What the FMA Wants Financial Advice to Be — and How The Holistic Money Co. Delivers.
The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) 2026 review sets a clear standard for what financial advice in New Zealand should look like: simple, accessible, culturally competent, ongoing, and genuinely helpful.
The Holistic Money Co. already delivers exactly that.
Our clients aren’t getting ‘compliant’ advice — they’re getting the kind of advice the regulator wishes more New Zealanders had access to.
The FMA’s Findings — And How The Holistic Money Co. Measures Up
1. Consumers should be able to get simple, scoped advice.
The FMA found advisers often force full financial plans on people who only need help with one decision — making advice slow, expensive, and inaccessible.
How The Holistic Money Co. exceeds this standard:
We specialise in targeted advice. Whether it’s KiwiSaver, managed fund investments, retirmentplanning, or a single financial decision, our clients can choose exactly the scope they want. No unnecessary complexity, no upselling — just clear, affordable guidance tailored to the question at hand.
2. If advisers receive ongoing commission, clients should receive ongoing service.
Service fees paid to advisors by fund providers exist to fund ongoing support, yet only 10% of clients receive annual reviews.
How The Holistic Money Co. exceeds this standard:
We provide structured, proactive reviews and clear service commitments. Clients know what they’re paying for — and they actually receive it. Our model is built on long‑term relationships, not one‑off transactions.
3. Banks are licensed to give advice — but rarely do.
The FMA found banks routinely fail to advise customers holding large sums in low‑interest accounts, leaving people worse off.
How The Holistic Money Co. exceeds this standard:
We give real advice, not product distribution; we deliberately don’t sell insurance, or advise on credit (borrowing). Every recommendation is personalised, explained, and grounded in the Code of Professional Conduct. Clients get clarity, confidence, and better outcomes — not generic product information.
4. Retirement drawdown advice is the industry’s biggest gap.
The FMA found almost no support for the most important financial question many New Zealanders face: How do I turn my savings into income in retirement?
How The Holistic Money Co. exceeds this standard:
We provide comprehensive ‘decumulation’ planning — (or how to spend the kids inheritance) with sustainable withdrawal strategies, sequence‑of‑returns risk management, and clear spending guidance. This is a core part of our service.
5. Māori face disproportionate barriers to advice.
The industry lacks cultural competency, understanding of collective ownership, and alignment with tikanga.
How The Holistic Money Co. meets this standard:
Our approach is grounded in manaakitanga, listening, and values‑based planning. We tailor advice to individuals and whānau with respect for collective decision‑making, tikanga, and long‑term wellbeing.
6. Digital and AI advice must carry the same protections as human advice.
Digital advice is regulated the same as face‑to‑face advice — and is essential for reaching people priced out of traditional models.
How The Holistic Money Co. exceeds this standard:
We use digital tools to make advice accessible, simple, and stress‑free. However, we don’t use AI to provide advice, preferring to get to know our clients. Online booking, remote delivery, and clear digital communication mean clients can get high‑quality advice wherever they are — with full regulatory protection.
The Final Word
The FMA has set a clear benchmark for what good financial advice should look like in New Zealand. The Holistic Money Co. already delivers it — consistently, transparently, and with genuine care.
If you’d like help setting up a simple, sustainable investment plan — or want clarity on where to start — we offer a free, no‑obligation financial review.
We’ll look at your goals, your investment timelines, and your risk tolerance, and build a plan that feels achievable and aligned with your life.
Go to https://www.holisticmoney.co.nz/ to schedule a day and time that suits.
Alternatively, feel free to reach out directly by emailing kelly@holisticmoney.co.nz.
Let’s put you in control of your money, and build the future of your dreams — one small step at a time.
Warmest regards, Kelly
