Money Concepts Wellington, which has about $25 million under management, is part of the Money Concepts International Financial Planning network, the world's largest independently owned financial planning organisation.

It was founded in 1987 by Bruce Coe.  Following Coe's death last year the remaining partners decided to merge with Camelot, which has a network of 30 advisers nationwide.

Camelot is New Zealand's largest independently owned partnership of financial planners, with more than $500 million dollars of funds under management.

Daryl McAlinden of Money Concepts stressed the need for "impartial" advice on insurance and investment.

"There is a growing need for impartial investment advice, due to the vigorous new FMA regulations and the many older advisors or insurance agents who  were  not prepared to retrain, and have retired or left the industry," he said.

"The other reason is many advisors are employees of banks or large insurance companies and can only recommend their products."

He said the merger with Camelot would provide the added benefits of "more resources, exceptional research, and a broader choice of Kiwisaver, investment, and insurance products and services to choose from."

Money Concepts has run free educational seminars in Wellington, Levin and Palmerston North for years and these will continue under the Camelot brand.

The merger between Money Concepts and Camelot will take place at the end of this month.