Global financial technology giant, FNZ, has added fuel to a smouldering legal fire after raising US$500 million from institutional shareholders last week. An unnamed local FNZ staff member told BusinessDesk that the latest move would “further exacerbate” a legal conflict launched by disgruntled staff-shareholders this March following a series of dilutive capital-raises by the group’s… [Read More…]
FMA makes more court moves; UK regulator cuts fees on record fine haul
The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) continues to dial-up the legal action with two new cases filed in the last week or so against general insurer, IAG, and an alleged rogue adviser. In a rare criminal case, the regulator has accused former mortgage adviser, Prem Gounder, of submitting “a false document, namely a gifting certificate, in… [Read More…]
Robot v human: why financial advisers have to understand both
The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) curriculum has expanded to include a new psychology unit to combat human flaws while the sector is adopting AI despite its imperfections, according to a professional body leader. Dante De Gori, Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) chief, told a NZ advisory industry gathering earlier this month that the new psychology… [Read More…]
Visa change prompts venture capital bump
The revised NZ wealth visa has triggered a surge in offshore interest in local private equity offerings, according to Cultivate Ventures investment director, Marcus Henderson. Henderson said the agricultural private equity specialist had seen a marked uptick in enquiries since the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa revamp was announced in February. Under the AIP changes… [Read More…]
Paper wins and real losses: MFS calls for bigger investment game
The global investment industry must take “bold action” to reclaim its purpose as an engine of long-term economic prosperity instead of a short-term paper-shuffling machine, according to MFS global distribution co-head, Carol Geremia. In a new paper titled ‘Playing a bigger game’, Geremia argues that the investment sector has become increasingly disconnected from “real world… [Read More…]
Five strategies for dealing with market volatility
Uncertain markets can be challenging, but a solid strategy can help.Smartshares Ltd (Smart) share five practical steps to manage volatility and stay on track with your investment goals. Periods of volatility in global share markets and negative returns can understandably create uncertainty for many investors. The following five steps can help investors navigate market… [Read More…]
Unlocking the potential of smarter portfolio management for New Zealand’s largest investors
As New Zealand’s largest investors seek smarter, more efficient ways to manage their portfolios, traditional multi-manager strategies often fall short due to operational complexities. The Enhanced Portfolio Implementation (EPI) framework offers a solution—simplifying portfolio management while improving control, cost efficiency, and scalability. EPI provides a streamlined approach to implementing sophisticated strategies with greater agility. In… [Read More…]
Adviser rem in FMA spotlight as review looms; plus FAP stats and COFI facts
The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has slated adviser “remuneration models” for close attention ahead of a regulatory review of the sector. FMA chief, Samantha Barrass, told Financial Advice NZ (FANZ) conference delegates last week that the regulator would target adviser remuneration practices as it seeks to focus resources on high-risk businesses. The regulator has come… [Read More…]
Trust names Nuveen to green bond mandate in active switch, retail entry point
Charity-focused fund manager, Trust Investments, has hired Nuveen for a global ‘green’ bond portfolio in a first-of-its-kind NZ win for the US-based $2.3 trillion manager. Under the arrangement, the Trust ESG International Bond Fund will allocate an initial $55 million to the actively managed Nuveen Global Core Impact Bond Fund, replacing the incumbent BlackRock index-style,… [Read More…]
Shareholders tip in US$500m to bolster FNZ
FNZ has tapped existing institutional shareholders for a further US$0.5 billion following a US$1 billion capital-raise and more than US$2 billion of debt restructure last year. In a release, the global financial technology firm established in NZ says the significant capital top-up would “provide financial strength to support FNZ’s long-term business plan”. The company attracted… [Read More…]