Entrepreneur to represent NZ businesses in Europe

Kiwi entrepreneur gains authority to operate and represent New Zealand businesses in Europe’s financial markets

In a New Zealand first, Gaze Capital Ltd has attained membership of the UK’s prestigious Financial Services Authority (FSA) enabling the company to operate across the board in Europe’s, institutional and private investment markets.

“Any New Zealand business that wants to tap into the financial resources of the United Kingdom and mainland Europe or sell its financial services and products can now do so by taking advantage of our FSA accreditation,” said chartered financial analyst Andrew Barnett, a co-director of Gaze Capital Ltd with David Gaze.

Achieving FSA authorisation allows Gaze Capital to perform regulated activity throughout Europe against an extensive list of financial instruments and products. These activities include but are not limited to Promoting, Advising and the establishment and operation of investment vehicles.

“Without this authorisation it is virtually impossible for a company to set up and operate in Europe’s complex financial markets, let alone advise on global investments such as, Bonds, FX, Equities, Property and other unitised offerings,” said London-based Mr Barnett.

As well as undergoing a strict capital adequacy and training requirement, to attain the FSA authorisation, the support, signoff and continued involvement of auditors, operators, compliance consultants, international lawyers and tax advisors was and will be required.

Full access to Europe’s markets will enable Gaze Capital to now legally promote an extensive range of financial products “and thus for a New Zealand company aiming at international expansion, broadening their investor base or seeking international capital injections we can promote their product in the UK or Europe, saving them considerable compliance costs, internal audit requirements and providing them a regulated platform that gives potential investors/financiers peace of mind.”

“Our market research is clearly showing that throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East investors are currently looking for innovative products and international diversification,” said Mr Barnett. “With New Zealand often quoted as the Switzerland of the South Pacific, now is the time to run off the back of global successes such as Lord of the Rings and the America’s Cup by continuing to sell quality Kiwi products to the world.”

“We are a Kiwi company walking the talk – London-based but with a New Zealand ‘can do’ business culture using every opportunity to source funds globally, promote new ideas and internationalise.”

In the period ahead, Gaze Capital intends to take advantage of the FSA passport in promoting, establishing and advising on property investment opportunities in markets as diverse as Britain, Croatia, the Baltic States, which recently joined the European Union, Sri Lanka as well as New Zealand.

“There is the ability for an enhanced presence of Australasian companies in the financial markets of Europe, through this window that Gaze Capital has created. The pool of private equity funds that are looking for quality, product and global diversification is substantial and we can provide the legal and authorised access to it.”

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