Regulation and competition in focus at FSF Conference 2025

Political leaders join lenders to debate credit sector future

By Mina Martin

01 Oct 2025

Regulation, competitionm and the future of New Zealand’s credit landscape will take centre stage at the Financial Services Federation (FSF) Conference on Nov. 6 – 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.

This year’s event also comes as the FSF marks its 60th anniversary. Founded in 1965 as the New Zealand Finance Houses Association, the federation has grown into a sector serving more than 1.7 million consumers and businesses and contributing to New Zealand’s $20 billion specialist finance economy.

Industry perspectives and programme highlights

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,” said FSF executive director, Lyn McMorran (pictured), in a media release.

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 geopolitical 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.

Countdown to November

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: