New Zealand's fund managers are predicting longer-term strength in the New Zealand dollar and stronger economic growth as the year progresses.

Morningstar has appointed Grant Kennaway to the newly created position of head of fund research, Asia-Pacific.

New appointments at the Financial Markets Authority mean the role of Director, Financial Adviser Regulation has been disestablished.

HSBC New Zealand is offering its high net worth Premier customers the first three months of their life insurance premiums free when signing up for a policy with the bank.

The Government is introducing the Non-Bank Deposit Takers (NBDT) Bill to Parliament next week to further tighten the rules for the non-bank sector.

Debate over timing of OCR increases; Lessons from Armitage v Church; Accuro secures third Consumer recommendation; More market analysis (with correct link).

The Financial Markets Authority has boosted its strategic leadership team with three appointments to key positions in support of chief executive Sean Hughes.

OnePath and ASB remain the dominant players in the KiwiSaver market, with 45.40% of KiwiSaver assets between them, according to the Morningstar KiwiSaver Performance Survey for the June quarter.

Heartland Building Society has increased its capital raising by $3 million to $58 million to finance its purchase of PGG Wrightson Finance.

NZ Funds Management founders Gerald Siddall and Russell Tills have sold down their ownership in the business to the current managers.