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Craigs vs Forsyth Barr vs JBWere - The Definitive Review of New Zealand's Largest Investment Advisers

Compare Craigs, Forsyth Barr, and JBWere, New Zealand's most popular investment advisers. Our guide examines the fees, services and must-know facts to help anyone considering adviser services while looking at alternatives.
Updated 19 November 2025

Summary​
  • Many New Zealanders decide to work with financial advisers to manage everything from investments and retirement spending to tax planning and inheritances.
  • While investment advisers can make sense in many cases, selecting the right one is easier said than done - especially with all the heavy advertisements each investment adviser firm runs in the newspaper, on social media, the radio, or to keep them in your mind when it comes to making a decision about making sure your wealth is managed effectively.
  • We have kept the summary of each of the investment advisers listed to a high level and have gone deep and focused on the most important factor in our view - fees.
  • Generally, we believe each investment adviser will provide a high-quality (and modestly differentiated) approach to managing investments, but what you pay for these services is very important. 
  • When it comes to Craigs, Forsyth Barr and JBWere​, we don't make any comments about who is 'best'. Instead, a popular approach is to talk to all three and see which one meets your needs. 

​Our guide covers:

Know This First - Explaining the Difference Between Financial Advisers and Investment Advisers

​In New Zealand, “financial adviser” and “investment adviser” are terms often used interchangeably, but they’re distinct. Here’s what you need to know to pick the right one for your needs.

1) Scope of Work, Regulation and Licensing
  • Financial Advisers: They cover the full picture - retirement, investments, and, in many cases, mortgages and insurance. Anyone using the “financial adviser” title must be on the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR) and linked to a licensed Financial Advice Provider (FAP) under the Financial Markets Conduct Act. They’re legally bound to put your interests first. 
  • Investment Advisers: They focus on investments - shares and managed funds - to grow your wealth and manage risk. Registered with the FMA, their focus is your portfolio, not your broader financial life. They’re FMA-registered, but “investment adviser” isn’t as tightly defined. 

2) How They’re Paid
  • Financial Advisers: Options vary with hourly ($150–$300), flat fees ($1,000 to $5,000 for an investment plan), and/or asset-based (0.25% to 1%+). Independents often stick to fee-only; bigger firms might add commissions - you'll need to read the disclosure statement of any adviser you plan to work with.
  • Investment Advisers: Mostly assets under management (AUM) fees - this can be around 0.50% to 2% depending on the investment adviser. 

​Our View: Most New Zealanders won’t need an investment adviser, low-cost platforms like InvestNow, Kernel, Sharesies and Simplicity often meet the needs of the mass market. However, if you’ve got complex needs or a large portfolio and want to know more about investment advisers, this guide breaks down what to weigh up and the main players to consider. Fees are critically important - always dig into the fees and confirm what you'll pay before agreeing to be a client.

Craigs Investment Partners - MoneyHub's Top Pick for Comprehensive Wealth Management

While we present all three major investment advisers objectively in this guide, we want to be transparent about our own experience. MoneyHub founder Christopher Walsh personally uses Jules Riley at Craigs Investment Partners for wealth management, choosing them after extensive research into New Zealand's advisory landscape.
​
Craigs Investment Partners​
  • One of New Zealand's largest investment advisory firms, with over 20 locations nationwide and over $30 billion under management.
  • Their private wealth research team is one of the largest in New Zealand and Craigs combines institutional research capabilities with personal adviser relationships.
  • Particularly strong for clients who want direct share portfolios alongside managed funds, and who value a recognised brand with deep local market knowledge.
  • Minimum typically $250,000; private wealth services kick in properly above $1m.
  • Their wealth advisers can access Craigs' equity research team, giving clients insights typically reserved for institutional investors.

More details:
Our View: Jules Riley exemplifies what makes Craigs effective - combining their $30 billion institutional scale with genuinely personalised advice. The relationship works entirely through digital channels, proving that quality investment advice doesn't require face-to-face meetings.

