Why 93.7% of New Zealanders Trust Their Financial Adviser

According to comprehensive research by Financial Advice NZ, an overwhelming 93.7% of New Zealanders trust their financial adviser—one of the highest professional trust ratings in the country. This remarkable finding, based on a survey of over 2,000 Kiwis, reveals why professional financial advice has become an essential part of successful financial planning.

The Trust Gap: Advised vs Unadvised

The research reveals a striking difference between those who work with financial advisers and those who don't. While 93.7% of advised Kiwis trust their financial professional, only 72.2% of unadvised individuals express similar confidence in their own financial management abilities.

Metric	With Adviser	Without Adviser	Advantage
Trust Level	93.7%	72.2%	+21.5%
Overall Satisfaction	88.3%	N/A	-
Value for Money	94.4%	N/A	-

This 21.5 percentage point trust advantage demonstrates the confidence that comes from working with a qualified professional who has your best interests at heart.

What Makes Financial Advisers So Trustworthy?

1. Regulatory Oversight & FMA Licensing

All financial advisers in New Zealand must be registered with the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). This regulatory framework ensures advisers meet strict professional standards, maintain ongoing education, and operate with transparency.

2. Professional Qualifications & Experience

Most advisers hold advanced certifications like CFP (Certified Financial Planner) or similar credentials, representing hundreds of hours of specialized training beyond their initial qualifications.

3. Fiduciary Duty & Client-First Approach

Financial advisers are legally obligated to act in their clients' best interests. This fiduciary duty means they must prioritize your financial wellbeing above their own profits or commissions.

4. Transparent Fee Structures

Modern financial advisers operate with clear, upfront fee disclosure. Whether fee-for-service, commission-based, or asset-based fees, clients know exactly what they're paying and what they're receiving.

5. Proven Track Record of Results

The research shows that 88.3% of clients are satisfied with their adviser's services, and 94.4% believe they receive good value. These aren't empty promises—they're measurable outcomes.

The Satisfaction Breakdown: What Clients Value Most

The 88.3% satisfaction rate isn't just a single number—it reflects consistent positive experiences across all types of financial advice services:

Financial Planning

90.1%

Report needs are fully met

Insurance Advice

84.9%

Better outcomes than DIY

Investment Planning

77.3%

Choose professional advice

Mortgage Advice

72.9%

Get better deals

Why This Matters for Your Financial Future

These trust statistics aren't just numbers—they represent real outcomes for real New Zealanders:

Better financial security: Advised Kiwis are 69.9% more likely to have emergency funds in place

Improved retirement readiness: 50.1% feel prepared vs 26.4% of unadvised (nearly double!)

Enhanced mental wellbeing: 50.8% report improved mental health from financial confidence

Crisis resilience: 45.8% were better prepared for COVID-19's financial impacts

When nearly 94 out of 100 New Zealanders trust their financial adviser, it's not blind faith—it's evidence-based confidence built on consistent results and professional integrity.

Ready to Experience This Trust Yourself?

The numbers speak for themselves: professional financial advice works. With 93.7% trust, 88.3% satisfaction, and measurable improvements across retirement readiness, financial security, and mental wellbeing, working with a qualified adviser is one of the best investments you can make in your financial future.

Join the 93.7% Who Trust Their Adviser

Find a qualified, FMA-licensed financial adviser near you and start building your financial confidence today.

Browse Financial Advisers