New Zealand’s financial sector regulators have slammed life insurers – and the way they deal with advisers - in their report into the sector’s conduct and culture.

Kiwibank has slashed its two year fixed rate to 3.99% as New Zealand's lenders fight for a small pool of prime mortgage borrowers.

Sixteen year veteran leaves Fidelity Life to join one of the growing insurance groups.

New Zealand active fund managers did not deliver in 2018 on their promise to add value in volatile markets, researchers say.

While the start of the week maybe leisurely for many (Auckland Anniversary Day) the rest of the week may well contain a few bombshells.

General Finance Limited, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Registered Non-bank Deposit Taker has had a very good 12 months to 31 December 2018. The Managing Director Brent King said “the 2018 year has been profitable for the lending markets in New Zealand.  General Finance has had a very positive year.”

Craigs Investment Partners has added a new investment adviser, based in Hamilton.

New Zealand’s financial services sector has its hopes pinned on the Tax Working Group recommending incentives to encourage investing and long-term saving.

John (Jack) Bogle, who has died aged 89, was a pioneer and popular champion of low-cost fund products for the American retail investor. He founded Vanguard Investments and is widely acknowledged as the father of index fund investments. 

The NZX and Financial Markets Authority are reviewing the country’s capital markets with a view to boosting the number of new listings.

Criticism of a closed Fisher Funds scheme has highlighted the issue the sector has with legacy products.

A new version of the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services has been reviewed and signed off by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

Asteron Life is tweaking some of its materials to help customers have better conversations with advisers about the products offered.

Recent market volatility is an opportune time for investors to re-examine their portfolios, especially with respect to their risk appetite, actuarial firm MJW says.