Code of conduct for financial advice services

What it is and how it works

The Code of Professional Conduct for Financial Advice Services sets standards of competence, conduct and client care for the financial advice industry.

The code imposes statutory duties on anyone giving regulated financial advice to retail clients, requiring them to:

  • comply with prescribed standards of ethical behaviour, conduct, and client care
  • meet standards of competence, knowledge, and skill (including any continuing professional development requirements).

A 2-year competency safe harbour period began on 15 March 2021, giving existing financial advisers time to familiarise themselves, and comply, with the requirements of the code.

The code includes commentary to help persons who give financial advice to comply with the standards.

Code of Professional Conduct for Financial Advice Services Financial Advice Code website

Some financial advisers are recorded on an extension to the register

Leading up to the implementation of the new financial advice regime and the new register, our online services were unavailable for a short time. If you're an individual who had your registration for the ‘Financial Adviser’ service accepted while our online services were unavailable, you are recorded on an extension to the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR).

Financial advisers who are recorded on this extension to the register, and who have registered on the new FSPR, are eligible for the 2-year competency safe harbour provisions offered in the new financial advice regime.

Search the extension to the register [XLSX 66KB]

This list was last updated on 25 November 2022

All help topics

Getting started on the register 6 guides

Before you can register as a financial service provider, maintain your details, or use the register, there are a few things you need to know.

Registering a financial service provider (FSP) 9 guides

To register as a financial service provider you must apply online. The process depends on what kind of provider you are — an individual or an entity.

Dispute resolution schemes (DRSs) 2 guides

If you provide financial services to retail clients, you must join a DRS within 10 working days of registering and keep your membership details up to date on the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR).

Providing licensed or certified services 6 guides

You need to be licensed or certified to provide certain financial services. Find out who to apply to.

Filing an annual confirmation 3 guides

To remain registered as a financial service provider (FSP) you must confirm your FSP's details and services each year. Find out how to file your confirmation online, or to change the month you do it

Managing your registration as a financial service provider (FSP) 7 guides

All FSPs must keep their details on the register up to date. We may deregister your FSP if you fail to meet your obligations.

Deregistration and reregistration 3 guides

You can voluntarily deregister a financial service provider (FSP), or it may be deregistered by the Registrar. In some circumstances you can object to a deregistration, or apply to have the FSP reregistered.

Paying fees and levies 3 guides

If you're a financial service provider (FSP), you pay fees for some transactions, including registration. You also pay levies to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). There are several ways to pay.

Managing your online services account 6 guides

Your FSPR online services account allows you to keep your FSP's contact and payment details up to date. From your account dashboard you can view and manage outstanding applications and tasks.