Full Transparency: Our enthusiasm for Craigs comes from actual client experience, not commercial arrangements. Christopher Walsh and MoneyHub do not receive referral fees, commissions, or any form of payment from Craigs Investment Partners or Jules Riley. Our editorial independence means we can share authentic insights about adviser selection based on real portfolio management experience.
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder (and Craigs Client)

What Is a Financial Adviser and What Do They Offer?

A financial adviser is a professional who advises and guides investment decisions and manages clients' investment portfolios. They're trained and licensed to recommend securities, such as shares, managed funds, index funds exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and other financial instruments based on a client's financial objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

Unlike sharebrokers who buy and sell shares on behalf of clients at the request, financial advisers focus on building strategies that align with long-term financial goals, although many financial advisery firms will have in-house brokers that can execute trades for you, usually through another section of their firm.

Financial advisers typically work for financial firms (like Craigs, Forsyth Barr, JBWere etc) or run their own practices. They must be registered with the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and are required to act in the best interests of their clients, as outlined in the FMA's dedicated guide.

Services Offered by Financial Advisers:
  • Portfolio Management: Advisers curate and actively manage investment portfolios tailored to clients' goals. They allocate assets across various financial products based on risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and future financial objectives. For example, they may invest some of your money into growth funds, while leaving some in conservative or cash funds (for short-term needs).
  • Financial Planning: Many advisers also offer broader financial planning, ensuring that your investments align with long-term goals such as retirement, education, home ownership or inheritance and trust implementation.
  • Retirement Planning: Advisers help clients plan for retirement by setting up appropriate investment accounts and recommending savings strategies.
  • Tax Efficiency: Advisers often guide clients in structuring their portfolios to minimise tax liabilities through tax-efficient investments and strategies, such as investing via trusts, as a portfolio investment entity (PIE), or as individuals (paying individual tax rates).
  • Risk Management: Advisers mitigate risks by diversifying portfolios and adjusting asset allocations according to clients' risk tolerances.
  • Ongoing Monitoring: Advisers continuously monitor market conditions and adjust portfolios accordingly to optimise performance and reduce risk.

Why Would I Want to Hire an Adviser? When Does It Make Sense to Hire One, and What are the Drawbacks?

Hiring an investment adviser makes sense under several circumstances, particularly when you face complex financial decisions or lack the time and expertise to manage your investments. Typical reasons include:​
​
1. When You Have a Significant Amount of Investable Assets
  • Generally, New Zealanders with only a few thousand dollars in their bank accounts or in term deposits are unlikely to maximise the benefits of a financial adviser (especially if they don't need all the extra services).
  • However, if you've accumulated a substantial sum of money, whether through inheritance, continuous investment over time, savings, or the sale of an asset such as a house or a business, you may want assistance.
  • An investment adviser can help you make informed decisions about investing wisely. Large amounts of money usually requires more intricate strategies for diversification, tax planning, and risk management.

2. When You Lack Time to Manage Your Investments
  • Managing an investment portfolio can be time-consuming. Regular monitoring and research are necessary to ensure your investments align with your goals.
  • If you're busy with other responsibilities, such as focusing on your career, raising a family and/or running a business, it can make sense to delegate this task to an investment adviser who can ensure your portfolio continues working hard while you focus on your "main thing".

3. When You Have Complex Financial Needs
  • Anyone with simple needs (e.g. you're young and just want a high-growth fund to grow your wealth over the decades to come) are unlikely to need investment advisers in the early years.
  • However, those with more complicated financial situations, such as business owners, people nearing retirement, or those with multiple income streams, can benefit from the expertise of an investment adviser. Advisers can provide tailored strategies that address specific goals, such as wealth preservation, retirement income, or estate planning.

4. When You Need Professional Expertise
  • The financial markets are vast and complex. If you're unsure about which investments to choose, how to evaluate risk, or how to optimise your portfolio for growth, an investment adviser can offer invaluable insight. They have access to research, tools, and industry expertise beyond the average investor's reach.

