Our fees & commissions
You should always understand how your adviser is paid, what costs may apply, and why we recommend the solutions we do before you decide to proceed.
See how it works
Your first meeting is on us
We offer a complimentary initial consultation so we can get to know you, understand your goals, and determine whether we are the right fit for your needs. It is an opportunity to discuss your situation, explore potential options, and explain how we can help.
Most of our clients never receive an invoice from us. In many cases, we are paid by the providers of the products and services we recommend.
Where fees apply, we'll explain them upfront and agree them with you before any work begins. Any fees, commissions, or costs will be clear before recommendations are implemented.
Advice comes first
Before recommending any lender, insurer, KiwiSaver provider, investment provider, or financial solution, we take the time to understand your personal circumstances, goals, priorities, and long-term objectives.
We don't work with every provider in the market. Instead, we work with a carefully selected panel of trusted providers that we believe can deliver strong outcomes for our clients. Our role is to assess the available options and recommend the solution we believe is most suitable for your unique situation.
Because every client is different, the right solution for one person, family, business, or organisation may not be the right solution for another.
Suitability over sales
We'll always explain why a particular provider, product, or strategy is being recommended, along with any fees or commissions that may apply, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Our advisers are required to prioritise your interests and provide advice that is appropriate for your circumstances, objectives, and needs.
How fees & commissions work
Whatever the arrangement, we will explain it before you proceed.
In most cases, lenders pay us a commission when a mortgage is settled. This commission is paid by the lender and does not usually increase the cost of your home loan. Velocity Financial receives standard commission arrangements similar to those available to other advisers in the market.
Some non-bank lenders may include adviser or brokerage costs within their lending fees. If this applies, we will explain this to you before proceeding.
When we help arrange personal insurance, workplace health insurance, or employee benefits programmes, we are generally paid a commission by the product provider. This may include an upfront commission when cover is established, as well as an ongoing commission while the policy or scheme remains in place.
This commission is paid by the provider and will be disclosed to you before any recommendation is implemented.
For KiwiSaver advice, we may receive a commission from the provider if you choose a KiwiSaver scheme that we recommend.
Any commission arrangements will be disclosed before implementation.
Some investment providers pay adviser commissions, while others charge adviser fees based on the value of funds under management. These fees are typically deducted directly by the provider from your investment account.
Specific costs and remuneration arrangements will always be explained and agreed with you before any investment is established.
For financial planning, retirement planning, cashflow modelling, business advisory, and other specialist consulting services, we may charge an agreed fee for our work. Our standard hourly rate is $300 plus GST per hour.
Financial plans vary in scope and complexity. As a guide, comprehensive financial plans typically start from $3,000 plus GST, with the final cost agreed upfront once we understand your needs and the work involved.
If you change your mind
Many lenders, insurers, and employee benefits providers require advisers to repay some or all of the commission they received if a mortgage, insurance policy, or workplace health insurance scheme is cancelled shortly after it is put in place. This is known as a clawback.
If an arrangement is discontinued within 27 months, the product provider may require us to repay part or all of the commission we originally received. In these situations, we reserve the right to recover some of the costs associated with the advice, implementation, and ongoing support provided.
Our commitment to transparency
Frequently asked questions
Providers such as banks, insurers, KiwiSaver providers, and investment providers can generally only offer their own products and services. A financial adviser starts somewhere different. We start with you.
Many clients come to us looking for help with one thing, such as a mortgage, only to discover opportunities to improve other areas of their financial life as well. That might include KiwiSaver, insurance, cashflow, debt structure, retirement planning, employee benefits, or investments.
By looking at the bigger picture, we can help ensure all parts of your financial life are working together towards your goals.
No.
As licensed financial advisers, we are required to act in our clients' best interests and provide advice that is appropriate for their circumstances, goals, and needs. Our recommendations must be supported by evidence, documented, and able to withstand regulatory scrutiny.
We'll always explain why we're recommending a particular solution and disclose any fees or commissions before you decide whether to proceed.
In many cases, no.
For mortgages, personal insurance, workplace health insurance, KiwiSaver, and many investment services, our remuneration is often paid by the product provider. Where fees apply, we'll discuss and agree them with you upfront before any work begins.
Advice for the long term
Life changes. Careers evolve. Families grow. Businesses expand. People buy homes, start investing, build wealth, and prepare for retirement. Life isn't set-and-forget, and neither should be your financial advice.
A mortgage today may lead to conversations about KiwiSaver tomorrow. An insurance review could uncover opportunities to improve your retirement strategy. A new business venture may raise questions about lending, protection, employee benefits, or succession planning.
That's why we take a holistic view. Rather than focusing on a single transaction, we aim to build long-term relationships and help clients make confident financial decisions through every stage of life.
While providers typically focus on a specific product or service, our role is to help you see the bigger picture and ensure your financial decisions continue to support your goals as your circumstances evolve.
Want more detail?
Learn more about our duties, professional obligations, fees, commissions, conflicts of interest, and how we provide financial advice.
