Customer Care And Innovation Recognised At New Zealand’s Specialist Lending Awards

Outstanding individuals and companies driving the specialist lending sector forward have been recognised at the Financial Services Federation’s (FSF) Awards 2025.

But you won’t see a “Deal of the Year” winner or categories based on financial performance, the awards instead focus on customer care, innovation, and positive community impact.

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson opened the Awards Ceremony (at the spectacular MOTAT Aviation Hall in Auckland) to 200 attendees including Financial Markets Authority (FMA) CEO Samantha Barrass.

“In today’s economic climate, it is more important than ever that Kiwis know there is a thriving sector outside of the traditional banking system that prides itself on innovative and customer-centric lending options,” says FSF’s Executive Director, Lyn McMorran.

“We started these awards five years ago because, quite frankly, we were tired of bad players hogging the spotlight for all the wrong reasons when there are so many good people in the specialist lending sector that play an important role in ensuring New Zealanders have options for a loan that best suits their needs.

“Specialist lenders are no longer on the periphery, there are 1.5 million New Zealanders who are customers of FSF members, and this is a moment to acknowledge that.”

The event fell on the 60th year of the FSF, highlighting the evolution of the membership association from its inception in 1965 as the NZ Finance Houses Association with 10 members.

The membership today spans 100 consumer and commercial lenders, non-bank deposit takers, fleet leasing firms, credit unions and building societies - all unified by their role in enabling flexible finance options that consumers increasingly rely on, and injecting competition into the market.”

The judging panel consisted of Andrew Mitchell, Financial Mentor Team Lead - Kaiwhakahaere Putea, Salvation Army; Susan Taylor, Financial Ombudsman and CEO of Financial Services Complaints Limited, and Chapman Tripp Finance Partner Luke Ford.

2025 WINNERS:

Autosure Rising Star Award

Winner: Aarti Pundir, Speirs Finance Group

Aarti was nominated by the GM of Speirs Finance, who described Aarti a young professional forging an impressive career with Speirs Finance Group. Her first taste of the finance industry began in a phone-based customer service role, before a stint overseas, and climbing the ranks at Speirs Finance to Commercial Manager within a relatively short timeframe, reflecting both her rapid professional development and the trust she has earned across the organisation. As a young woman excelling in a competitive, traditionally male-dominated field, Aarti brings fresh energy and perspective to every interaction. She represents the next generation of finance professionals, humble, confident, capable, and deeply customer-focused.

Experian Workplace Champion Award

Winner: Bryce Grove, SG Fleet

The judges were particularly impressed with Bryce’s commitment to people, and ability to empower others to thrive. Bryce was shown to be a quiet achiever with many years of service at SG Fleet, and he clearly goes above and beyond the requirements of his day job to encourage events and initiatives.

Provident Insurance Leadership Award

Winner: Mary-Anne Kirkness, MTF Finance

This category was an extremely close-run race between the finalists, but ultimately it was Mary-Annes’s work with financial mentors and hardship, commitment to leadership training, and clear future initiatives that really impressed the judges.

Team Spirit Award

Winner: Avanti Finance’s Strategic Delivery Team.

The judges noted that this innovative team within Avanti Finance demonstrates a clear focus on impactful change that matters, commitment to transparency, and an agile approach. They have delivered a wide range of improvements from small beginnings, and are now fundamental to the business as a whole.

Innovation Award

Winner: Money Sweetspot

The judges commented that social lender Money SweetSpot has developed an innovative and courageous business model from the ground up, identifying and addressing real need in the community. Backed by charities, they provide financial reset debt consolidation loans to help individuals facing financial hardship.

Equifax Community Impact Award

Winner: Finance Now

This category was a very close race among finalists. The judges were impressed with Finance Now’s commitment and connection to their local community, and the thought that had gone into developing their community initiatives.

This includes running a volunteering programme and supporting organisations such as Auckland City Mission, Conservation New Zealand, I Am Hope, Invercargill Blind and Low Vision Centre, Women’s Refuge, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, and the Invercargill Food Bank.

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