SHARE NZ has sealed a surprise takeover of rival Newpark Group, marking the latest phase of consolidation in the adviser industry.

SHARE NZ has sealed a surprise takeover of rival Newpark Group, marking the latest phase of consolidation in the adviser industry.

[UPDATED] NZFSG's merger with Kepa has received regulatory approval and closed on October 30 as planned, according to the group's chief executive Brendon Neal. CORRECTED STATEMENT FROM COMMERCE COOMMISSION.

Lifetime Group has welcomed a new director to their board.

Aussie non-bank lender Liberty Financial is lining up an A$1.8 billion ASX listing, joining a raft of other alternative lenders on the public market.

The health insurer seeing 10-20% lift in claims for the July to September year.

It is just two weeks now until healthy homes standards compliance statement need to be included in new or renewed tenancy agreements.

Fidelity Life says its new telephony solution deliver immediate benefits to customers and advisers.

While the official cash rate looks less likely to go negative, economists predict one and two year fixed mortgages will fall to about 2% in the next year.

The Reserve Bank's Funding for Lending Programme makes aggressive official cash rate cuts less likely, according to economists. 

Loan Market has hired a senior figure from ANZ as its new chief executive, replacing industry veteran Brian Greer who is stepping down from his role.

ANZ has followed ASB in bringing back deposit requirements for investors, after the Reserve Bank's u-turn on LVR speed limits.