Best Private Wealth Management Services in 2026

Written By Paul Souliac

If you're a high-net-worth individual in New Zealand looking to grow and protect your assets, finding the right private wealth management services can make all the difference. Discover the best private wealth management services in 2026, offering tailored strategies for New Zealanders aiming for financial security and growth.

These services provide custom advice on investments, tax strategies, and long-term planning to suit your unique needs. With options ranging from local firms to international players, the focus is on independence, personalised portfolios, and sustainable growth. For top-tier guidance, private wealth management at Compound Wealth stands out for its client-centred approach. 

Discover the Best Private Wealth Management Services in 2026 - Compound Wealth

What Is Private Wealth Management?

Private wealth management involves specialised financial services for affluent clients, handling everything from investment portfolios to estate planning. It goes beyond basic advice by creating bespoke strategies that match your lifestyle, risk level, and goals. In New Zealand, these services often include access to diverse assets like shares, bonds, and alternatives, all managed by qualified advisers. 

Many people turn to this when their finances grow complex, needing help to optimise returns and minimise risks. Firms emphasise long-term relationships, regular reviews, and transparency to build trust. If you're planning for retirement, retirement planning fits seamlessly into these strategies, ensuring your assets work harder over time.

Key Factors When Choosing a Service

  • Pick a provider with a strong track record in independence and custom solutions. Look for firms that offer unbiased advice, free from ties to specific products or banks. 

  • Consider their expertise in areas like tax efficiency and global markets, which can boost your portfolio's performance. 

  • Check how they handle ongoing support, such as quarterly reviews and digital tools for easy access. 

  • In New Zealand, regulatory compliance under the Financial Markets Authority ensures protection, so verify credentials. 

  • Also, think about services like UK pension transfer if you have overseas assets, as they can simplify consolidation. 

  • Prioritise those who focus on your goals first.

  • Private wealth management services like those from Compound Wealth deliver tailored plans that adapt to market changes.

Best Private Wealth Management Services in 2026

1. Compound Wealth - Best Private Wealth Management Services in 2026

Private wealth management from Compound Wealth delivers personalised financial advice and portfolio construction for clients with long-term goals who seek clarity and discipline in their investing. This service starts with a deep dive into your current position through a discovery quiz, then identifies your needs and crafts a tailored strategy. Implementation follows with ongoing management and regular reviews to keep everything on track. What sets it apart is the independent approach, not aligned with any bank or fund manager, allowing for truly unbiased recommendations. 

Advisers use modern platforms for clear reporting on performance and progress, helping you retire comfortably. Many clients appreciate the focus on building long-term relationships through different life stages and market cycles. Standout features include supported independent research, portfolio governance, and access to high-quality managers for diversified assets. This service advises clients across New Zealand, providing confidence via disciplined adjustments and custom experiences. The emphasis on risk tolerance and financial situation ensures portfolios stay aligned with your objectives, offering peace of mind.

About Compound Wealth

Compound Wealth is a leading financial advisory firm based in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. Founded in 2017 by Adam, we specialise in personalised KiwiSaver advice and investment planning for Kiwis nationwide. 

Our mission: Deliver clarity, confidence, and better outcomes through bespoke strategies tailored to your life. We advise on over $130 million in assets, trusted by over 2,500 clients across the country.

Our Services

Discover expert financial solutions tailored for New Zealanders seeking optimised KiwiSaver advice, retirement planning, and private wealth management. As leading KiwiSaver advisers in Mount Maunganui, we help you maximise savings, transfer pensions, and build secure futures with personalised investment strategies.

KiwiSaver 

Investments

Why Choose Us?

  • Personalised approach: No one-size-fits-all funds.

  • Advanced cash flow modelling for future insights.

  • Access to global diversification and specialist strategies.

  • Over 10 years of expertise in KiwiSaver and investments.

  • Direct support from knowledgeable advisers like Adam and Bruce.

