I've been away for a week now and reckon that a day is a long time in the mortgage lending world at the moment.

It feels like there is nearly significant change daily. This morning we learnt that two of the big non-bank lenders are looking to merge and would become an even more significant player across markets in New Zealand and Australia.

Yesterday the Reserve Bank released a consultation document which would dramatically change the rules for bank lending, especially to property investors.

Last week we had an announcement from the Commerce Minister on what a new Financial Advisers Act may look like.  This has been a big topic at Good Returns and I would urge you to visit the site and catch up on the stories and just as importantly the comments from advisers. 

One of the many great opinion pieces comes from the IFA's learning and development manager Andrew Gunn. There is a link in the insurance section below, but in essence he argues that the changes proposed create a major loophole which current QFEs could jump through.

My question for you this week is this: What are your thoughts on the proposed changes to the FAA and how much will they impact on you and your business. Email your comments to philip@tmmonline.nz

And to wrap up this newsletter, a little hat tip to Heartland. If you want to find out more about Home Equity release loans check out their site here

Philip Macalister