Honest tech advice for financial services leaders
Not sure whether to buy, build, or fix? Our advisory service gives financial services leaders independent guidance on digital strategy — without the vendor sales pitch.
Book a Discovery CallHonest tech advice for financial services leaders
Not sure whether to buy, build, or fix? Our advisory service gives financial services leaders independent guidance on digital strategy — without the vendor sales pitch.
Every vendor says their platform is the answer
The financial services technology market is overwhelming. Xplan or Midwinter? Custom portal or off-the-shelf? Build your own app or white-label someone else's? Every vendor demo looks impressive, but implementation is where the problems start — and by then you've signed a multi-year contract.
For NZ financial services businesses, the technology decision is complicated by regulatory requirements. Your platform needs to handle FMA disclosure, AML/CFT workflows, Privacy Act compliance, and potentially RBNZ reporting. Not every solution handles these well, and vendors based offshore often don't understand NZ-specific requirements at all. We've seen firms invest six figures in platforms that couldn't handle basic NZ compliance workflows.
Our Advisory service gives you independent, NZ-specific guidance. We assess your business needs, evaluate the options honestly, and give you a clear recommendation — whether that's a product you can buy, something we'd build, or a simpler fix to what you already have. The advice is paid for upfront, so there's no hidden agenda.
What Advisory includes
Technology & systems assessment
A thorough review of your current tools — CRM, planning software, client communications, compliance systems. We identify gaps, redundancies, and integration failures.
Vendor evaluation
Independent assessment of relevant platforms and tools for your specific needs. We evaluate against NZ regulatory requirements, not just feature lists. No vendor relationships, no kickbacks.
Digital & compliance roadmap
A prioritised 12-18 month plan that addresses both growth and compliance objectives. What to invest in first, what can wait, and realistic cost and timeline estimates.
Data & security review
Assessment of how client data flows through your systems, where the risks are, and what needs to change to meet evolving privacy and security expectations.
Fintech landscape briefing
An overview of the NZ fintech ecosystem relevant to your business — emerging tools, API-first platforms, and opportunities to improve your client experience using modern technology.
Ongoing advisory sessions
Monthly sessions to support your team through implementation decisions. Available as you evaluate vendors, manage projects, or navigate regulatory changes.
How Advisory works
Initial consultation
A 90-minute session where we understand your firm — size, services, client base, technology pain points, compliance challenges, and growth objectives. No preparation needed from your side.
Research & analysis
We audit your current systems, interview key team members (advisers, compliance, operations), and research the best options for your specific regulatory and business requirements.
Recommendations report
A clear, written report with prioritised recommendations, vendor comparisons where relevant, budget estimates, and a phased implementation timeline. Presented in person with time for robust discussion.
Implementation support
Monthly advisory sessions to keep your digital strategy on track as you implement — whether you work with us, another provider, or handle it internally.
What you walk away with
Clarity on technology direction
A clear understanding of what your firm needs, what it doesn't, and the order in which to invest. No more decision paralysis or vendor-driven urgency.
Confident vendor decisions
Evaluate platforms and providers based on independent analysis — not sales demos. Know the right questions to ask and the red flags to watch for.
Compliance-aware planning
A digital roadmap that accounts for FMA, AML/CFT, Privacy Act, and potential RBNZ requirements. Technology decisions that make compliance easier, not harder.
Avoided costly mistakes
Financial services firms regularly waste significant budgets on wrong-fit technology. Independent advisory pays for itself by preventing one bad vendor decision.
Frequently asked questions
No. Advisory is independent by design. We frequently recommend off-the-shelf platforms, specialist providers, or internal hires when that's the right answer. We've recommended Xplan, Salesforce Financial Services Cloud, and custom solutions depending on the client. The value is objectivity.
We understand the digital and technology implications of FMA oversight, AML/CFT requirements, the Privacy Act 2020, and RBNZ reporting. We're not compliance consultants — but we ensure technology recommendations align with regulatory obligations rather than creating new compliance risks.
Advisory starts with a fixed-fee assessment phase. Ongoing monthly advisory is available through our Advisory plan. The investment typically pays for itself by avoiding one wrong technology decision — which in financial services can easily cost six figures.
Yes. For fintech startups and scale-ups, we advise on product-market fit validation, technology architecture decisions, regulatory considerations for digital financial products, and go-to-market strategy in the NZ market.
Many clients do, but there's no obligation. If you move into a Launch, Grow, or Scale engagement, the advisory work directly informs the project — nothing is repeated, and you start ahead.
Ready to talk about financial services & fintech?
Book a free discovery call. No sales pitch — just an honest conversation about what your business needs.