  • No call centres – just committed, ongoing guidance.

We use international research and proven methods to grow and protect your wealth effectively.

Ready to Take Control of Your Finances?

Book a free consultation with our experienced KiwiSaver and wealth advisers today.

2. Craigs Investment Partners

Craigs Investment Partners, headquartered in Tauranga, New Zealand, offers comprehensive wealth management for high-net-worth individuals, focusing on personalised investment advice and portfolio oversight. Established in 1984, the firm has built a reputation for integrating sharebroking, research, and asset allocation into custom plans. Clients benefit from access to local and global markets, with strategies that balance growth and preservation. However, some users note that the broad service range can feel less specialised for ultra-complex estates compared to boutique options. The company combines global market perspectives with local understanding, backed by award-winning research specialists. It operates as a proudly Kiwi-grown entity, emphasising trust, integrity, and exemplary service in building enduring relationships with clients, including multiple generations of families. 

With more than 20 locations nationwide, Craigs serves over many clients and manages substantial client funds under management. Its approach includes tailored investment portfolios, active partnership with clients, and a suite of services designed to reflect individual priorities. Services encompass growing wealth through personalised portfolios, managing retirement to protect and achieve desired lifestyles, investing during wealth changes like selling businesses or farms, the Craigs Women’s Wealth programme since 2007 to empower women with financial confidence, managing KiwiSaver accounts for flexibility, sustainable investing aligned with personal values, community wealth management for for-purpose organisations, UK pension transfers, Australian superannuation transfers, and the Craigs Superannuation Scheme with customisable options. Community involvement, such as raising funds via 'golf for good' from grassroots to sponsoring the New Zealand Open, adds to its appeal. The firm prioritises cyber security awareness against scams impersonating its team.

  • Key features: Sharebroking integration, global market access, portfolio management with research-driven insights, tailored retirement and sustainable options.

  • Facts and information: Serves many clients nationwide, with a focus on long-term wealth building through diversified approaches and community support.

3. Milford Wealth Management

Milford Wealth Management, located in Auckland, New Zealand, provides tailored investment solutions for affluent clients, drawing on a large team with global experience. The service covers portfolio construction, active management, and access to a mix of assets including equities and fixed income. It's known for insightful decision-making and a client-first philosophy, but some find the firm-wide product focus can limit full independence in recommendations. Milford assists with securing wealth for lifetimes, saving for the future, building family legacies, or generating retirement income through guidance on goals, options exploration, long-term cash flow modelling, and support during wealth accumulation or decumulation phases. 

As an employee-owned business, the team invests alongside clients in Milford’s Funds, fostering shared commitment. Key services include the Advice and Management Service, where advisers manage Diversified Milford Wealth Management Portfolios with expert decisions, and the Self-Select Service, offering information and support for independent investing in Milford Funds. Both emphasise active management, monitoring market conditions, tactical adjustments, and regular adviser reviews to align portfolios with changing situations. Positive aspects include strong market analysis and sustainable options, though it may not appeal to those preferring smaller, more agile providers. The firm looks after thousands of clients and ensures transparency in investments. Independent recognition such as Consumer People’s Choice for the Milford KiwiSaver Plan and Canstar’s KiwiSaver Provider of the Year highlight its standing.

  • Key features: Active investment strategies, diverse asset classes, client-centric portfolio adjustments, app and online portal access.

  • Facts and information: Manages assets for many New Zealanders, emphasising global perspectives in local contexts with award-winning plans.

4. Forsyth Barr Investment Services

Forsyth Barr, based in Dunedin, New Zealand, delivers full-spectrum wealth management including sharebroking, research, and portfolio oversight for private clients. With a New Zealand-owned structure, it prioritises local insights while offering international exposure. The approach suits those wanting integrated services, but some clients report that the traditional model can lag in digital innovation compared to newer firms. Established over 85 years ago, it has built trust among New Zealanders through professional advice and services. The company is proudly New Zealand and staff-owned, operating with a network of 25 offices nationwide. 