5. During Major Life Changes
  • Life events such as marriage, having children, or entering retirement can drastically alter your financial needs. An investment adviser can help you adjust your portfolio to match these changing circumstances and ensure you stay on track to meet your long-term objectives.

Understanding the Drawbacks of Using Investment Advisers

1. Fees
  • One of the primary drawbacks of using an investment adviser is the cost. Advisers typically charge fees based on the percentage of assets under management (AUM), ranging from 0.5% to 2% annually. For larger portfolios, this can amount to substantial fees over time. For example, 1% of $1,000,000 is $10,000 per year, and this is paid on top of the management fees charged by the fund(s) you're invested in.

2. Potential Conflicts of Interest
  • Some investment advisers may receive commissions for selling certain financial products, which could lead to conflicts of interest. Verifying that your adviser is acting in your best interest is important - ask for their disclosure statement.

3. Loss of Control
  • Hiring an investment adviser means relinquishing some control over your investments. While you can set goals and preferences, you ultimately trust the adviser to make the day-to-day decisions regarding your portfolio. You can always take control of your portfolio, but it likely means you're paying a premium on fees and not utilising the benefits (by nature of your DIY investing). 

4. Underperformance Risk
  • Just because you hire a financial adviser does NOT guarantee you will outperform an index fund. Not all investment advisers outperform the market. Some may underperform compared to low-cost index funds or other investment options. High fees combined with underperformance can be a major disadvantage.

5. Limited Engagement
  • Some advisers may not offer comprehensive financial planning services, focusing solely on investments. If you need holistic advice on taxes, retirement, or estate planning, you may need to pay more to access a different service offering (known as cross-selling, a way to extract more fees or value out of customers).

Craigs Investment Partners vs Forsyth Barr vs JBWere

Before we look at each firm, our table gives an overview of what Craigs, Forsyth Barr and JBWere generally offer.

Disclaimers: 
  • The table below gives a general idea of how the firms compare, and fees may vary by client (e.g., significantly higher or lower depending on what the adviser offers).
    The information in the table is subject to change - please refer to the company's website for the latest details. 
    Investment advisers may require a minimum assets under management (AUM) amount before they take you on as a client.
Feature
Craigs
Forsyth Barr
​JBWere
​Core Service Offering
​Wealth management, investment advice, KiwiSaver, investment banking and institutional equities
​Investment management, DIMS, Wealth advice
Institutional brokerage, Wealth Management
​Target Clientele
High-net-worth individuals, retail investors, corporate clients​
​High-net-worth individuals, retail investors
High-net-worth clients
Fees
Estimated at 1.00% - 1.20% per annum for their MPS and DIMS​
Estimated at 0.75% to 2%+ per annum, and brokerage of 1.50% + 0.20% international, but this will vary
Fees range, can be high on some transactional (buy/sell) services
Investment Products
Shares, bonds, DIMS, KiwiSaver, managed funds, alternative assets​
Shares, bonds, DIMS, managed funds
Shares, bonds, advisery, DIMS, IPOs
Research and Tools
Extensive in-house institutional and private wealth research backed by global partnerships​
Comprehensive in-house and third-party research
Comprehensive institutional and third-party research
Accessibility
Over 20 ​locations across New Zealand
Offices in major New Zealand cities and towns
12 offices across New Zealand
​Personalised Service
Tailored investment solutions
Customised portfolios
Tailored to suit individual circumstances​
Minimum Investment
Lower minimums on myStart ($​1,000 minimum)
​Flexible, but often high minimums
Very high minimum investments

Craigs Investment Partners Overview

Craigs primarily offers the following services:

1. Discretionary Investment Management Service (DIMS)
  • The Craigs DIMS is designed for clients who prefer a hands-off approach to managing their investments. Craigs’ advisers make investment decisions on behalf of clients within pre-agreed parameters, actively monitoring and rebalancing portfolios to ensure alignment with clients’ financial goals.
  • Clients benefit from professional management without needing to be involved in day-to-day decisions, providing peace of mind and saving time.

