisers to demonstrate continuing professional development (CPD) and maintain confidence under the new Code.

Closing the Gaps is a short, online course designed to help you bridge the knowledge difference between earlier Level 5 qualifications and v3. It doesn’t replace the qualification – it simply helps you confirm equivalence through structured, defendable learning.

You’ll get:

• Three online, one-hour modules which include video extracts and content.

• Interactive quizzes or knowledge checks and instant feedback.

• A downloadable certificate and automatic CPD logging for those using Radar.

What you’ll learn

The three modules cover:

• Communicating with Clients (Interpersonal Skills)  Module

• Ethical and Professional Behaviour in Financial Advice

• Updates to legislation, regulation, and the Code.

Cost

• $250 + GST per person for all three modules.

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

Show you’re keeping pace with the industry. Complete Closing the Gaps and demonstrate your ongoing commitment to competence, knowledge, and skill.