Strengths encompass thorough research and stability, with weaknesses in flexibility for highly custom needs. Its operations are centralised around its extensive national footprint. The firm emphasises diversification, with services tailored for both experienced and new investors. A large team of experts offers personalised, confidential advice to achieve financial goals. Additional initiatives include Her Wealth, which provides tailored education, events, and connections to female advisers for women's financial thriving. Award-winning research on local and global markets is accessible, with reports on various companies. Recent partnerships and surveys show business optimism and strategic investments.

  • Key features: Research-backed advice, sharebroking, diversified portfolio options, alternative investments like property and term deposits.

  • Facts and information: Assists many individuals and families, focusing on balanced growth strategies with nationwide support.

5. NZ Funds

NZ Funds, headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, specialises in financial advice and portfolio solutions for wealth preservation and growth. It caters to private clients with custom plans that include alternative investments and risk management. The firm's expertise shines in long-term planning, yet some note that its product-oriented structure might influence advice neutrality. Positive elements include innovative asset mixes, while potential drawbacks involve less emphasis on ultra-personalised tweaks. Operating since 1988, it marks over 30 years of service. The investment approach emphasises diversified, multi-asset investing for long-term growth, balancing global opportunities with sophisticated risk management. 

It actively adapts to changing markets and incorporates responsible investing, considering societal and environmental impacts to enhance long-term client results. Key products include the NZ Funds KiwiSaver Scheme, allowing members to choose investment strategies aligned with their life and goals; the NZ Funds Wealth Builder, providing flexible long-term savings without lock-in; the NZ Funds Income Generator, focusing on premium New Zealand and Australian dividend-paying shares; the NZ Funds UK Pension Transfer; and the NZ Funds Active Series, working with financial advisers to create tailored investment portfolios.

  • Key features: Portfolio management, alternative asset inclusion, goal-aligned strategies, responsible investing focus.

  • Facts and information: Helps many Kiwis with wealth solutions, drawing on specialist knowledge and active market adaptations.

6. Private Wealth Advisers

Private Wealth Advisers, based in Auckland, New Zealand, focuses on boutique advisory for individuals, trusts, and charities, creating hand-tailored financial plans without off-the-shelf products. It emphasises flexibility and transparency through custodial partners. Clients value the absolute independence, but some find the smaller scale limits global reach. Strengths are in custom solutions and client priorities, with weaknesses in broader market access. As a privately owned boutique advisory firm, it provides specialist financial services to individuals, trustees, charities, iwi organisations, companies, and family offices, emphasising client-first relationships through customised advice. 

Its history is rooted in delivering tailored solutions. Total independence allows selection of the best investment solutions without product quotas or obligations. PWA maintains a transparent approach, with fully transparent fund management via market-leading custodial partners. As a fee-only firm, it discusses fair fees upfront, charging only for personalised recommendations based on an independently due-diligenced Approved Products List. The firm accommodates unique client requirements, prioritising flexibility and openness to new opportunities. The structured process includes identifying goals, analysing and evaluating, presenting plans, implementing strategies, reviewing progress, and establishing long-term relationships. Client testimonials highlight passion, integrity, regular communication, and thorough explanations.

  • Key features: Bespoke plans, transparent management, investment freedom, intergenerational focus.

  • Facts and information: Supports many clients with personalised approaches, ensuring confidentiality and long-standing relationships.

7. Consilium NZ

Consilium NZ, located in Christchurch, New Zealand, champions professional financial advice with a focus on wealth management for private clients. As a locally owned firm, it supports advisers in delivering quality outcomes. The service stands out for its advocacy in the industry, though some users mention it can feel more intermediary than direct management. Positive sides include strong governance, while limitations arise in direct asset handling. Dedicated to supporting financial advisers in delivering exceptional advice, it is trusted by over many adviser firms and advisers across New Zealand. 

