A new qualification and continuing professional development course has been launched, aimed at helping financial advisers, including insurance brokers, meet new regulatory requirements.
The new version of the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) (Version 2) offered online by Open Polytechnic provides financial advisers across New Zealand with up-to-date knowledge to meet the new competency standards set by the Code of Professional Conduct for Financial Advice Services.
According to Open Polytechnic chief executive Dr. Caroline Seelig, offering the new financial services programme and continuing professional development (CPD) course is Open Polytechnic’s way of supporting the financial adviser industry through the Review of the Financial Advisers Act and the new Code of Conduct coming into effect soon.
“We have a significant relationship with the financial adviser industry, and we wanted to make sure we continued to support current and future financial advisers as the regulatory changes come into effect,” Seelig noted.
Open Polytechnic said it will offer the CPD course from September, noting this will help already qualified advisers meet new industry requirements.
“To meet Standard 9 of the new Code of Professional Conduct for Financial Advice Services, advisers are required to obtain an understanding of the new regulatory framework for financial advice as part of their continuing professional development,” Open Polytechnic programme delivery manager Jennifer Lee explained. “Current or future financial advisers who choose to study this programme can be confident that they are learning knowledge and skills that align with the changes for giving financial advice.”
Open Polytechnic is a New Zealand specialist provider of online distance learning. It helps learners in the financial services industry fit their studies in around their work and other commitments while working towards the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5).
