Category: financial_markets
-
FMA Research Identifies Key Barriers and Solutions for Māori Insurance Outcomes
New FMA research reveals current insurance systems often fail Māori, citing affordability, distrust, and unsuitable products as key barriers. The report suggests iwi-led solutions and mutual literacy to improve access and outcomes for tangata whenua.
BusinessEnvironmentEconomyFinancial MarketsSocial IssuesEducationClimate ChangeAustralasia Financial Markets AuthorityMāoriInsuranceFinancial LiteracyCultural UnderstandingPolicy ReformNZ Financial Markets Authority
-
FMA Review Calls for Stronger Oversight in Add-on Insurance
A new FMA review of add-on insurance and extended warranties highlights the urgent need for insurers to improve oversight of sales and distribution channels, ensuring fair consumer outcomes and better use of performance data.
BusinessLaw EnforcementEconomyFinancial MarketsLegalSocial Issues Financial Markets AuthorityAdd-on insuranceExtended warrantiesConsumer outcomesInsurance regulationFinancial servicesNZ Financial Markets Authority
-
Stats NZ Confirms 2027 Rollout Dates for Monthly CPI
Stats NZ has set dates for its monthly Consumers Price Index (CPI) in 2027. The rollout includes transitional reports in May and June, leading to the first official monthly release in July, with ongoing publications from August.
BusinessPolitics and GovernmentEconomyFederal GovernmentFinancial MarketsEducation Statistics New ZealandConsumers Price IndexMonthly CPIEconomic DataInflationData Release
-
Rocket Lab Achieves Record Q2 2026 Results, Expands Capabilities with Iridium Acquisition and New Launch Technologies
Rocket Lab reports record Q2 2026 revenue and backlog, announces strategic Iridium acquisition, new GHOST deployable launch sites, and a Neutron deal with Kepler Communications, solidifying its space industry position.
BusinessScience & TechnologyPolitics and GovernmentEconomyFinancial MarketsAstronomy and SpaceFederal GovernmentMilitaryUnited States Rocket LabFinancial ResultsIridiumGHOSTNeutronSpace ForceSatellite Communications
-
Media Monitor: NPR's Planet Money Launches Global Economic Summer School
NPR's Planet Money podcast is launching a new Summer School series, exploring global economic ideas from Australia to China, NPR said. The series aims to be a jargon-free guide to economic challenges.
BusinessWorldEconomyFinancial MarketsEducationEnvironment Planet Money Summer SchoolEconomicsGlobal EconomyAustraliaNorwayChinaNPR Breaking NewsNPR
-
Court Bans Peter Huljich for Seven Years Over Pushpay Insider Conduct
Peter Huljich receives a seven-year ban from financial markets participation for insider conduct related to Pushpay shares. Sarah Huljich also faced consequences, paying $50,000 for her role.
BusinessLaw EnforcementFinancial MarketsLegalEconomy Peter HuljichSarah HuljichPushpay HoldingsFMAinsider conductNZ Financial Markets Authority
-
New Zealand Insurance Sector Needs Insurtech to Tackle Growing Complexity
New Zealand's life and health insurance market faces increasing complexity in products, regulation, and customer needs. Insurtech is crucial to simplify processes, enhance engagement, and reach underserved populations, according to industry insights.
BusinessScience & TechnologyHealthEconomyFinancial MarketsComputers and InternetArtificial IntelligenceLegalSocial Issues InsurtechLife InsuranceHealth InsuranceFinancial ServicesRegulationFSC Tech ShowcaseTechnology
-
High Court Liquidates Six Chance Voight Companies After FMA Investigation
Six Chance Voight companies have been placed into liquidation by the High Court following an FMA investigation. The Court found the Rangiora-based group insolvent and operating an unsustainable business model, relying on new investor funds.
BusinessPolitics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementEconomyFinancial MarketsLegalFederal Government Chance Voight GroupFinancial Markets AuthorityLiquidationInsolvencyHigh CourtFinancial RegulationNZ Financial Markets Authority
-
New Zealand to Launch Monthly Inflation Reporting by July 2027
New Zealand will introduce monthly inflation data from July 2027, a major upgrade to economic statistics. This initiative aims to provide more frequent CPI updates, enabling better-informed decisions for households, businesses, and government, while initially retaining quarterly reporting.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessGeneral PoliticsEconomyFinancial Markets CPIInflationEconomic StatisticsScott SimpsonGovernmentData ReportingNew Zealand Government
-
New Zealand to Adopt Monthly CPI Reporting from 2027
Statistics New Zealand will introduce monthly Consumers Price Index (CPI) reporting from 2027, replacing the current quarterly system. This change aims to provide more current economic insights for households, businesses, and government decision-making.
