Consultation on Robo-advice

In October the FMA decided to grant an exemption to enable the provision of personalised digital (robo) advice. They are now consulting on the draft exemption notice and application documents.

They are seeking feedback on:

• the draft exemption notice
• the draft information sheet- that explains the exemption notice, including providing guidance on the exemption conditions
• the draft application documents – an application form, ‘good character’ declaration form, and application guide. The application guide sets out; the minimum standards applicants will need to show they meet, all the questions in the application form, our comments about these.

The exemption will allow personalised robo-advice to be provided under the current financial advice regime, promoting innovation and improving consumer access.  Providers will need to apply to the FMA to rely on the exemption.

Included under the exemption are general and personal insurance products. 

The exemption will be subject to conditions relating to:

• disclosure
• compliance with the code of professional conduct
• record-keeping
• notifying the FMA of a material change in circumstances.

The consultation documents are available HERE