The company manages substantial assets under advice for many clients, focusing on efficiencies and support to allow advisers more time with clients. Recently joined the FirstCape Group, maintaining its brand while gaining broader resources. Milestones include surpassing significant funds under advice. World-class solutions such as Consilium Wrap, New Zealand's most advanced Wrap platform with ESG Profiler and Green ID; KiwiWRAP KiwiSaver Scheme for customisable investments; Synergy Investments with model portfolios; and evidence-based funds.

  • Key features: Advice support, quality-focused strategies, industry expertise, ESG profiling tools.

  • Facts and information: Aids many through professional networks, promoting good client results with advanced platforms.

8. Alvarium

Alvarium, headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, offers bespoke wealth and asset management with global opportunities for families and individuals. It combines local leadership with international networks for diverse ideas. Known for multi-generational planning, but some note the boutique nature may not scale for all. Strengths lie in trusted partnerships, with weaknesses in standardised tools. Offering a connected world of investment opportunities, advice, and solutions tailored to individual needs. 

Founded as a forward-thinking global collective of businesses with a focus on wealth innovation, it leads from New Zealand, supported by an ecosystem of global opportunities.Emphasises enduring relationships, with many clients retained for over twenty years. Culture prioritises understanding and evolving with clients. Services include creating financial strategies aligned with goals and aspirations, integrating diverse ideas and opportunities from trusted networks to protect and grow wealth across generations. Investment insights cover global macro outlooks, economic prospects, portfolio perspectives, and asset class views.

  • Key features: Global ecosystem, family-oriented strategies, opportunity sourcing, multi-generational focus.

  • Facts and information: Serves many with forward-looking plans, aligning with aspirations through deep networks.

9. Fisher Investments

Fisher Investments provides tailored wealth management with a client-first focus, available to New Zealanders through its global operations. Headquartered in the United States, it emphasises financial planning and investment oversight. The service excels in structured approaches, yet some Kiwis find the international base adds complexity to local compliance. Positive aspects include proven methods, while drawbacks involve distance from NZ-specific nuances. Offers wealth management exclusively to wholesale investors with substantial assets. 

Founded in 1979, it manages vast assets for many clients worldwide, including individuals, families, businesses, and institutions. Employs many people globally with over 45 years of experience. Services include personalised wealth management for personal clients, with portfolio management outsourced to the US-based parent. Institutional investing uses a top-down, global investment approach analysing broad drivers to forecast markets and select securities. Client-focused structure separates sales, service, and management to minimise conflicts; a committee with extensive experience; privately held for independent decision-making.

  • Key features: Custom planning, investment management, client education, global top-down strategies.

  • Facts and information: Manages for many worldwide, prioritising long-term security with recognised awards.

10. RBC Wealth Management

RBC Wealth Management delivers comprehensive services for high-net-worth clients, with a presence accessible to New Zealanders. Based in Canada, it covers portfolio strategies and planning. Strengths are in broad resources and stability, but some report that the large scale can dilute personal touch. Weaknesses include potential misalignment with pure NZ focus. Offers customised wealth plans focused on growth, preservation, empowerment, and philanthropy. Services include wealth-building strategies, protection against changes, retirement planning, and support for family or charitable goals. 

Emphasises a values-based, personalised approach with long-term management across generations. Part of RBC, a global institution built on integrity and client dedication. Operates with a focus on financial stability, substantial global assets under administration, many financial consultants, advisors, private bankers, and trust officers worldwide. Resourceful with top-tier investment insights and dedicated teams. Provides insights like global outlooks and wealth transfer guidance.

  • Key features: Global advice, portfolio oversight, risk management, values-based planning.

  • Facts and information: Supports many internationally, with emphasis on reliable outcomes and family legacies.

