Kia ora,
Thereโs no doubt 2025 is a watershed year for fintech in Aotearoa, which is why this is a core theme for our upcoming Hui Taumata, March 11 in Auckland, (now less than three weeks away).
We stand at a crucial inflection point, but Iโm optimistic that weโre heading in the right direction, supported by the progress we’ve made over the past year and the active, generous spirit of our fintech community. We’ve seen larger incumbent partners demonstrate support and innovation through partnerships, acquisitions, and active involvement, alongside the positive outcomes of our roundtables with Minister Bayly (more details below). These are encouraging indicators of progress, and we should all acknowledge the significant participation from our community in shaping fintech’s impact for Aotearoa.
This year has been a busy one so far, read on for the latest news and updatesโฆ
๐ Fintech Updatesย
Continued Engagement with Minister Bayly
Over the past six months, we’ve had consistent and positive engagement with Minister Bayly and improved dialogue with core government agencies. Our discussions have focused on the anticipated delay of CDR legislation into Q2/Q3 this year. Last week’s meeting, hosted by Emerge, concentrated on feedback from the e-licensing and identity/biometric data working groupsโimportant elements for sector activation. Conversations are ongoing around surcharging and reviewing the structure, ownership, and governance of the API ecosystem, with a focus on diversity and consumer adoption.
We look forward to Minister Bayly’s address at the Hui Taumata, and to continuing these crucial conversations in our follow up meetings.
CreativeHQ’s FinTech Lab 2025 (Accelerator) is now in full swing
In January, I was impressed by the latest cohort of fintechs pitching their propositions to a 200-strong audience in Wellington.ย Congratulationsย to theย CreativeHQย team for supporting and shaping this current cohort and for their role (along with industry sponsors) in influencing the fintech sector in NZ. We can look at Kiwi success stories likeย Sharesiesย andย Hnryย to appreciate their contributions.
We’re playing our part as a partner by offering theย Fintech Hubย (supported byย GridAKL), where the Auckland cohort continues its development with the CreativeHQ team each Tuesday.
Look out for some of these start-ups in theย ASXย Innovation Zone, some of which will be competing to be crowned FinTechNZ Start-Up of the Year award at theย Hudson Gavin Martinย Start-Up Pitch Breakfast at this year’sย Hui Taumata.
๐ย Upcoming Events
Fintech Festival: Celebrate NZ’s Fastest Growing Tech Sector
We’re right behind supporting awareness of the upcoming Fintech Festival, hosted by CreativeHQ, celebrating Kiwi innovation and NZ’s rapidly growing tech sector.
Spaces are limitedโdon’t miss out! Secure yours here.
FinTechNZ Hui Taumata 2025
With just three weeks until the Hui Taumata, time is running out to secure your spot. Our packed agenda features keynote speakers, industry sponsors, and exciting Quickfire presentations from Paloma, Fiskil, and Banzpay.
Don’t forget to access your 2-for-1 member offer on tickets.
Consultation on payments for the next generation
Don’t miss your chance to explore the future of payments! Payments NZโs next generation team is hosting an online hui on Thursday, 27 February, 10:30 AM โ 12:00 PM, covering key proposals from the Next Generation Payments consultation.
Register nowโeven if you canโt attend, sign up to receive the recording.
๐คCommunity Noticeboard
RFI Opportunity
Stay informed about the latest opportunities with this RFI for Open Banking and API Services in the Financial Industry. This is a significant milestone for New Zealand, marking the first government agency-led open banking initiative. Submit entries from February 10-28, 2025.ย Get inย contactย for details
Sandbox innovations
The FMA has received 19 applications for the fintech sandbox, focusing on mature, market-ready solutions. The first cohort will be announced soon. Fintech companies should submit their interest via the FMA’s online portal to streamline the application process and speed up market entry. Apply now on the FMA website.
๐Welcome to our new members
A warm welcome toย Adminis NZ Limited,ย AffordX,ย ProductCloud,ย Shape Consulting, andย Smartcover Finance.ย We’re thrilled to have these diverse and innovative organisations join us as we work together to drive the future of fintech in Aotearoa.ย
Read full news here: A watershed year for fintech in Aotearoa: key updates, opportunities & whatโs ahead
