NZ not following commission ban ... yet

It will be the year after next before Government attention turns to how Kiwi financial advisers are paid.

Monday, January 6th 2014, 8:40PM

by Susan Edmunds

A move away from commission is happening in many countries around the world - but not always with great success.

In Britain, it has been reported that many consumers are now struggling to get advice, a year after the ban was imposed.

Many financial advisers in Britain are believed to have stopped dealing with clients who have less than £100,000.

They say the cost of dealing with those clients had become too high for it to be worthwhile. That has prompted consternation among the country's MPs, who are worried about an "advice gap" at a time when people are being encouraged to save more for their retirements and to be more hands-on in doing so.

A new survey by Yorkshire Building Society found that one in four British savers were finding it difficult to access or pay for it if they could access it.

Investment manager Brewin Dolphin, which has marketed itself to “middle Britain” is withdrawing its investment services for anyone with less than £50,000 to invest.

Online offers are stepping into the breach.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment said the Government in New Zealand was aware of British and Australian moves to limit commission-based remuneration in the advice sector.

But she said it wanted to allow the Financial Advisers Act time to bed in before considering any more reforms to the system.

“In 2016 there will be a statutory review of the Financial Advisers Act which will consider any policy changes. The impact of any such steps on the ability of New Zealanders to access affordable advice on investments and insurance would be one consideration when looking at issues relating to commissions.”

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