There are plenty of financial advisers in New Zealand,

but how many are born from a bone deep desire to help you live better?

Our Story

We first opened for business in 2015. Our founder, Sam Kodi, had grown frustrated with the financial sector’s focus on products, believing a more holistic approach to personal finance and wellbeing was needed. Sam took the leap and began “Sam Kodi” from his dining room table. Six years later, “Sam Kodi” had grown to a team of nine and out of the house with premises in Pakuranga, Auckland. In August 2022, the time was right to acknowledge that we had become far more than “Sam Kodi”. We rebranded to Smart Adviser to better reflect what we have become and where we still intend to go.

From the outset, we have placed our clients at the heart of everything we do – starting right from top with our business model. We recognise that your entire lifestyle and wellbeing are dependent upon your overall financial health.  Your goals, needs are aspirations cannot be met with stand-alone cookie-cutter financial products. As such, our focus is on customised solutions which incorporate a wide range of financial and related products and services including:

• strategic financial and retirement planning
• tailored advice
• brokerage services (mortgages and loans, insurance, Kiwisaver and investments)
• financial coaching and education
• referrals to our partners for legal, accounting, tax, business, real estate and wellbeing services.

Our advisers are also supported by experienced industry specialists who are equally passionate to about helping our clients live better.  Judging from the comments we receive from our clients, it’s an approach that’s working.

About Our Founder

The childhood personal experiences of founder Sam Kodi shape much of what Smart Adviser does and why.

Sam originates from Sri Lanka where his formative years were spent learning the value of family, hard work, and respect for others.  Having grown up in a household where their lifestyle was built on a mountain of debt and money anxiety, Sam recognised early on that money represents choices, opportunity and ultimately, freedom.

Determined to achieve financial freedom despite his circumstances, Sam overcame the challenges caused by financial hardships and the Sri Lankan civil war to complete tertiary study, ultimately achieving an MBA from the University of Houston, USA.

Sam has worked in finance now for over 30 years, with the last 17 years in New Zealand. From the ‘shop floor’ to senior management, Sam has held positions at Deutsche Bank, NDB Bank, MARAC Finance, Westpac, ASB Bank and Apex Advice Group. As a Registered Financial Advice Provider, Sam has won numerous awards for his work and strives to bring his clients one step closer to financial freedom too.

Our Support Team

The Experts