11. JBWere Private Wealth Management

JBWere Private Wealth Management, headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, offers strategic wealth management and investment advice, focusing on personalised service for high net worth individuals, families, charities, foundations, and institutional investors. The firm provides a full suite of services to grow and protect wealth, including bespoke solutions tailored to clients' financial aspirations, objectives, and risk tolerance. Backed by leading market research and deep expertise, JBWere delivers timely investment solutions in a shifting environment. 

Founded in New Zealand, JBWere has extensive experience as one of the country's wealth management leaders, emphasising long-term relationships built on trust, transparency, and integrity. Its financial strength, skills, and resources support safeguarding and growing client wealth across generations. Operates with offices across regions, allowing clients to connect with local advisers. In-depth market knowledge, expert guidance for smart decisions, and a commitment to integrity stand out, though some may find the institutional backing limits full boutique flexibility. Protects New Zealand's wealth through honed services and a client-centric approach.

  • Key features: Bespoke solutions, market research integration, long-term relationship building, risk-tolerant strategies.

  • Facts and information: Assists many high-net-worth Kiwis, drawing on extensive experience for wealth protection and growth.

12. Pie Funds Wealth Management

Pie Funds Wealth Management, based in Auckland, New Zealand, is a boutique advice service tailoring investment portfolios to lifestyles and personal requirements for clients with substantial assets. Established in 2007 as a proudly New Zealand-owned firm, it operates with expert teams in Australia and the UK. The service focuses on creating personalised, diversified investment portfolios aligned with clients' goals, extending beyond Pie's own products to ensure long-term wealth generation through a hands-on, performance-driven approach. 

Key services include portfolio advice, active investment management, and outstanding client service led by experienced advisers. The team includes specialists with years in wealth management. Bespoke strategies, innovative approaches, and alignment with clients via internal investments highlight its appeal, though the minimum investment threshold may exclude some. Five investment pillars: research-driven decisions, focus on business fundamentals and tailwinds, skin in the game, emphasis on committed leadership, and capital preservation through cash reserves. Offers resources like brochures and newsletters.

  • Key features: Personalised diversification, active management, performance-driven portfolios, international expertise.

  • Facts and information: Serves many affluent clients, emphasising innovation and client alignment for sustained growth.

13. Quartz Wealth

Quartz Wealth, headquartered in Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand, offers comprehensive wealth management since 2010, providing independent advice with integrity to New Zealanders, focusing on families living and investing in the country. The firm helps clients make astute financial and investment decisions aligned with their lifestyle ambitions for themselves and future generations. 

Services include Private Wealth Services, Investment Solutions, and Immigration Investment Services, delivering holistic, personalised, and strategic guidance with bespoke solutions designed to meet current needs, grow over time, and achieve goals. Advisers possess extensive wealth management expertise and experience in New Zealand and internationally. Independent advice, international and local expertise, and a focus on personalised, goal-oriented solutions are key, though limited public details on performance metrics may be a drawback. Emphasis on integrity and long-term family wealth management.

  • Key features: Bespoke financial planning, investment strategies, immigration-related services, goal-oriented guidance.

  • Facts and information: Supports many families since 2010, prioritising independent and strategic wealth decisions.

14. Harbour Asset Management

Harbour Asset Management, located in Auckland, New Zealand, is an investment management company focused on delivering market-leading outcomes through research-driven processes, with wealth services available via advisers for personalised guidance. It emphasises responsible investing, integrating sustainability into its philosophy. Offers various funds: Growth Funds for long-term capital growth, Income Funds for steady income and growth, and Fixed Interest Funds for capital protection. 

Wealth channels include InvestNow for DIY digital investing, Direct for online reporting, and Via Advisers for custom advice. Founded as a proven entity, strengths include high ratings, transparency, and investor engagement, while some may note the fund-focused model requires adviser integration for full private wealth. Publishes regular research, articles, and market updates, including impact reports. Active strategies, global access, and a focus on sustainability stand out.

