This past week has been a big one for the finance company sector - yet again - with a mix of good and not so good news.

Bluestone may have missed out on getting control of Geneva Finance, but it hasn't stopped looking for finance company acquisitions in New Zealand.

ING Life is looking to provide an add-on to its trauma policy which provides women with a lump sum payment if they give birth to a child with various birth defects. Its Australian sister company launched such a policy this week and has received a huge amount of publicity.

George Gould, who took over and listed the Mike Pero Mortgages business, has emerged as the potential buyer of Vestar.

Finally there is a glimmer of hope for borrowers that home loan rates will start falling. This glimmer has been intensified by a little competitive pressure.

Standard & Poor's has increased Geneva Finance's rating three notches, but remains negative on the company.

Financial advisory group Vestar is on the market and is won't fetch anything like the $52 million MFS Australia paid for the company in late 2006.

Geneva Finance investors have opted for the company's recapitalisation plans over receivership.

KiwiSaver bulks up AXA's funds flow, First finance coy PIE, St Laurence gets bulk of money, Staff buy out hedge manager.

UDC is the first finance company to roll out new products under the Portfolio Investment Entity tax rules. It's two offerings are a term fund and a cash one.

Wellington