Kernel Wealth

Positive

Established 2019 · 26 funds

Best 5yr

0.0% pa

Fees from

0.00% pa

Sentiment

81/100

AUM

$0.7B

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Community Sentiment

Investors in New Zealand generally speak positively about Kernel Wealth KiwiSaver, with low fees and a simple, transparent platform being the most frequently praised attributes. Many community members describe switching to Kernel from more expensive traditional providers, treating the move as an obvious financial improvement. The provider's rapid growth to over $1 billion in funds under management and its expansion into direct share investing suggest strong and broadening confidence in the platform. Minor concerns relate to the clarity of tax handling processes and suitability for all investor types, but these are not dominant themes in the conversation.

Investors frequently highlight Kernel's low management fees as a primary reason for switching away from traditional KiwiSaver providers, particularly those charging above 1% annually.
The Kernel platform is considered easy to use and straightforward, with users appreciating the clean website experience and accessible account management.
Kernel's milestone of reaching $1 billion in funds under management within five years is seen as a strong signal of provider credibility and growing investor trust.
Some investors find the tax handling for non-KiwiSaver funds — particularly around FIF obligations — to be confusing or insufficiently explained, though this concern is not widespread.
Kernel's expansion into S&P 500 direct shares and ETFs is viewed positively, positioning it as a growing competitor to platforms like Sharesies and Hatch beyond just KiwiSaver.

Sentiment Overview

Score: 81/100

Based on social media, reviews, and news mentions

Example Fund

Kernel High Growth

5yr: %Fees: 0.25%

Kernel is a modern index fund manager offering low-cost KiwiSaver funds that track market indices. Known for transparency and digital-first approach.

Contact Details

Website: https://kernelwealth.co.nz

Fund Name	Type	1yr	3yr	5yr	Fees
Kernel High Growth	aggressive	15.2%	19.2%	—	0.25%
Kernel Australia 100 Fund	australasian_shares	—	—	—	0.00%
Kernel NZ 20	australasian_shares	0.9%	5.8%	—	0.25%
Kernel NZ 50 ESG Tilted	australasian_shares	10.1%	8.4%	—	0.25%
Kernel NZ Small & Mid Cap Opps	australasian_shares	20.7%	9.8%	—	0.25%
Kernel Balanced Fund	balanced	11.0%	13.9%	—	0.25%
Kernel Cash Plus Fund	cash	4.1%	5.5%	—	0.25%
Kernel NZ Bond Fund	fixed_interest	6.7%	—	—	0.30%
Kernel US Bond Fund	fixed_interest	5.7%	—	—	0.30%
Kernel High Growth Fund	growth	—	—	—	0.25%
Kernel Global ESG	international_shares	18.7%	—	—	0.25%
Kernel Global Infrastructure	international_shares	11.9%	13.9%	—	0.25%
Kernel S&P Global 100	international_shares	24.2%	31.7%	—	0.25%
Kernel S&P Global Clean Energy	international_shares	59.9%	4.0%	—	0.45%
Kernel S&P Global Div Arstcrts	international_shares	14.2%	15.3%	—	0.25%
Kernel World Ex-US Fund	international_shares	—	—	—	0.00%
Kernel Emerging Markets Fund	miscellaneous	21.5%	—	—	0.45%
Kernel Global ESG NZD Hedged	miscellaneous	18.5%	—	—	0.25%
Kernel Global Infras NZD Hdg	miscellaneous	10.1%	9.5%	—	0.25%
Kernel S&P Global 100 NZD Hdg	miscellaneous	24.3%	26.4%	—	0.25%
Kernel World Ex-US NZD H Fund	miscellaneous	—	—	—	0.00%
Kernel Conservative Fund	moderate	—	—	—	0.00%
Kernel Global Property NZD Hdg	property	7.3%	7.8%	—	0.25%
Kernel NZ Commercial Property	property	14.3%	5.8%	—	0.25%
Kernel S&P 500 NZD Hedged	us_equities	15.7%	21.5%	—	0.25%
Kernel S&P 500 (unhedged) Fd	us_equities	14.5%	—	—	0.25%