The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is seeking public feedback on its draft Long-term Insights Briefing (LTIB): Staying ahead of the curve: Responding to emerging trends in detecting fraud and corruption in New Zealand.

The SFO’s LTIB explores the evolving landscape of fraud and corruption detection, with key insights and best practices from international jurisdictions as well as the SFO’s own experience.

Detection was chosen as the briefing focus because fraud and corruption are hidden, insidious offences where wrongdoing often occurs over long periods of time without identification. Detection in this context is both particularly challenging and important.

The briefing examines trends impacting fraud detection, three possible futures faced by New Zealand, and the strategic opportunities being explored by international jurisdictions which can enhance detection capabilities.

“Fraud and corruption are on the rise, driven by rapidly advancing technology, increased digitisation, financial strain and changes in our social fabric,” says SFO Director Karen Chang.

“As well as contributing to their growth, this dynamic landscape can further challenge law enforcement’s detection of these insidious and hidden crimes.

“Effective detection of fraud and corruption is critical to identifying and responding to risks as early as possible. It also helps to inform prevention work.

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“While this environment presents challenges, it also brings opportunities. Advances in technology create new avenues for detection, and our international partners are launching initiatives which may be worth considering in the New Zealand setting.

“New Zealand is recognised as a country with low levels of fraud and corruption, and we must not be complacent in protecting this valuable reputation.

“This briefing reflects the SFO’s drive to be proactive, future-focused and ensure we have maximum impact. Keeping a keen eye on the horizon helps ensure we are staying ahead of the curve and doing all we can to continue effectively detecting these threats.”

Feedback closes 19 September 2025.

About Long-term Insights Briefings:

Government agencies are required under the Public Service Act 2020 to produce Long-term Insights Briefings. The Briefings make available to the public:

• information about medium and long-term trends, risks and opportunities that affect or may affect New Zealand and New Zealand society
• information and impartial analysis, including policy options for responding to these matters.

To make a submission visit https://www.sfo.govt.nz/publications/ltib

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