Financial Markets Authority – New Zealand

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) of New Zealand, established in 2011, is the principal regulator of financial markets in New Zealand. It aims to ensure these markets are fair, efficient, and transparent, and that they provide a robust environment for investors.

Key Functions and Responsibilities

• Regulatory Oversight: The FMA oversees the compliance of market participants with the financial market laws of New Zealand, with a particular focus on ensuring fair conduct and robust disclosures to protect investors.
• Investor Protection: Protecting investors is a core mission of the FMA. This involves enforcing regulations that ensure investors receive accurate and timely information to make informed decisions.
• Market Integrity: The FMA strives to maintain and enhance the integrity of New Zealand’s financial markets through comprehensive monitoring and enforcement actions to prevent misconduct.

Strategic Initiatives

The FMA is actively involved in enhancing the regulatory framework to address new challenges such as the impact of technological innovations in financial services and the integration of ethical finance considerations into financial decision-making.

Recent Developments

Recent activities by the FMA include the implementation of new regulations for climate-related disclosures, which require significant financial entities to disclose their environmental impact and management strategies. The authority is also focused on combating money laundering and terrorism financing, aligning its efforts with international standards.