New Zealand's Financial Market's Authority Podcasts

Join Jess, a 28-year-old newbie in the world of investing, as she navigates the ups and downs of becoming an investor. Just like you, she's learning the ropes. Each month, Jess teams up with a different expert who shares practical insights and tips to help demystify investing.

At the FMA, we believe in empowering New Zealanders with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions. The Jess Learns to Invest podcast is part of...

In this episode of 5 Minutes with the FMA, host Chris Daniels is joined by Regulatory Services Advisor Elizabeth Asmerom Esfahan to unpack the latest trends in investment scams targeting New Zealanders.

Elizabeth sheds light on the evolving tactics scammers are using from fake comparison websites to impersonation via text and messaging apps. They discuss AI, where deepfake videos and automated scam networks are making frau...

We’ve released our 2025 Financial Conduct Report.

This report outlines the key risks and opportunities the FMA will focus on over the next 12 months. It reflects our outcomes-focused approach and provides clarity for industry on our regulatory priorities.

We encourage Boards, Executives and Leaders within financial services to consider how these insights can support better outcomes for consumers and markets.
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Are you ready to take your first step into property investing? In this episode Jess talks to Vanessa Williams from Realestate.co.nz, diving deep into the do's and don'ts of real estate and property investing. Vanessa talks about navigating New Zealand’s housing market, spotting investment opportunities and maximising your returns. 

Property investing is the process of purchasing real estate with the goal of generating inco...

New research published by the FMA's economics team this week shows that while many New Zealanders feel confident in their financial decisions, there are significant gaps between their financial goals and actual holdings of investment products.    

Good Cents: Kiwis on Savings and Debt looks into New Zealanders' attitudes and behaviours towards savings, debt reduction, and financial guidance. 

FMA Head of Economics and Resea...

Market volatility is about how much and how quickly prices in the market change. When prices move a lot, there's a chance to make money, but there's also more risk. Remember, market volatility is normal. In this episode, you'll learn what market volatility is, how it can affect your investments, and what it means for your KiwiSaver.

This episode features Brad Olsen, the Chief Executive and Principal Economist at Infom...

In this edition of 5 mins with the FMA Head of Financial Advice Romil Ghelani speaks to Heidi Norman about the Financial Advice Review. Regulatory Returns data signals a healthy financial sector. This is the first time the FMA has collected a comprehensive snapshot of the financial advice sector since the new Financial Advice regime came into effect in March 2023.
  
This data is derived from the 2024 Financial Advice Provi...

A managed fund is a type of investment where your money is pooled together into a larger investment fund with other investors. A fund manager with expertise in investing then manages that money and decides what assets to buy and sell on your behalf. Learn this and more as Jess learns how to get started in a managed fund. 

This episode features Sorted.org.nz’s Personal Finance Lead, Tom Hartmann.

Join Jess, a 27-year-old new...

In this special episode of our 5 mins with the FMA podcast, we take a look at outcomes- focused regulation with Liam Mason, FMA Executive Director of Evaluation and Oversight and General Counsel. 

Today we’re releasing a document that provides you with an update on our approach to Outcomes-Focused Regulation. An outcomes-focused approach means we focus on the end results that regulation is aiming to achieve for New Zealand businesse...

As we approach International Women’s Day, we’re thrilled to bring you the second episode of our Jess Learns to Invest podcast series.

In this episode, Jess sits down with financial Journalist and educator Frances Cook to discuss how women often approach investing differently. They chat about the opportunities women can embrace, and how women are increasingly shaping the future of investing. “Women may be less likely to in...

Are you ready to kickstart your investing journey in 2025? Dive into our new podcast series.  Join Jess, a 27-year-old newbie in the world of investing, as she navigates the ups and downs of becoming an investor. Just like you, she's learning the ropes. Each month, Jess will team up with a different expert who will share invaluable insights and tips about investing. 

At the FMA, we believe in empowering New Zealanders...

Jess and Stuart are back for episode 4 of our Navigating KiwiSaver series. Last week they discussed contributions, this week Stuart explains KiwiSaver fees, he also touches on active and passive investments.

The fee is calculated as a percentage of the net asset value of each fund, and is already deducted from your investment, so returns will be reduced.

Actively managed funds are where investment managers make a...

Did you know there are five contribution rates when it comes to your KiwiSaver — 3%, 4%, 6%, 8% or 10?  

Along with your personal contributions, your employer contributes to your KiwiSaver as well as the Government.

Episode 3 of our Navigating KiwiSaver series is out now! This week Stuart explains to Jess the importance of contribution rates and why a yearly review could be beneficial.

This podcast has been prepared by the FMA. The ad...

In this episode, Jess asks Stuart to break down the different types of KiwiSaver funds.

Funds are grouped by how much of the riskier investments they hold, like shares and property (also known as "growth assets"). Whether you're looking to dial your risk up or down, it's important to pick the right fund that aligns with your savings goals. 

Stuart also shares where to find out exactly which KiwiSaver fund you’re i...

Want to learn more about KiwiSaver? This is episode 1 of our new navigating KiwiSaver series.

This first episode is a KiwiSaver 101, you will learn what KiwiSaver is and how it works. 

Jess asks Chief Economist Stuart Johnson how much she should be contributing and when to review her contributions.

This podcast has been prepared by the FMA. The advice is of a general nature, and is not intended to be financial advice and FMA...

KiwiSaver has just reached a huge milestone! According to our latest KiwiSaver Annual Report, the KiwiSaver funds under management have soared to $111.8 billion as of March 31, 2024, marking a 19.3% jump from last year’s $93.6 billion. This is a big win for New Zealanders who rely on KiwiSaver for their retirement savings. 

The growth this year came from a mix of $13.1 billion in investment returns and $11.2 billion in con...