David is the owner of Strategi Group which he started in 1999. Strategi Institute was then launched in 2009 to provide regulatory and CPD training for the financial services industry.

He holds a ‘lead auditor’ qualification and is involved with the New Zealand Organisation for Quality.  He is a member of the Institute of Management and Leadership (MIML), and of the New Zealand Institute of Directors. In addition, he is a member of the Financial Dispute Resolution Service’s expert panel, and a member of the Financial Services Sector Review Group (FS-SRG), which is working to draft the new educational qualifications for financial advisers. He is also on the board of both Britannia Financial Services and Milestone Direct.

In his spare time David likes running, cycling, hiking and travelling the world.

Derek Chen is the Head of AML/CFT at Strategi Group, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in financial services compliance. With a strong educational background and extensive professional experience, Derek is a key asset to our team, leading our AML/CFT division within Strategi Compliance and contributing to a range of compliance consulting projects.

Derek holds a Master of Legal Studies in Corporate Law from The University of Auckland and a Master of Professional Accountancy and Finance from Massey University. He is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and has passed Level One of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program. Additionally, he holds his New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) and is a practicing financial adviser. Fluent in both English and Mandarin, Derek effectively serves a diverse client base.

Derek’s journey in financial services compliance began in 2015 as a Compliance Officer at Strategi Ltd. He worked with laws and regulations governing the finance sector, including the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 and the AML/CFT Act 2009. His role included customising compliance programmes, delivering governance reports, and liaising with regulatory bodies like the Department of Internal Affairs and the Financial Markets Authority. His expertise in AML/CFT frameworks and systematic reviews earned him recognition as an industry expert.

In 2019, Derek founded APlus Compliance Limited, specialising in financial services compliance. As Managing Director, he provided AML/CFT consulting and training, conducted financial service licence applications, and offered business advisory services. His leadership established APlus Compliance as a trusted industry name.

In 2022, Derek established Lifelong Wealth Limited, where he served as the Founder and Principal Financial Adviser. He provided financial advice on KiwiSaver and investment products, showcasing his expertise in personal finance and investment strategies.

Beyond his professional work, Derek is actively involved in community and cultural activities. He serves as the Treasurer for the IStart Chinese Theatre Club and is a blogger on WeChat, sharing financial insights with over 2,000 followers. His passion for the arts is evident from his participation as an actor in various theatre productions, including a role in "Dial M for Murder."