It could help financial advisers meet NZ’s new standards regime
Massey University has teamed up with Kaplan Professional to deliver financial planning qualifications and continuing education to Kiwis and help potentially 25,000 financial advisers meet a new standards regime following the passage of the Financial Services Legislation Amendment Act 2019.
The Financial Services Legislation Amendment Act 2019 introduces new classifications and a Code of Conduct for advisers. It comes into force in March 2021, and advisers have a transition period of two years to meet the requirements to be qualified as an Authorised Financial Adviser (AFA).
A minimum qualification – New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) [Version 2] – is required as part of the act, which aligns to the Certificate in Business Studies (Financial Services Pathway) to be co-delivered by Massey University and Kaplan Professional.
As part of the partnership, the university will also provide advisers with one-year access to Ontrack, Kaplan Professional’s online continuing education platform that delivers specialist content through engaging and innovative digital modules on an ongoing basis. Users follow a personalised learning plan specific to their role, organisation, and continuing education requirements. Licensees also have access to in-depth reporting and tracking functionalities and the ability to create their learning material with a purpose-built rapid content creation tool.
“As New Zealand’s largest business school and internationally ranked university, we look forward to combining with an equally strong Australian brand, Kaplan Professional, in delivering a top-quality financial services programme,” said Massey Business School international and strategic partnerships director Dr Jeff Stangl.
“The programme combines the academic rigour of a Massey qualification with the professional education expertise provided by Kaplan Professional. The resultant offering aspires to raise the bar for New Zealand’s financial services education, benefiting financial practitioners and strengthening New Zealand’s financial markets alike.”
Kaplan Professional chief executive officer Brian Knight added: “Great synergies exist between Kaplan Professional and Massey University as both institutions are the leaders in their respective sectors.
“There is a significant demand for quality financial services education in New Zealand, so the partnership will enable us to broaden the scope of our offerings and increase our presence in the New Zealand market. Similar to Kaplan Professional in Australia, Massey University has strong industry relationships in New Zealand; we look forward to engaging with professional associations and licensees to provide the best possible outcomes for advisers and their clients.”