2. Managed Portfolio Service (MPS)
  • The Craigs MPS allows clients to retain control over their investment decisions (a hands-on approach) while receiving tailored recommendations and support from Craigs' advisers. Clients choose their portfolio's securities and asset classes, with advisers providing guidance based on extensive market research and analysis.
  • This service is usually suitable for clients who want to be actively involved in their investment strategy and benefit from professional advice.
​
3. Investment Administration Service (IAS)
  • The Craigs IAS is tailored for clients who prefer to make their own investment decisions but want the convenience of professional execution and administration. Craigs handles the buying and selling of securities, provides detailed reporting, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Clients gain access to Craigs’ award-winning research and insights, enhancing their investment decisions.​

What Makes Craigs Unique (Compared to JBWere, Forsyth Barr and Others)?

Craigs offers the following:​
  1. Craigs Women’s Wealth: Designed to empower women to take control of their financial futures through education and tailored investment strategies.
  2. Craigs KiwiSaver Fund: Personalised management of KiwiSaver accounts to help clients achieve retirement goals.
  3. Craigs Superannuation Transfers: Assistance with transferring superannuation funds from the UK and Australia to New Zealand, ensuring a smooth and tax-efficient process.
  4. mySTART® Program: Craigs offers a flexible investment plan that allows clients to start investing with as little as $100 per month. This program is ideal for those new to investing or looking to gradually build their investment portfolio. Clients can choose from over 240 investment options and receive guidance from Craigs' advisers, making it accessible and tailored to individual needs.​

Understanding Craigs' Fees

Craigs Investment Partners’ fees vary depending on the service selected:
​We asked Craigs about their fees. Their response was:
"Your premium services fee covers the day-to-day management of your investments, along with comprehensive administration, safe custody and reporting. We’ll discuss and agree on the fee with you upfront before you commit to any investment. In many cases, it may be tax deductible (please consult your tax adviser for more details).

Key features of our service include:
  • No establishment (account opening) fee
  • We do not charge fees for transferring investments into your portfolio
  • A portfolio fee, paid quarterly, which may be tax-deductible
  • We will also negotiate fee rebates with fund managers where possible for the benefit of our clients"

Craigs Investment Partners - MoneyHub's Top Pick for Comprehensive Wealth Management

While we present all three major investment advisers objectively in this guide, we want to be transparent about our own experience. MoneyHub founder Christopher Walsh personally uses Jules Riley at Craigs Investment Partners for wealth management, choosing them after extensive research into New Zealand's advisory landscape.
​
Craigs Investment Partners​
  • One of New Zealand's largest investment advisory firms, with over 20 locations nationwide and over $30 billion under management.
  • Their private wealth research team is one of the largest in New Zealand and Craigs combines institutional research capabilities with personal adviser relationships.
  • Particularly strong for clients who want direct share portfolios alongside managed funds, and who value a recognised brand with deep local market knowledge.
  • Minimum typically $250,000; private wealth services kick in properly above $1m.
  • Their wealth advisers can access Craigs' equity research team, giving clients insights typically reserved for institutional investors.

More details:
Our View: Jules Riley exemplifies what makes Craigs effective - combining their $30 billion institutional scale with genuinely personalised advice. The relationship works entirely through digital channels, proving that quality investment advice doesn't require face-to-face meetings.

Full Transparency: Our enthusiasm for Craigs comes from actual client experience, not commercial arrangements. Christopher Walsh and MoneyHub do not receive referral fees, commissions, or any form of payment from Craigs Investment Partners or Jules Riley. Our editorial independence means we can share authentic insights about adviser selection based on real portfolio management experience.
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder (and Craigs Client)

Forsyth Barr Overview

Forsyth Barr primarily offers the following services:

​1. Investment Advisery Service
Forsyth Barr provides personalised investment advice and strategy development based on the client's chosen investment risk profiles. Advisers work closely with clients to understand their financial goals and provide tailored recommendations. This service includes access to Forsyth Barr's award-winning research and comprehensive transaction handling. Clients receive professional advice tailored to their financial goals and risk tolerance, supported by high-quality research.

