Top lenders honoured for driving fairness and innovation
New Zealand’s leading non-bank lenders and finance professionals have been celebrated for excellence in customer care, innovation, and community impact at the Financial Services Federation (FSF) Awards 2025.
Unlike many industry events, the FSF Awards avoid “Deal of the Year” or performance-based categories, instead highlighting individuals and organisations driving positive change in the specialist lending sector.
Celebrating responsible and customer-focused lending
The awards ceremony, held at Auckland’s MOTAT Aviation Hall, was attended by more than 200 guests, including Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson and Financial Markets Authority (FMA) Chief Executive 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,” said FSF Executive Director Lyn McMorran (pictured).
McMorran said the awards were founded five years ago to shift the spotlight toward lenders who uphold strong consumer outcomes and ethical practices.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Marking 60 years of specialist lending excellence
The 2025 event coincided with the 60th anniversary of the FSF, which began in 1965 as the NZ Finance Houses Association with just 10 members.
Today, the organisation represents 100 member companies across consumer and commercial lending, non-bank deposit takers, fleet leasing firms, credit unions, and building societies.
Together, they enable flexible finance options that inject competition and choice into New Zealand’s lending market.
The judging panel featured Andrew Mitchell, Financial Mentor Team Lead at the Salvation Army; Susan Taylor, CEO of Financial Services Complaints Limited; and Luke Ford, Finance Partner at Chapman Tripp.
2025 FSF Award winners
Autosure Rising Star Award – Aarti Pundir, Speirs Finance Group
Described by her general manager as a “young professional forging an impressive career,” Aarti Pundir rose rapidly through Speirs Finance to become Commercial Manager, earning recognition for her drive, humility, and strong customer focus.
Experian Workplace Champion Award – Bryce Grove, SG Fleet
Judges praised Grove’s long-standing commitment to empowering colleagues and creating an inclusive workplace. His quiet leadership and dedication to team wellbeing set a benchmark for the industry.
Provident Insurance Leadership Award – Mary-Anne Kirkness, MTF Finance
Judges highlighted Kirkness’ work with financial mentors, leadership training, and hardship support. Her proactive leadership and focus on community outcomes distinguished her among a competitive field.
Team Spirit Award – Avanti Finance Strategic Delivery Team
Avanti’s Strategic Delivery Team was recognised for driving impactful operational change through innovation and transparency. Judges said the team’s agile approach has made it “fundamental to the business as a whole.”
Innovation Award – Money SweetSpot
Social lender Money SweetSpot was commended for its courageous business model, providing financial reset debt consolidation loans to help New Zealanders in hardship. Backed by charities, the organisation was praised for “identifying and addressing real need in the community.”
Equifax Community Impact Award – Finance Now
Finance Now earned recognition for its strong community engagement, with initiatives supporting organisations such as Auckland City Mission, Conservation New Zealand, I Am Hope, Women’s Refuge, and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Judges said Finance Now’s local volunteering and partnership programs showed “deep commitment and connection to community.”
Industry united by purpose and people
McMorran said the calibre of entries reflected a thriving specialist lending ecosystem built on innovation and integrity.
“Events like these showcase the best of our industry — people and businesses working every day to provide fair, flexible lending options and help Kiwis achieve their financial goals,” she said.
Access the FSF media release here.
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