  • Key features: Research-driven funds, sustainability integration, adviser-supported customisation, digital investing options.

  • Facts and information: Helps many investors with diversified funds, emphasising responsible and transparent approaches.

15. Salt Funds Management

Salt Funds Management, based in Auckland, New Zealand, is an active investment manager focused on maximising returns while managing risks, with wealth services through its funds for private clients. Emphasises examining investments for environmental, social, and governance impacts, integrating comprehensive ESG analysis. Invests in its own funds and invites others to leverage its expertise. Adopts a core investment approach without bias, targeting companies with strong management, sound industry structures, robust balance sheets, and potential for above-average free cash flow. 

Proprietary research supports portfolio managers. Offers funds like NZ Dividend Appreciation, Long Short, Enhanced Property, Core NZ Shares, and Carbon Fund. Experienced management, ESG integration, and partnerships with global managers are strengths, though active strategies may vary with markets. Provides weekly insights on economic trends.

  • Key features: Active strategies, ESG analysis, proprietary research, global partnerships.

  • Facts and information: Assists many with risk-adjusted returns, focusing on market inefficiencies and sustainability.

Trends Shaping Private Wealth Management in 2026

Digital tools are transforming how services operate, making portfolio tracking and advice more accessible via apps and platforms. Many firms now integrate AI for better insights, helping advisers spot opportunities quickly. Sustainable investing gains traction, with options that align wealth growth to environmental values, as noted by PwC New Zealand in their industry reports. In New Zealand, shifts towards private assets like equity offer new ways to diversify. If you have overseas super, Australian super transfers can streamline your holdings into local plans. These changes aim to enhance client experiences without added hassle.

Benefits of Tailored Wealth Advice

Professional guidance helps navigate market ups and downs, keeping your assets on course. It brings clarity to complex areas like tax and inheritance, often overlooked in self-managed setups. Many benefit from diversified portfolios that include KiwiSaver enhancements for broader growth. Independent advisers provide unbiased views, leading to better decisions. Overall, it frees up time while aiming for steady progress.

How to Start with Wealth Management

Begin by assessing your current position through tools like a risk assessment quiz to gauge comfort levels. Meet with advisers for initial chats, often free, to discuss goals. Gather documents on assets and income for accurate plans. If transferring pensions, consider UK pension transfer for seamless integration. Regular follow-ups ensure adjustments as needs evolve.

FAQ

What Makes Private Wealth Management Different from Standard Financial Advice?

Private wealth management stands out by delivering highly customised plans that address intricate financial needs, such as multi-asset diversification and legacy planning. It involves close collaboration with advisers who monitor progress through detailed reports and adjustments. This level of service ensures alignment with personal aspirations beyond everyday budgeting.

How Does KiwiSaver Fit into Wealth Management?

KiwiSaver acts as a core element in broader wealth strategies, offering a structured way to build savings with government incentives. It pairs well with other investments to create balanced growth over time. Many use it alongside advanced options like global growth bitcoin tilt KiwiSaver for added innovation.

Why Consider Pension Transfers in Wealth Plans?

Pension transfers help unify scattered funds into a single, efficient system under New Zealand regulations. Services like UK pension transfer or Australian super transfers simplify this process for better oversight. This consolidation supports smoother long-term tracking and potential enhancements.

What Role Does Retirement Planning Play?

Retirement planning forms the foundation of sustainable wealth, focusing on income streams and lifestyle maintenance. It incorporates tools to evaluate future needs and adjust accordingly. Integrating it with overall management leads to more resilient financial structures.

How Does Risk Assessment Influence Private Wealth Management?

A risk assessment quiz provides insights into personal tolerance, guiding the selection of suitable investments. It helps in crafting portfolios that balance potential rewards with comfort levels. This step contributes to more informed decisions across various asset types.

Read Also

Discover the Best Private Wealth Management Services in 2026 - Compound Wealth

Paul Souliac
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