2. Private Portfolio Management (Fully Managed Portfolio)
A fully managed portfolio service where a dedicated team of advisers handles all investment decisions, transactions, and administration on behalf of the client. This service is ideal for clients who prefer a hands-off approach and want to ensure professionals actively manage their portfolios. Having someone else manage your portfolio provides peace of mind and saves time for clients, ensuring experts manage their investments.

3. Premium Advisery Service
​The premium advisery service is designed for clients who wish to build their own portfolios with adviser guidance. Forsyth Barr handles the transactions, monitoring, and reporting, allowing clients to focus on their investment strategy. This service includes regular portfolio reviews and access to high-quality research. Clients retain control over their investments while benefiting from professional advice and support.
​
4. Navigator Service (Tailored Fund Portfolio)
The navigator service provides clients a tailored fund portfolio managed by Forsyth Barr's investment experts. Advisers develop an investment strategy based on the client's goals and risk tolerance and then manage the diversified portfolio of managed funds. This service includes annual reviews and ongoing advice and ensures a well-diversified portfolio managed by professionals, tailored to the client's financial goals.​

What Makes Forsyth Barr Unique (Compared to Craigs, JBWere and Others)?

Forsyth Barr offers the following:​
1. Award-Winning Research (particularly their Australia & New Zealand Equity Research Divisions): Forsyth Barr's research team provides clients with insights into key market events and trends, supported by local and global research. This includes daily and weekly market summaries, economic updates, and detailed reports on equity, fixed interest, and investment strategy. With better research notes, Forsyth Barr clients are well-informed and can make better investment decisions based on comprehensive research.

2. ​Summer KiwiSaver Scheme: In contrast to JBWere, Forsyth Barr manages the Summer KiwiSaver Scheme, offering personalised advice and a range of investment options to help clients achieve their retirement goals. This service includes access to Forsyth Barr’s research and support from experienced advisers. Having a KiwiSaver scheme run by the adviser you're working with can be helpful for planning and optimising their overall Kiwi investments to meet their retirement objectives.

3. Tempo Brokerage Platform (Retail Investing).
Launched in 2023, Tempo is Forsyth Barr's innovative brokerage platform designed to empower retail investors with the tools, insights, and access they need to make informed decisions in today's dynamic markets. Tempo was created to provide a much more user-friendly interface for retail investors to track real-time market data and access expert research (supported by Forsyth Barr).

Tempo competes with other low-cost brokerages like Sharesies, Stake, and Hatch and is much more "hands-off " than traditional Forsyth Barr services.

Understanding Forsyth Barr's Fees

We suggest reading Forsyth Barr's Comparison of Investment Services - you can also see how funds may pay them up to 2% of the amount invested and a trail commission of up to 0.75% per year in the table below:

JBWere Overview

For typical New Zealand (retail) investors, JBWere's wealth management services are the most relevant.

JBWere's wealth management service is aimed at high-net-worth individuals seeking professional advice on growing and preserving their wealth.

Key aspects of JBWere’s wealth management services include:
  1. DIMS (Discretionary Investment Management Services): These help clients achieve financial goals by managing the portfolio on behalf, including all administration, including the provision of annual tax reports and report on performance.
  2. PAS (Portfolio Advice Services): These provide clients with research-based investment advice, suitable for clients who wish to make investment decisions assisted by an adviser and market-leading research.
  3. Retirement Planning: For investors looking ahead to retirement, JBWere offers specialised services to help plan for a financially secure future. Their advisers analyse income needs, lifestyle choices, and long-term goals to develop strategies that ensure a comfortable retirement.
  4. Financial Planning: Beyond investments, JBWere offers holistic financial planning services, including estate planning, tax strategies, and insurance advice. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of a client's financial life are optimised for long-term success.

Understanding JBWere's Fees

The JBWere Provider Disclosure Statement outlines the range of fees and financial arrangements JBWere has.

What Makes JBWere Unique (Compared to Craigs, Forsyth Barr and Others)?

