fintech.govt.nz

FINTECH
FORUM

The New Zealand Council of Financial Regulators (COFR) official forum for FinTech-related regulation.

Why?

Innovation thinking, enabled by technology adoption, can create benefits for consumers, businesses and New Zealand as a whole. Developments in technology and the evolving data economy have led to a wave of innovation and continue to reshape traditional financial products and services. The financial technology (FinTech) sector continues to evolve rapidly.

Our aim is to ensure that the New Zealand regulatory system facilitates innovation that improves outcomes for customers and increases the efficiency and competitiveness of the financial system.

How?

We recognise that innovation is a journey and not a one-off exercise or intervention. At any point in time there are various factors at play, and over time these factors will continue to evolve. Regulatory frameworks, designed appropriately, can help support this dynamic innovation journey. Our approach to this is multi-pronged.

We will:

  • Provide the innovation community coordinated information and guidelines, to help navigate New Zealand’s financial regulatory system.
  • Identify aspects that hinder innovation and provide input into appropriate operational and regulatory solutions.
  • Proactively monitor relevant trends and developments to identify risks and opportunities in the FinTech sector.

What?

We have established a single point of regulatory support and information for the FinTech sector, which can consider regulatory enquiries directed at any of our member agencies.

Members of our group meet monthly to discuss emerging trends and issues. Over time we will also coordinate some of our activities with a wider set of agencies and relevant stakeholders to work collaboratively in supporting the innovation community.

We are also developing a guide that outlines how innovative products and services fit within the current financial regulatory frameworks. The guide is aimed at supporting improved regulatory clarity for industry participants.