Finance advisers get together

Insurance company AXA has partnered with four other financial advisory firms to launch a financial advice "one stop shop" service.

"Recent changes in the New Zealand market and a challenging economic environment have seen an increase in the importance of customers seeking expert reassurance on financial matters," said Jeff Franks, general manager of AdviceFirst.

AdviceFirst brings together financial advice, life and property insurance packages and investment programmes under the single umbrella.

Along with AXA, the group comprises Financial Solutions in Auckland, McKibbins Group in Hamilton, and Cameron Chote and Charter Financial Planning in Wellington.

The joint venture claims to currently have more than 9,000 customers who are assisted by 33 advisers.