BusinessPolitics and GovernmentEconomyFederal GovernmentFinancial MarketsSocial Issues Statistics New ZealandConsumers Price Indexeconomic dataColin Lynchprice changesgovernment policy
-
Global Oil Prices Drive NZ Inflation to 4.1%, Government Emphasizes Fiscal Discipline
New Zealand's annual inflation hit 4.1% due largely to global oil price shocks, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said. The government maintains fiscal discipline and targeted support, expecting economic growth and wage increases despite Middle East conflict.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessEconomyNational PartyGeneral PoliticsFinancial MarketsEmployment and LaborMiddle East Nicola WillisInflationFiscal DisciplineOil PricesGovernment SpendingNZ National PartyElection
-
NZ Police Warn of Cryptocurrency Scams Impersonating Officers, Millions Lost
New Zealand Police are warning cryptocurrency wallet holders about a rise in scams where fraudsters impersonate police officers and crypto company representatives, leading to millions in losses. Victims are urged to protect sensitive financial details and report suspicious activity.
Law EnforcementBusinessScience & TechnologyFinancial MarketsComputers and InternetLegalSocial Issues New Zealand PoliceCryptocurrencyScamsFraudImpersonationCyber SecurityFinancial Crime
-
New Zealand Annual Inflation Hits 4.1% in June, Exceeding Target
New Zealand's annual inflation rate reached 4.1% in June 2026, surpassing the Reserve Bank's 1-3% target. Surging petrol and diesel prices were the primary drivers of the increase, according to Stats NZ.
BusinessEconomyFinancial MarketsTransportation inflationConsumers Price IndexpetroldieselStatistics New ZealandReserve Bank of New Zealand
-
AI Enhances Human Expertise Across Insurance Sector
An InsurTechNZ event showcased how AI is revolutionizing insurance by empowering human expertise. Companies like AI Underwrite, Tower, and JAVLN demonstrated significant gains in efficiency, customer service, and marketing output through strategic AI integration.
BusinessScience & TechnologyArtificial IntelligenceComputers and InternetEconomyFinancial MarketsEmployment and Labor AIInsuranceInsurTechNZUnderwritingCustomer ServiceMarketingEfficiencyTechnology
-
Media Monitor: New Zealand Hikes OCR, Battles Severe Weather, Shark Attack Survivor Finds Comfort
One News NZ reports New Zealand's Reserve Bank hiked the official cash rate, severe weather caused damage and cancellations, and a shark attack survivor found comfort in Kiwi support.
BusinessWeatherFinancial MarketsGeneral WeatherTransportationLegalSocial Issues Official Cash RateInflationSevere WeatherKaikōuraShark AttackLeah StewartOne News NZ
-
Media Monitor: Consumer NZ Launches Airline Complaint Portal, Reviews Product Trends and Addresses Electricity Prices
Consumer NZ has launched a new flight complaints portal and is reviewing product trends. It is also addressing rising electricity prices and examining Apple AirPods as hearing aids, according to its latest report.
BusinessScience & TechnologyHealthEconomyTransportationComputers and InternetEnergySocial IssuesFinancial Markets Consumer RightsAirline ComplaintsProduct ReviewsApple AirPodsHearing AidsElectricity PricesConsumer NZ
-
New Zealand Government Accounts Signal Strengthening Economy
New Zealand's government finances show significant improvement, with revenue up $1.7 billion and expenses down $900 million. Finance Minister Nicola Willis highlights a $3 billion lower deficit and strong corporate tax growth, signaling a strengthening economy.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessConflictGeneral PoliticsEconomyFinancial MarketsMiddle East GovernmentFinanceNicola WillisCorporate TaxBudgetNew Zealand Government
-
New Zealand Household Saving Rises as Government Saving Declines
New Zealand's household saving increased by $610 million to $2.2 billion in the March 2026 quarter, driven by higher disposable income. Meanwhile, central government saving fell to -$2.4 billion, according to new experimental estimates from Statistics New Zealand.
BusinessPolitics and GovernmentEconomyEmployment and LaborFinancial MarketsGeneral PoliticsBanking Statistics New ZealandHousehold SavingGovernment SavingNational AccountsMarch 2026 QuarterEconomic Data
-
FMA Becomes Sole Financial Market Conduct Regulator in New Zealand
The FMA has assumed responsibility for consumer credit regulation from the Commerce Commission, becoming New Zealand's single financial market conduct regulator. This centralizes oversight, aiming for clearer rules and enhanced consumer protection, with an initial focus on lending practices and…
BusinessPolitics and GovernmentEconomyFinancial MarketsLegalState GovernmentsSocial Issues Financial Markets AuthorityFMAConsumer CreditFinancial RegulationCommerce CommissionCredit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Act 2026NZ Financial Markets Authority
-
FMA Unveils 2026/27 Regulatory Priorities, Expands Consumer Protection
FMA outlines 2026/27 regulatory priorities, focusing on consumer credit oversight, managing conflicts, product design, and fraud. The report highlights progress in strengthening New Zealand's financial markets and embracing innovation like AI while ensuring strong consumer protection.
BusinessLaw EnforcementScience & TechnologyEconomyBankingFinancial MarketsArtificial IntelligenceLegalEducation Financial Markets AuthorityFinancial Conduct ReportRegulatory PrioritiesConsumer CreditFinancial RegulationNZ Financial Markets Authority
-
New Zealand Businesses See Income and Surplus Decline in 2025
New Zealand businesses saw total income and pre-tax surplus fall in the 2025 financial year, Stats NZ reports. Expenditure and assets increased, but a drop in non-operating income impacted overall financial performance.
