Standard & Poor's says it is still looking at launching a ratings service in New Zealand specifically designed for the non-bank market, but wants more companies to support it.

There have been warnings of a “train wreck” and an “adviser crunch” on the financial services industry next year, as New Zealand beds in a new savings regime and a new savings tax regime.

Two high profile superannuation commentators are behind the launch of a new website which is designed to be the “international voice on pension reforms”.

A firm associated with the former boss of failed listed company Equiticorp, Allan Hawkins, has bought the National Finance 2000 loan book for $7.7 million.

Auckland

Tyndall Investment Management managing director Anthony Quirk comments on New Zealand’s dreadful current account deficit and trade imbalances around the globe.

Another mid-sized financial planning firm has changed hands. The latest deal is that Darryl Edmonds has sold his shareholding in his North Shore firm Wealthy & Wise.