Fidelity Life has marked the completion of its 2025 Adviser edge programmes, holding graduation ceremonies for financial advisers across New Zealand following a year of workshops, coaching, and collaboration.
The ceremonies recognised advisers from the Professional pathways and Advice masters streams, which sit under the insurer’s Adviser edge development programme for risk advisers. Adviser edge has been running since 2024, with more than 200 advisers having taken part across Career connect, Professional pathways, and Advice masters, according to Fidelity Life. “Congratulations to our 50 graduates of Professional pathways and Advice masters. These advisers aren’t just shaping their own careers; they’re shaping the future of financial advice in New Zealand,” said Fidelity Life chief commercial officer Bronwyn Kirwan.
Adviser edge combines group workshops, individual coaching, and peer learning. In 2025, the Advice masters stream focused on business strategy and leadership, led by consultant Tony Dench, with sessions from Simfuni co‑founder Shaun Quincey, MinterEllisonRuddWatts partner Jeremy Muir, Faraday’s Henry Lynch, Board Dynamics’ Henri Eliot, and advisers from BNZ and Deloitte. Professional pathways covered practice management and advice delivery topics. Facilitator Kirsten Leng worked with Melbourne Business School professor Yalcin Akay, Compliance Refinery’s Steven Burgess, Thrive Consulting’s Cecilia Farrow, AW Consulting’s Amy Watson, Sales IQ Global’s Tony Hughes, and consultancy Marloo.
Fidelity Life said the final workshops in both streams addressed business planning, operational efficiency, and the use of technology and artificial intelligence in advice firms, including applications in client engagement, compliance processes, and workflow management. The company said the content was intended to help advisers prepare for operating and regulatory conditions in 2026 and beyond. “Our goal with Adviser edge is to develop the world’s best risk advisers. We believe advice changes lives, and that’s why we invest in advisers who strive for excellence and continue to raise the bar for our industry. Building a strong future for advice means backing talented people today, so New Zealanders can keep getting the support they need, now and for generations to come,” Kirwan said.
A new feature in 2025 was the inaugural Adviser edge study tour, attended by 19 Advice masters participants. The five‑day programme in Melbourne and Sydney covered leadership, behavioural economics, artificial intelligence, business strategy, and digital transformation. Fidelity Life chief executive Campbell Mitchell and Kirwan joined the tour. “Adviser edge is more than professional development: it’s a powerful driver of business transformation and personal growth. The study tour gave advisers the space to invest in themselves – immersing in fresh ideas, bold conversations, and shared learning. Exposure to global perspectives and international thought leaders added depth to the experience, helping advisers see advice through a wider lens and return with practical insights to strengthen their practices,” Mitchell said.
Kirwan said some participating firms reviewed their plans following the tour. “What started as a bold idea has become a transformative experience. The calibre of thinking and ambition we saw on this tour was exceptional. We’re proud to see advisers backing themselves and their businesses, unlocking new opportunities, and challenging their thinking in ways that will shape the future of advice,” she said. Michelle Doyle, head of solutions and lead director of Adviser edge, said adviser feedback had been used in planning future programme content. “The feedback has been phenomenal. This tour was designed to stretch perspectives and spark action. It’s exciting to see so many advisers already applying what they’ve learned to drive meaningful change in their business,” she said.
Adviser edge is scheduled to run again in 2026, including a study tour for business owners and senior advisers. Expressions of interest are open for Career connect, Professional pathways, and Advice masters. “As we continue to evolve the Adviser edge programmes, the Advice masters component is proving to be a powerful gateway to deeper learning, strategic clarity, and peer-led growth. The results speak for themselves. Advisers are making real changes to grow and improve their businesses, and we’re proud to support them on that journey,” Kirwan said.
