If regulators want an indication of what might happen if they regulate insurance adviser commissions, they could look to Australia.

New Zealand's financial services world has responded with scepticism to proposals from the Tax Working Group, including a capital gains tax.

Investors holding shares in New Zealand and Australian companies would be captured by changes proposed by the Tax Working Group today.

Advisers say a proposed capital gains tax on rental properties will not deter professional, long-term investors in the market.

The Tax Working Group (TWG) has recommended that income from capital gains – especially those made on residential rental properties – should be taxed more.

Associations are being told to be more openly vocal in their support for financial advisers.

Forget about upfront commissions, one adviser says churn should be tackled by allowing trail commissions to be paid to the servicing adviser – not simply the person who sold the product in the first place.

Kiwibank CEO Steve Jurkovich has noted the "unprecedented scrutiny" on bank conduct and culture, after the domestic lender posted a $62 million profit in the six months to December.

NZX has signalled plans to grow its Wealth Technologies platform further, despite long delays in bringing on its first customer.

A new online tool, Smart Investor, is being launched today to help Kiwis search and compare New Zealand investments such as KiwiSaver, shares, bonds and other types of managed products for the first time.