Financial Advice Code Committee - Member (Consumer Affairs and Disputes Resolution expertise)

Overview

The Committee is Aotearoa New Zealand’s independent standard setter for financial advice, assisting the Minister in relation to the Code of Professional Conduct for Financial Advice Services.

The Committee sets the professional conduct standards of financial advisers in their interactions with, and services provided to New Zealanders. The Committee is an independent body and is established by Part 4 of Schedule 5 of the Act.

The Committee’s ongoing functions include:

• Reviewing the Code from time to time to make sure it remains relevant and fit-for-purpose.
• Recommending to the Minister changes to the Code if needed.
• Liaising with the Minister, the Financial Markets Authority, and financial advice and consumer stakeholders.

Skills and experience required

At this time the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is seeking candidates who wish to be considered for appointment to a member - consumer representative role on the Financial Advice Code Committee.

Key sklls, experience and attributes required:

• Experience in financial advice, financial services, financial education, economics, law, financial capability, or another relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience representing consumer interests and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and needs of retail clients when navigating financial services.
• Proven understanding of the internal, operational considerations in relation to direct customer interactions and ensuring compliance with established consumer protection laws.
• Specialised knowledge of dispute resolution frameworks or schemes (e.g., IFSO or FDRS) and how they might help the Committee identify systemic advice failures and refine the Code’s standards for example in relation to fair treatment.
• The ability to translate complex consumer grievances into high-level professional standards that promote ethical behaviour, transparency, and public trust in the financial sector.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to work constructively with industry experts and liaise with diverse stakeholders to ensure the Code remains fit-for-purpose.

Other desirable skills, experience, and attributes required:

• Proven experience in board-level or committee governance, including an understanding of the collective and individual duties of directors.
• An understanding of the public sector accountability frameworks that govern crown entities in New Zealand.
• Demonstrated ability to manage high-level relationships with government ministers, regulatory bodies (such as the FMA), and industry peak bodies.
• Ability to identify and mitigate strategic and operational risks relevant to a standard-setting body.
• A track record of working constructively in a multi-disciplinary team to reach consensus on complex regulatory or ethical issues.

How to apply

Click on the Apply now button below to complete your application. All applications must be submitted via our online process. A position description can be found here.

Email boardappointments@mbie.govt.nz if you have any further questions.

Applications close at 11.59pm on 16 February 2026.