Running a small advice business in New Zealand means balancing client needs with keeping the practice afloat. You’re constantly weighing what services are worth the effort.
For many advisers, KiwiSaver slips down the list – margins feel small, and the admin can look bigger than the reward.
But here’s the thing: ignoring KiwiSaver might be costing you more than you think. While it may not feel like a big-ticket service, it can be a starting point for client growth, deeper relationships, and steady referrals.
For most advisers, the hesitation comes down to one of three things:
- “Too small to matter”: on the surface, KiwiSaver balances don’t seem like they would make a big difference.
- Admin vs. Reward: the paperwork feels time-consuming compared to the revenue generated.
- Client expectations: some advisers assume clients only want KiwiSaver handled by banks or providers
These are all understandable, but they hide the real upside: KiwiSaver is often the first financial decision many clients make, and it opens the door to much more.
The Hidden Costs of Leaving It Out
By skipping KiwiSaver, you might be missing:
- Future opportunities – KiwiSaver clients become insurance, investment, and retirement planning clients.
- Younger connections – it’s a natural entry point for clients in their 20s and 30s, setting you up for decades of advice.
- Client stickiness – once you manage KiwiSaver, you’re harder to replace.
- Competitive edge – banks are actively using KiwiSaver to win business.
A Real-world Example
Think about an adviser who only takes on “big ticket” services. They lose out on younger clients starting their careers, who end up defaulting to a bank KiwiSaver scheme. Fast forward ten years: those same clients now have insurance, mortgages, and significant investments, but the adviser never had the chance to win that business because KiwiSaver wasn’t offered up front.
On the flip side, advisers who use KiwiSaver as a starting point often find it’s the perfect way to build trust early, while planting the seed for longer-term advice opportunities.
Two Ways to Unlock Growth
- Standardise KiwiSaver as part of your process – not an add-on, but a natural first step.
- Digitise the admin – streamline fact finds, SOAs, and advice approval so that offering KiwiSaver feels simple, not like extra work.
You don’t need to reinvent your practice, just open the door to KiwiSaver with the right process behind you.
Next Steps
Read our blog: The Cost of Not Offering KiwiSaver Advice to see what you might be missing by leaving it out.
Book a demo to see how easily you can integrate KiwiSaver advice into your practice.
