Community-first adviser Simi Sethu champions women’s financial confidence

[00:00:00] Simi Sethu: Being recognized as a New Zealand Advisor Light Women 2026 positions me as a role model, not just a high-performing advisor. And that comes with a real sense of responsibility and purpose. 

[00:00:17] Kylie Spear: Hello and welcome to NZ Advisor TV. I'm Kylie Spear and joining me today is Simi Sethu, Principal Advisor and Co-Founder at Kripa Financial Solution. Simi has been named as one of the winners of NZ Advisors Elite Women 2026. Welcome to you, Simi. Huge congratulations and thank you so much for joining us today. 

[00:00:42] Simi Sethu: Hello, Kylie. Thank you. Nice being here today. 

[00:00:47] Kylie Spear: Well, firstly, Simi, what inspired you to start your business and what gap did you see in the financial advice space? 

[00:00:56] Simi Sethu: My career began in major corporates like Emirates Airline in Dubai and Travelport, where I learned the importance of service, professionalism and understanding people from all walks of life. When I moved to New Zealand, that experience helped me to step into a role with one of the major banks, where I built a strong foundation in lending and created a space for myself in helping clients. But over time, I realized the limitations of working within a bank, within one bank. As the bank's risk appetite changed, I often had to say no to clients who genuinely needed support. That never felt right to me. It planted the seed that there had to be a better way. Becoming a financial advisor gave me the freedom to offer many options instead of just one. Now I can match clients with the right lender and the structure rather than turning them away. That ability to truly help people without restrictions is what inspired me to start my business. 

[00:02:14] Kylie Spear: What was one early challenge that shaped the way you lead today? 

[00:02:19] Simi Sethu: In the early days, I was doing everything myself. Advise, admin. client care, operations, following up with the banks, following up with the clients. I was so focused on servicing every client perfectly that I did not realize I was burning myself out. Also, I took some great feedback from my clients. That period taught me one of the biggest leadership lessons. You can't build something meaningful alone. Learning to trust others, delegate and empower my team changed everything. It taught me that leadership is not about carrying the whole load. It's about creating a system where everyone can thrive. That challenge shaped the way I lead today with clarity, trust, and a commitment to lifting others as I grow. 

[00:03:15] Kylie Spear: That is such great advice. Simi, what are the most common financial concerns that your clients come to you today with? 

[00:03:23] Simi Sethu: Most of it are. Are we making the right decisions? Are we protecting? If something goes wrong, can we actually afford the future we are dreaming of? There's a lot of uncertainty around interest rates, rising living costs and long-term financial security. Many clients feel overwhelmed by information and just want someone they can trust to break things down clearly. Whether it's buying their first home, refinancing or protecting their family or planning for the future. People want guidance that is very simple, honest and tailored to their situation. My role is to bring clarity, calm and confidence into those conversations so they walk away feeling informed, supported and in control. 

[00:04:21] Kylie Spear: Well, on that subject, Simi, how do you simplify complex financial decisions and build long-term trust with your clients? 

[00:04:30] Simi Sethu: I simplify complex financial decisions by breaking everything, as I said before, down into clear, practical steps. Most people don't need jargon. They need someone who listens, understands their goals, and explains things in a way that feels simple and achievable. I take the time to walk clients through every option, every risk and every opportunity so they feel confident and not overwhelmed. Trust is built through consistency. I'm honest, I'm transparent and I always put my clients' long-term well-being first. Whether it's choosing the right bank, structuring a loan or protecting their family, I make sure they understand the why behind every step that they take or every recommendation that I give. Over time, clients see that I'm not here for a transaction I'm here for their journey. That's how trust grows and that's why family stays with me for years. 

[00:05:40] Kylie Spear: Community involvement is important to you. How does that connect to your role as an advisor? 

[00:05:48] Simi Sethu: Community involvement is something very close to my heart over the last four years that community has recognized this. Most of the families I support come from the same communities. I'm part of it. So being present, giving back and staying connected helps me understand their real challenges and aspirations. I feel I'm not separate from work, you know, and it's at the heart of it. When I'm out there at events, cultural gatherings or weekend activities, I'm not just an advisor. I'm a familiar face, someone they trust. That connection allows me to give advice that's not only financially sound, but culturally aware and genuinely supportive. Being involved in the community reminds me why I do this work. To help families feel secure, confident and empowered. It keeps me grounded. It keeps me accountable. at all times and it strengthens the relationships that make long-term advice meaningful. 

[00:07:05] Kylie Spear: And finally, Simi, as an NZ Advisor Elite Women 2026 awardee, what impact do you hope to continue making, especially for women seeking financial confidence? 

[00:07:17] Simi Sethu: Every year when this list is out, I always look forward reading it and how women are representing like this. But being recognized as a New Zealand advisor, Light Women 2026 positions me as a role model, not just a high performing advisor. And that comes with a real sense of responsibility and purpose. I want to continue helping women feel confident and in control of their financial decisions, whether they are buying first home, protecting their family or even planning for the future. So many women manage the day-to-day finances in their households, but yet they often doubt themselves when it comes to a bigger decision. My aim is to change that by creating a space where they feel comfortable asking questions, understanding their options, and making choice with clarity and confidence. This award is not just a milestone. it's a platform. And I want to use that platform to mentor more women, support more advisors, and show that leadership in finance can be strong, compassionate, and deeply empowering. 

[00:08:42] Kylie Spear: Lovely. Well, thank you so much for your time today, Simi, your truly wonderful pearls of wisdom. And of course, huge congratulations to you once again. 

[00:08:52] Simi Sethu: Thank you once again, Kylie, and it's great to be a part of this organization. 

[00:08:59] Kylie Spear: And thank you, of course, to our viewers for watching the latest episode of NZ Advisor TV. We look forward to seeing you again soon.