How to Become a Wholesale Investor in New Zealand: Step-by-Step

How to Become a Wholesale Investor in New Zealand: Step-by-Step Guide

Last updated: March 2026 • 6 min read

Becoming a wholesale investor in New Zealand opens the door to higher-returning investment opportunities that aren’t available to the general public. This guide walks you through the exact steps to get certified and start accessing wholesale funds like Blossum’s 8% property secured PIE fund.

Step 1: Determine Which Pathway Applies to You

The Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 provides four routes to wholesale investor status:

Pathway Requirement Best For
Investment Activity $1M+ in financial products (past 2 years) HNW individuals, property investors
Large Transaction Single investment of $750K+ Large single investments
Eligible Investor Certificate Professional certification of knowledge/experience Experienced investors below $1M threshold
Investment Business Principal business is investing Fund managers, banks, insurers

Step 2: Gather Your Documentation

For the most common pathways:

Investment Activity ($1M Test)

  • Portfolio statements showing $1M+ in qualifying financial products
  • Share registry statements, managed fund balances, bond certificates
  • Note: Your family home and KiwiSaver generally don’t count

Eligible Investor Certificate

  • Evidence of investment experience (years investing, types of investments)
  • Financial literacy evidence (qualifications, self-directed investing history)
  • Understanding of risk, diversification, and the specific investment type

Step 3: Get Certified

Contact one of these professionals to arrange certification:

  • Your chartered accountant — If they hold a CA or CPA designation
  • Your lawyer — Any NZ-registered lawyer can certify
  • A financial adviser — Must be an authorised financial adviser (AFA)

The assessment typically takes 30-60 minutes and costs $200-$500. The certifier will assess your knowledge of investment risks, your experience, and your ability to evaluate the specific type of investment you’re interested in.

Step 4: Receive Your Certificate

Your certificate is a written document confirming your status. It’s valid for two years and must specify the types of financial products it covers. Keep the original safe — fund managers will request a copy.

Step 5: Start Investing

Present your certificate to your chosen fund manager. For Blossum Fund, the process is straightforward:

  1. Submit your wholesale investor certificate
  2. Complete our investor application
  3. Fund your account
  4. Start earning 8% p.a. with monthly distributions
NZ Farmers: If you own farmland plus other financial assets totalling $1M+, you likely qualify under the investment activity pathway. Many rural investors don’t realise they’re eligible. Learn about our farmer-focused programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a wholesale investor in NZ?

You can qualify through four pathways: owning $1M+ in financial products, making a single $750K+ investment, obtaining an eligible investor certificate from a chartered accountant/lawyer/financial adviser, or being in the investment business.

How much does a wholesale investor certificate cost?

Typically $200-$500 for the professional assessment by a chartered accountant, lawyer, or financial adviser. There’s no government fee. The certificate is valid for two years.

Can I become a wholesale investor if I own property?

Property ownership alone doesn’t qualify you, as the family home is generally excluded from the $1M test. However, if you own investment properties plus financial products totalling $1M+, or you can obtain an eligible investor certificate based on your investment experience, you can qualify.

What can I invest in as a wholesale investor?

Wholesale investors can access property secured PIE funds (like Blossum offering 8% p.a.), private equity funds, hedge funds, wholesale managed funds, property syndicates, and other specialist investment products not available to retail investors.

Invest with Blossum

8% p.a. Property-secured. Monthly distributions. PIE tax benefits.

Learn More

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    Our investment products are limited to select wholesale investors only. Please note that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance, and the rates we offer could change in the future. Terms and conditions apply.

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