Regulatory Alerts2026-07-01
Added · Updated
Credit transfer creates single conduct regulator for financial markets
The Financial Markets Authority assumes regulatory responsibility for the consumer credit sector from the Commerce Commission under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Act 2026. This transfer establishes a single conduct regulator for financial markets in New Zealand, centralizing oversight to deliver clearer rules and enhanced tools for lenders and consumers. The FMA will initially focus on lending practices, remuneration structures, and complaints handling to ensure responsible lending and fair treatment.
Like many organisations, we use technology on our website to collect information that helps us enhance the experience of our site. The cookies we use allow our website to work and help us to better understand what information is most useful to you.
Back
01 July 2026
SHARE THIS
Share to facebook
Share to LinkedIn
Share to X
Share by Email
Print this page
Back to top
Media Release MR No. 2026 – 32
Today the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) – Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko takes over from the Commerce Commission as regulator for the consumer credit sector, becoming the single conduct regulator for financial markets in New Zealand.
The transfer, enabled by the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Act 2026, centralises financial market conduct oversight, delivering clearer rules, enhanced tools and more streamlined regulation for lenders and consumers.
Clare Bolingford, Executive Director Licensing and Conduct Supervision, says that aligning credit regulation with broader financial services creates a framework that better supports responsible lending and consumer protection.
“Consumer credit plays an important role in helping New Zealanders manage their finances and access funds when needed, from funding major purchases through to meeting everyday living costs.
“Our goal is to protect New Zealanders and ensure fair treatment across financial services. We’ll be focusing our efforts on the areas where we see the greatest potential for harm.”
The FMA will build on the expectations set by the Commerce Commission with an initial focus on the following areas:
Lending practices, particularly suitability and affordability assessments
Remunerations structures and how conflicts of interest are managed
Complaints handling processes
“We’re looking forward to working constructively together to ensure the credit sector in New Zealand is working well for everyone,” says Ms Bolingford.
Media contact: Media.fma@fma.govt.nz?subject=Enquiry%3A%20Credit%20transfer%20creates%20single%20conduct%20regulator%20for%20financial%20markets%20
Non-media queries: questions@fma.govt.nz?subject=Enquiry%3A%20Credit%20transfer%20creates%20single%20conduct%20regulator%20for%20financial%20markets%20