JBWere is a wholly owned subsidiary of FirstCape Group Limited (FirstCape) whose indirect shareholders are the National Australia Bank (NAB, owner of the BNZ), Pacific Equity Partners (PEP) and Jarden Group Limited.

FirstCape Group comprises of JBWere, Harbour Asset Management and BNZ Investment Services. Their scale in New Zealand allows for enhanced offerings, including research.

Financial Advisers - Must-Know Facts

We outline what you need to know before making any decision.

High fees are arguably unavoidable when working with financial advisers

​If you're looking for bespoke, high-end service and low fees, it's unlikely you'll get it. Financial advisers are not free. Those who charge high fees can significantly impact overall returns, especially when the performance is poor.

Fees include portfolio management, custodial, and fund management charges, often exceeding 2% on balances when everything is added together. This high fee structure can be a major downside for investors.

The wealthier you are, the more likely you might actually use financial adviser personalised services

​Most New Zealanders won't need the full service that financial adviser​s offer (but will be paying for some of these services through holding funds at these advisers). Having said that, the more complex your situation, the more valuable these financial advisers become. If you decide to work with a financial adviser​, be crystal clear about what you're trying to get out of them.

Simple, low-cost investment platforms are a popular alternative to financial advisers

​​Whether most New Zealanders would get value for money working with financial advisers is debatable. If you just want a place to invest your money alone, financial advisers probably aren't worth it.

Low-fee options, such as InvestNow, Kernel, or Simplicity, are popular alternatives to get the same exposure without all the extras you may not need. These platforms offer diversified funds with minimal fees, which many felt were better for beginners or investors comfortable managing their portfolios.

Historical outperformance won’t guarantee future outperformance

Financial advisers can sometimes lead to outperformance and better returns, but it's hard to fight the uphill battle of higher fees. In worst-case scenarios, New Zealanders pay their financial advisers 1 - 2% management fees yearly to underperform the benchmark index funds or ETFs.

With any of these financial advisers, it's hard to know whether their outperformance over the years (usually in their active funds) will continue into the future. Remember, past returns aren't a guarantee of future returns.

Be careful of conflicts of interest (and whether the financial adviser you’re talking to has a fiduciary duty to act in your best interests)

​Be sceptical and wary of unknown funds that sound overly complex or unusual - they may be put in front of you investments which pay upfront and trail commissions that come with high funds. Most won't behave like this, but it's essential to be aware of the risk.

Be careful when financial advisers add fees on standard ETFs or funds

​Some financial advisers add additional fees on funds that you could get for far cheaper (and you effectively get the same product). For example, Craigs Investment Partners may charge significantly higher fees (1.50%+) on their ETF funds than other providers like InvestNow which charges between 0.30% – 0.70%.

Ultimately, you're investing in the same underlying assets, and there's no difference between investing in an ETF managed by InvestNow and one managed by Craigs other than that financial advisers like Craigs charge more to offer the exact same funds (or ones very similar) - it's important to be aware of how this costs you profits from your returns.

Know This: While having all your funds viewable in one place may be convenient, paying over double the management fees for this convenience will seriously harm your long-term wealth creation.  

If you're looking at investing in specific funds, buy directly rather than going through a financial adviser. The fewer "third parties" between your money and the underlying fund, the lower the fees will likely be. Almost every party that takes "custody" of the assets will charge a fee (which will result in lower returns for you).

Some of these investment advisors offer extremely valuable personalised advice — but try to avoid the annual management fees

​The more hands-on, the better the service generally is, and the higher the fees you'll pay. The biggest drawcard that financial advisers have is the in-person connection and ability to break down and deep dive into your unique situation and financial future - something that low-cost simple brokerage platforms like InvestNow, Kernel or Sharesies won't or don't do.

​If you want the face-to-face experience, a financial adviser is a popular option specifically for this reason.

Try to look through the marketing - fees speak louder than indulgent advertising

Some financial adviser are notorious for giving a misleading impression of being low-cost by downplaying certain fees or glossing over these aspects in their advertising. Each financial adviser​ still charges fees through mechanisms like buy/sell spreads, and investors should be cautious about the true cost of using their services, even if it looks like their customers are happy.

