Financial Advice New Zealand (FANZ) has formalised two director appointments, completing its current board line-up at a time of ongoing regulatory and professional change across the advice sector.
The organisation has appointed Trisha Edmonds as an independent director, effective Dec. 15. She joins the board of the professional body, which represents advisers working across investment, retirement, and risk-focused advice such as life and health insurance. “It is an honour to be appointed to the role of independent director with Financial Advice New Zealand. More than ever, New Zealanders need to be able to access professional advice driven, nurtured, and supported by a professional body such as Financial Advice New Zealand. This is a great opportunity for me to work with like-minded board members, the team, and advisers who are passionate and committed to ensuring the financial wellbeing of all New Zealanders,” Edmonds said.
The board has also reappointed member director and CFP professional Paul Sewell for a further three-year term, following a member vote. He continues as a practising adviser representative on the board. “It’s a privilege to be reappointed to the board. This is an important time for our profession, and I’m excited to help drive initiatives that grow our membership base, strengthen adviser engagement, raise professional standards, and deliver real value to New Zealanders seeking quality financial advice,” Sewell said.
Chairman Tiumalu Peter Fa’afiu said the combination of an external director and a returning member director supports the implementation of the association’s strategy. “Paul’s reappointment and ratification by members brings in his experience and pragmatism at an important time in the implementation of the strategy. Trisha brings deep senior executive experience and perspective across the wealth management value chain,” Fa’afiu said.
The appointments follow a special general meeting in May, where members approved changes to Financial Advice New Zealand’s constitution. The amendments were made to ensure the body meets the re-registration requirements of the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 before the April 2026 deadline. Fa’afiu said the board now reflects the mix of skills the association considers necessary for its current work programme.
Alongside the governance changes, the regulatory environment for advisers and Financial Advice Providers (FAPs) has shifted with the revised Financial Advice Code now in force. The updated code, which took effect on Nov. 1, sets nine principle-based standards for ethical conduct, client care, and technical competence across investment, mortgage, and insurance advice.
“This is a pragmatic and future-focused update to the code. It strikes the right balance – honouring the expertise of current advisers, establishing a clear pathway for new entrants, and reinforcing public trust in the profession. We would like to thank the Code Committee for their collaborative and direct engagement with the advice profession in revising the code,” said Financial Advice New Zealand chief executive Nick Hakes.
