Thousands more New Zealanders signed up to major medical health insurance in the September quarter according to statistics released by the Health Funds Association of New Zealand (HFANZ).

Borrowers need to be attuned to the risk of higher interest rates early next year if the Reserve Bank delivers on its warning, ANZ economists say.

The Securities Commission has banned Contributory Mortgage Investments Ltd (CMI) from acting as contributory mortgage broker for two of its mortgages.

New Zealand's No.1 website for property investors.

South Canterbury Finance has been given a BBB- rating by Standard & Poor's.

The ASB-Bank owned wrap provider Aegis has picked up a significant new financial planning firm and has also passed the $4 billion under administration mark.

Deposit takers and financial planners need the most regulatory attention: Survey. Unlisted looks to first IPO and St Laurence upgraded.

An Auckland-based adviser says clients are increasingly asking about Socially Responsible Investing (SRI).

Seasonally adjusted retail sales increased a stronger-than-expected 0.3% in October, putting pressure on Reserve Bank to either hold off easing or increase interest rates.

The Institute of Financial Advisers has made a pre-tax loss of $140,318 in the year to June 30. This is a $274,328 turn around on the previous year’s results.

Wellington

The government’s goal of increasing insurance cover with a new regulatory framework for the industry is unlikely to work, says the Professional Advisers Association.

Australian financial services company Allco Finance Group has made a cash and shares offer for full ownership of Strategic Investment Group.

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