Welcome to the first Weekly Wrap of this year. Often the last few weeks of December are a very busy time for news. This year is no exception and I suspect there are still some more big stories to go in the week before Christmas.

New commissioner starts today; Cullen Fund continues to strengthen; Mercer's top 10 investment trends for 2010

The banks had a tussle in the six-month space this week as the competition for deposits continues to run unabated, in the same week Marac introduced non-guaranteed rates.

The investment landscape has changed irrevocably since the Global Financial Crisis and investors will be wise to ensure their investment strategies reflect the lessons learned from this period.

Equity funds come up with a strong year end result in terms of performance for New Zealand managed funds, according to FundSource.

Tyndall Investment Management New Zealand Limited has appointed Peter Lynn as managing director.

Mortgage broker Sue Tierney has liquidated her company and created a new one under the same name which leaves a court-ordered debt to a former contractor behind.

Industry associations have reacted positively to the latest discussion paper to emerge from the Code Committee process.

Milford Asset Management has appointed BT’s Head of Wealth Operations, Bryce Marsden as its chief operating officer.