Standard conditions for QFEs come into force today, however no QFEs are licenced yet as the Securities Commission has had to ask most companies for additional information.

New Zealand Home Loans (NZHL) has appointed Sovereign's Mark Collins as its new chief executive.

Bank economists are shifting their views further out on the Official Cash Rate (OCR) increase with ASB now joining Westpac in predicting a September hike.

A financial adviser believes OnePath has terminated his business agreement because of his client advocacy during the furore over the ANZ/ING Diversified Yield and Regular Income Funds.

The independent expert report on AMP's $13.3 billion bid for AXA Asia Pacific Holdings (APH) has concluded that the proposal is fair and reasonable and in the best interests of minority shareholders.

Kiwibank has rippled the interest rate waters cutting its one-year rate to match its floating rate in an effort to "test the market" after a quiet few months.

Once regulation is implemented industry associations are looking to get back to their regular business. Jenha White finds out what plans IFA and LBA have for the year.

Insurance adviser group The National Partnership (TNP) has set up a mortgage broking arm which is to be headed by NZ Mortgage Brokers Association boss Darren Pratley.

Former AA Life general manager Craig Knox and marketing manager Simon Rupapera have started up their own business where they will use direct sales capabilities to help generate advice leads.

New life company Partners Group has raised sufficient capital to get up and running in the market with a planned launch date of March or April.

Customers can expect switching banks to be easier this year as Payments NZ has enacted changes requiring greater co-operation between banks in the process.

The Institute of Financial Advisers (IFA) is revamping its professional development structure over the next three months and bringing specialist interest groups under its umbrella.

Former AA Life general manager Craig Knox and marketing manager Simon Rupatera have started up their own business called Legacy Life in Auckland, following their aspiration to be self-employed.

A M Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of Sovereign as A+ (Superior) and the issuer credit rating of "aa-" with the outlook for both ratings being stable.

The Securities Commission has published the standard conditions Qualifying Financial Entities (QFEs) will need to abide by, opening up the way for the first entities to be granted QFE status.

Ginger Group has inked another deal, this time a relationship with Goldridge Wealth Management. It comes just a week after it joined forces with Loan Market.