The Financial Capability Barometer 2018-2019 was a survey of 15,519 adult New Zealanders on their financial behaviours, attitudes and experiences. The data has provided valuable insights into the state of New Zealanders’ personal finances. Importantly, the survey is also a snapshot of New Zealand’s personal finances before the 2020 COVID-19 crisis which exposed the low...

This research paper argues that any proposed policy action to manage conflicts of interest should ideally undergo further testing in the field in which it will be implemented to assess the likely real-world impact. This would improve the design of the policy and monitor the consequences, both intended on unintended, on both advisers and advisees.

This background paper explains both the current education and training requirements for financial advisers or financial planners and the key aspects of recent reforms in this area. This paper has been prepared using publicly available information.

This background paper provides information about the key participants in the Australian financial planning industry, some features of this industry, the main services offered by financial planners and advisers, as well as an outline of a selection of regulatory issues.

Commentary around the Federal Government's proposed changes to financial advice laws suggests the financial planning and advice industry is about to return to the bad old days when retirees lost their life savings in dodgy investments that paid big commis