The latest in our series of investor guides is out this week.

‘Bond voyage: a guide for investors on choosing, buying and owning bonds’ joins our existing guides on managed funds and shares. FMA Investor Capability Manager Gillian Boyes says the guide cuts through jargon to help new investors understand how bonds work.

Read more and check out the guide here.

Our review into KiwiSaver providers’ investment styles has just been published.

We commissioned MyFiduciary Limited to test how active or passive KiwiSaver funds are and how this compares to fees. It found that while most funds are ‘true to label’, some were charging high fees that didn’t reflect the level of active management being claimed.

We’re now following up with providers.

You can find out more in the media release or read the full report here.

FMA chief executive Rob Everett will be speaking at next month’s annual conference of INFINZ (the Institute of Finance Professionals NZ) – this year conducted virtually. He’ll be taking part in a “fireside chat” on day two of the event, talking about regulatory reform alongside Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr.  
The theme of the 2020 INFINZ conference is “Championing the return to sustainable growth” – How can the financial services ecosystem assist in the economic recovery whilst solving some of New Zealand’s biggest challenges?
Find out more about October 19-20 event here.

The Financial Markets Authority has strengthened its executive team with the appointment of Paul Gregory to the newly created role of Director of Investment Management.
He will re-join the FMA from PIE Funds, where he is currently Chief Operating Officer.  He was previously the FMA’s Director of External Communications and Investor Capability from 2015-2017 and a portfolio manager at the New Zealand Super Fund.
The Director of Investment Management will lead the FMA’s strategic focus on the investment management and KiwiSaver industry.
Paul will begin the role in early November.

We’ve made three short videos for consumers about getting financial advice featuring Investor Capability Manager Gillian Boyes.  Check out the videos here.

We also worked with The Spinoff to create a guide to everything you’ve always wanted to know about financial advisers – including what they do, how to tell if you need one, how much they cost and how commissions work. 

Read The Spinoff article here.

Six months out from the start of the new financial advice regime, the FMA is encouraging advisers to plan ahead and take the next step they need to be ready for 15 March 2021.

“That next step may mean applying for your transitional licence well before the start of the regime, putting some time aside to read the new Code of Professional Conduct, or having a conversation with the Financial Advice Provider that you hope will engage you,” says Director of Market Engagement John Botica.

“Set yourself the target of getting licenced before the Christmas break. It’s about giving yourself time to prepare, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re in control of your future.”
As at  30 August, 1050 transitional licenses have been approved or are under assessment, representing an estimated 7166 financial advisers and 8893 nominated representatives.

The FMA team is here to help and support you. Check the latest info on the Financial Advice Provider or Financial Adviser pages of the FMA website or email questions@fma.govt.nz

World Investor Week 2020 is next month, starting  Monday 5 October, and we’ll be taking the opportunity to share helpful information for investors to help them make good decisions.

World Investor Week is promoted by the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), with regulators and market participants taking part around the globe.
Check out the website here.
We’ll soon be sending out resources for the event here in New Zealand, so check back at fma.govt.nz for details. 

Our website has been updated with guidelines for operating under Alert Level 3. 

Read about them here.

We regularly post announcements, events, media releases and public consultation requests on our social media channels.

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