What you can invest in matters more than where you invest

​The specific assets or funds invested are far more important than the platform. For instance, if one portfolio holds bonds and the other holds equities, the latter will naturally see higher returns, especially in short bursts. The differences in returns may be driven by the investment choices rather than any intrinsic advantage of a financial adviser.

Beware of financial advisers that charge for moving money in and out (Custodian Transfer Fees) and transaction costs with high minimum amounts (e.g., $150 minimum to buy/sell)

In contrast to many low-cost brokerage platforms that either transfer stock from one brokerage for free or charge near zero for each buy/sell order, many advisers make a high-profit margin off "moving assets" in and out of certain funds, "clipping the ticket" each time. Ask for these fees upfront because they can become significant if you go "all in" with one adviser.

Craigs Investment Partners - MoneyHub's Top Pick for Comprehensive Wealth Management

While we present all three major investment advisers objectively in this guide, we want to be transparent about our own experience. MoneyHub founder Christopher Walsh personally uses Jules Riley at Craigs Investment Partners for wealth management, choosing them after extensive research into New Zealand's advisory landscape.
​
Craigs Investment Partners​
  • One of New Zealand's largest investment advisory firms, with over 20 locations nationwide and over $30 billion under management.
  • Their private wealth research team is one of the largest in New Zealand and Craigs combines institutional research capabilities with personal adviser relationships.
  • Particularly strong for clients who want direct share portfolios alongside managed funds, and who value a recognised brand with deep local market knowledge.
  • Minimum typically $250,000; private wealth services kick in properly above $1m.
  • Their wealth advisers can access Craigs' equity research team, giving clients insights typically reserved for institutional investors.

More details:
Our View: Jules Riley exemplifies what makes Craigs effective - combining their $30 billion institutional scale with genuinely personalised advice. The relationship works entirely through digital channels, proving that quality investment advice doesn't require face-to-face meetings.

Full Transparency: Our enthusiasm for Craigs comes from actual client experience, not commercial arrangements. Christopher Walsh and MoneyHub do not receive referral fees, commissions, or any form of payment from Craigs Investment Partners or Jules Riley. Our editorial independence means we can share authentic insights about adviser selection based on real portfolio management experience.
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder (and Craigs Client)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I spot any hidden fees with these financial advisers?

Look beyond AUM (0.5%–2%), check brokerage, custodial fees and "trail commissions" - ask for the latest disclosure statement; if you don't get answers you understand, keep asking or end things there.

Are KiwiSaver options better through these firms or direct?

Craigs and Forsyth Barr offer KiwiSaver (e.g., Craigs KiwiSaver, Summer Scheme), but fees are higher than index funds and many other actively managed KiwiSaver funds.

Can I negotiate fees with Craigs, Forsyth Barr, or JBWere?

Their AUM fees are set, but larger portfolios ($5m+) might be able to get a discount - you'll need to ask upfront. Generally, brokerage and custodial fees rarely move. 

Do financial advisers' research tools and insights justify the cost?

It's arguable that the edge rarely offsets the fees unless you're investing more than $1m. JBWere, Forsyth Barr and Craigs insights are well regarded, as are daily NZX updates and global trends insights, but you'll pay 1% to 2% of your investments for it (alongside the advice you receive). In contrast, Kernel's free data or Sharesies' basics are the core of what you probably need to know. To make the right decision, you must estimate/calculate what you'll pay and consider whether it's worth the cost.

What's the risk of investing all of my money with one advisor?

Craigs, Forsyth, or JBWere​ going bust is unlikely, but high fees (1%–2%) and potential underperformance lock you in. For this reason, you may want to diversify using platforms like InvestNow, Kernel and Simplicity, and other managed funds.

How often do financial advisers rebalance my portfolio?

Craigs’ DIMS, JBWere and Forsyth’s managed portfolios tweak quarterly or as markets shift - this service is included into the 1%–2% AUM fees.
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