Career connect’s 2026 intake will welcome 30 participants, reinforcing Fidelity Life’s long‑term commitment to growing adviser capability and supporting new talent, helping to ensure New Zealanders have access to trusted financial advice now and into the future.
Since launching in 2023, Career connect has supported more than 100 participants nationwide and produced almost 70 graduates. Graduates have progressed into advice roles and further development, including three who have entered Professional pathways within Fidelity Life’s broader Adviser edge programme.
A key part of this success is the Career connect employer registry, which supports graduates to move from qualification into advice roles. More than 40 advice businesses across New Zealand are already part of the registry, ready to mentor, employ and invest in the next generation of advisers.
Building on this momentum, 2026 represents a significant milestone for the programme, with the number of scholarships increasing from eight in 2025 to 13 in 2026. Interest in scholarships remained high, with 81% of applicants expressing interest in financial support. Encouragingly, 56% of applicants were female, with 17 ethnicities represented, signalling continued progress toward greater diversity across the industry.
Michelle Doyle, Head of Solutions at Fidelity Life, said the calibre and volume of applications reflected growing confidence in the programme and the profession.
“Career connect continues to attract people who are motivated, thoughtful and committed to building purposeful careers in financial advice. Seeing almost 60 applications and such strong interest in scholarships shows that people recognise the value of structured support, learning and connection as they enter the industry.”
Bronwyn Kirwan, Chief Commercial Officer at Fidelity Life, said the expanded scholarship offering reflected both Fidelity Life’s commitment to the future of advice and the growing support of partners across the industry.
“Our industry plays a critical role in protecting the financial wellbeing of New Zealanders. Through Career connect, we’re investing in people with the potential to become trusted advisers and future leaders. It’s been incredibly encouraging to see more partners come on board to support these emerging professionals, demonstrating a shared commitment to strengthening diversity, capability and long‑term sustainability across the profession.”
Career connect 2026 Scholarship recipients
Fidelity Life is proud to announce the 13 Career connect scholarship recipients for 2026, selected from a highly competitive pool:
“Together, we’re investing in people, strengthening our profession and helping shape a confident, capable future for the financial services industry in New Zealand,” says Bronwyn.
The first online class for the 2026 Career connect cohort kicks off this week, bringing together 30 future advisers from across the country committed to shaping the next generation of quality financial advice in New Zealand.
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