Licensing made straightforward

Compliance Refinery specialises in guiding financial services businesses through the licensing process — from initial application to ongoing governance — so you can focus on what you do best. We focus on working with overseas providers entering the NZ market to ensure a smooth transition in NZ.

OUR EXPERTISE

Whether you are applying for a Financial Advice Provider (FAP) licence, establishing a Discretionary Investment Management Service (DIMS), or registering a Managed Investment Scheme (MIS), Compliance Refinery provides end-to-end support — from FSPR registration through to a fully
operational compliance programme.

FAP Licensing

Full application preparation, policy drafting, FSPR registration, and licence management — tailored to your business model.

DIMS Licensing

Structured support for discretionary investment managers navigating FMA requirements and ongoing obligations.

MIS Registration

Expert guidance through the managed investment scheme registration process and compliance framework build-out.

Licensing

How we work — our FAP licensing process

Step 1 — Initial workshop

We begin by understanding your business — your structure, client base, advice model, and any
cross border considerations. For businesses with Australian operations, we assess whether a
separate NZ FAP policy suite is appropriate or whether existing Australian policies can be adapted to meet NZ requirements.

Step 2 — Policy review and preparation

We assess your current policies and draft or revise all documentation required to meet FMA
regulatory standards, including:

Complete preparation and submission of the FAP licence application
Drafting and/or revision of all required policies and procedures
FSPR registration guidance, completed properly from the outset

Step 3 — Licence application and management

We manage the end-to-end application process — walking you through FSPR registration,
submitting the licence application, and actively managing the process through to approval.

Step 4 — Assist in Organising the FAP for Operating in a Licensed Environment

We help structure and organise your Financial Advice Provider (FAP) business so it can operate effectively within a licensed environment. This includes establishing appropriate governance, compliance processes, documentation, and operational frameworks to support ongoing regulatory obligations and business growth.

Step 5 — Compliance Assurance Programme

Once licensed, we build a comprehensive Compliance Assurance Programme that provides strong ongoing governance of your FAP licence — giving you the oversight, monitoring, and reporting infrastructure to stay compliant with confidence.

Step 6 — FSPR Review and set up

We review your Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR) requirements and assist with the registration and setup process. This ensures your business is correctly established and meets the necessary regulatory requirements before progressing through the licensing journey.

Ready to start your licensing journey?