Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Paul Goldsmith has appointed Ainsley McLaren to the Financial Markets Authority board, as a new member for a five-year term.

“McLaren has a strong managed funds and investment background. Her practical experience of financial services in the banking sector will add value to the FMA Board,” Goldsmith says.

McLaren has more than 25 years' financial services experience including funds and investment management, fixed interest and financial markets. She has held senior investment positions at First State Investments and ASB Group Investments, where she was accountable for the performance of ASB Bank's retail managed funds and immunising the long-dated liabilities of Sovereign Assurance.

Previously she held various client-facing and leadership roles at ASB. McLaren is currently a board member of the Government Super Fund Authority and Hohepa Auckland Regional Board.

Goldsmith also reappointed Sir Bruce Robertson and Simon Hassan to the Disciplinary Committee under the Financial Advisers Act.“I am also pleased to announce the reappointment of Sir Bruce as Chair and Mr Hassan as a member of the Disciplinary Committee.

“Both appointees have been reappointed for a further five year term each and will ensure a continued presence of judicial and industry experience on the Committee,” Goldsmith says.

The Committee conducts disciplinary proceedings arising out of complaints against authorised financial advisers referred to it by the FMA.

Sir Bruce Robertson has been a member of the Committee since its commencement in 2010, and has served as Chair since 2011. He was previously a Permanent Judge on the New Zealand Court of Appeal, retiring in 2010. He continues to sit in various Pacific jurisdictions and holds a number of statutory and advisory roles. Sir Bruce was a member of the University of Otago Council for 20 years and Pro-Chancellor for six of those. He was also President of the Legal Research Foundation for ten years and President of the Law Commission for five years. Sir Bruce has held various community posts within New Zealand and has written extensively, especially in criminal law and law reform.

Simon Hassan has over 25 years’ experience as a financial adviser. He has been a member of the Committee since 2010 and is active in the financial advisory profession. Hassan is a Fellow and past President of the Institute of Financial Advisers and chaired its College of Financial Planners. He also served for five years on the Standards Committee of the International Financial Planning Standards Board. Prior to setting up Hassan & Associates with his wife Rosemary in 1995, Hassan held management and financial advisory roles with Prudential. He also mentors and consults to advisers, advisory firms, government agencies and education providers.