Major Party Leaders, FMA And Commerce Commission To Front High Stakes Sector Event In November

Regulation, competition and the future of New Zealand’s credit landscape will take centre stage at the Financial Services Federation (FSF) Conference on 6 November — with senior leaders from the Financial Markets Authority (FMA), Commerce Commission and major political parties confirmed to appear.

For the first time, the FMA and Commerce Commission will share the stage to speak directly to industry about the upcoming transfer of consumer credit regulation from the Commission to the FMA.

The shift is expected to introduce a new licensing model and streamline oversight across the financial services sector — but key questions remain about timing, implementation and impact.

In an exclusive pre-election political panel, MPs from major parties will set out their party perspectives on pressing issues affecting the wider financial services sector, including regulation over-reach and access to capital, as sector leaders push for a more competitive lending environment heading into 2026.

Organiser the FSF, whose specialist lending members finance the majority of personal consumer loans in New Zealand, says this year’s event comes at a pivotal time for the wider credit sector.

“Regulatory change on this scale demands clarity and collaboration, and this is the final large scale event of 2025 at which to gain insight into how the transition is set to unfold, and how industry can keep delivering for New Zealanders,” says FSF Executive Director, Lyn McMorran.

Attendees will also hear from leaders on driving growth and competition in the lending and leasing markets, including Turners Automotive Group CEO (and FSF Chair) Todd Hunter, MTF Finance CEO Chris Lamers, and Kimberley Gargiulo, Head of NZ for SG Fleet, a pioneering leader in commercial, corporate and government fleet management solutions.

Other programme highlights will span geo-political impacts on New Zealand’s economy, cyber resilience, change strategy, and Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) CEO Diane Tate on lessons to learn with hindsight from Australia’s recent lending sector upheavals.

The countdown is on and tickets selling fast for the event, which connects lenders, insurers, bankers, regulators, mentors, brokers, government officials, fintech providers, and experts to unpack and lead on key factors shaping the sector.

Event details: FSF Conference 2025

6 November – Aotea Centre, Auckland (preceded by an Awards Dinner on 5 November)
Platinum Sponsor: Equifax NZ

Full line up and register at: https://fsf.org.nz/conference-and-awards

About the Financial Services Federation:

The (FSF) is the non-profit industry association for specialist financial services providers who are not registered banks. Its members collectively reach 1.7million New Zealanders, and support both businesses and consumers across the country with competitive and innovative options from traditional finance providers.

FSF’s 100 members include finance, leasing and credit-related insurance providers, and include the likes of Turners, UDC, MTF, several credit unions and building societies, and the finance arms of global motor vehicle brands including Toyota, Nissan, Honda, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz (see the full member list here).

With 60 years of history, FSF has stringent membership criteria and enforces a Code of Conduct to maintain high standards in responsible non-bank lending. FSF members prioritise compliance, support consumer protection enforcement, and advocate for balanced regulations that ensure New Zealanders have access to responsibly-provided credit.

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