BusinessPolitics and GovernmentEconomyFinancial MarketsBankingGeneral Politics Statistics New ZealandAnnual Enterprise SurveyBusiness FinanceEconomic DataFinancial Performance2025 Financial Year
-
FMA Seeks Feedback on New Zealand's Custody of Client Assets Laws
The FMA is reviewing New Zealand's custody of client assets laws, seeking feedback on clarity and fitness for purpose. The discussion paper highlights concerns about the complex, fragmented regime, limited oversight, and emerging risks to investor protection.
BusinessPolitics and GovernmentEconomyBankingFinancial MarketsLegalGeneral Politics Financial Markets AuthorityCustody of AssetsFinancial RegulationInvestor ProtectionDigital AssetsRegulatory ReviewNZ Financial Markets Authority
-
KiwiSaver Contribution Hike Benefits 99.5% of Members, Boosts Retirement Security
New Zealand's KiwiSaver scheme sees 99.5% of contributors embrace increased rates, boosting retirement savings. Finance Minister Nicola Willis highlights enhanced financial security and potential for first home purchases for hundreds of thousands of Kiwis.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessEconomyEmployment and LaborFinancial MarketsGeneral PoliticsSocial Issues KiwiSaverRetirement SavingsNicola WillisContribution RatesFinancial SecurityFirst Home BuyersNew Zealand Government
-
Aotearoa Urged to Adopt "Forests, Not Gardens" for Digital Infrastructure
Sujith Nair champions "forests, not gardens" for digital infrastructure, advocating neutral, interoperable protocols. Aotearoa can learn from India's success in lowering trust costs for digital identity and financial inclusion, aligning with DINZ's vision for a trusted ecosystem.
Science & TechnologyBusinessComputers and InternetEconomyFinancial MarketsSocial Issues Sujith NairBeckn ProtocolAotearoaDigital InfrastructureProtocol-led ArchitectureDigital IdentityFinancial InclusionTechnology
-
Tech New Zealand Unveils Packed Calendar of Innovation and Growth Events
Tech New Zealand drives innovation with upcoming events including CryptoWinter26, CIO Summit, and Tech Marketers Conference. Initiatives focus on digital assets, AI, policy, and agritech to foster growth and strengthen the economy.
BusinessScience & TechnologyPolitics and GovernmentEconomyComputers and InternetArtificial IntelligenceEducationGeneral PoliticsFinancial Markets New Zealand TechDigital AssetsBlockchainCIO SummitTech MarketingAgritechPolicyTechnology
-
NZX Meets Market Operator Obligations, FMA Annual Review Finds
New Zealand's Financial Markets Authority confirmed NZX Limited effectively met its market operator obligations for 2025, citing strong governance and operational independence. The FMA made no formal recommendations, noting progress on previous advice.
BusinessPolitics and GovernmentEconomyFinancial MarketsLegalFederal Government NZXFMAFinancial Markets Authoritymarket operatorNZ RegCoannual reviewNZ Financial Markets Authority
-
BNZ Pays $2.6 Million to Crown Following FMA Undertaking for Interest Calculation Breaches
BNZ has agreed to an enforceable undertaking with the FMA, paying $2.6 million to the Crown for breaches related to interest calculation on non-profit accounts. The bank apologized and confirmed all impacted customers have been remediated.
BusinessBankingFinancial MarketsLegalEconomy BNZFinancial Markets AuthorityFMAFinancial Markets Conduct ActNon-profit accountsInterest calculationEnforceable undertaking
-
BNZ Fined $2.6 Million for Misleading Interest Calculation Practices
BNZ admitted misleading customers on interest calculations for non-profit accounts, breaching fair dealing rules. The bank will pay $2.6 million to the Crown and has remediated 23,103 affected customers for $5.44 million in underpaid interest.
BusinessBankingFinancial MarketsLegalEconomy BNZFinancial Markets AuthorityMisleading ConductInterest CalculationCustomer RemediationFinancial Markets Conduct ActNZ Financial Markets Authority
-
New Zealand Tech Sector Drives Innovation in AI, Fintech, and SaaS
New Zealand's tech ecosystem is buzzing with activity, as entries open for the 2026 Aotearoa AI Awards and Hackathon Festival. The Fintech Insights 2026 report outlines the path to open finance, while KiwiSaaS celebrates International SaaS Day.
Science & TechnologyBusinessPolitics and GovernmentArtificial IntelligenceEconomyBankingFinancial MarketsComputers and InternetEducation AIFintechSaaSAotearoaOpen FinanceTech AwardsTechnology
-
FMA Urges Insurers to Prioritize Fair Consumer Outcomes in Sales Campaigns
The FMA has released findings on insurer sales campaigns, urging better management of incentives to prevent conflicts of interest. Insurers must adopt proactive, outcomes-focused approaches to ensure fair treatment of consumers under the CoFI regime.
BusinessLaw EnforcementFinancial MarketsLegalSocial Issues FMAInsurersConsumer ProtectionSales CampaignsConflicts of InterestConduct of Financial Institutions (CoFI)Financial AdvisersNZ Financial Markets Authority