“Leveraging adviser-led research to understanding global trends with local application is invaluable for New Zealand’s modern advice practices,” Hakes said. “The opportunity and implication of AI to the whole advice process is top of mind for advisers currently.”
The FANZ boss said the recent National Adviser Conference featured AI-focused masterclasses, workshops, and a mainstage session that showed advisers how to apply AI in practice—not just why it matters.
“As one of our visiting experts Panos Leledakis told our conference delegates in April, AI technology is not the future, it’s the present,” Hakes said.
Human connection still central
FPSB’s De Gori said the profession is entering a pivotal period, where embracing AI helps planners focus on what matters most.
“Now is a pivotal time in the financial planning profession as financial planners embrace AI to work smarter, allowing more time to engage in deeper human connection with clients such as navigating conversations that will impact financial decision-making and providing clarity and support to stay on track to achieve their life goals,” he said.