Each month, I try to find a way to pack in all the news and updates into this newsletter in an easy-to-read format without making it too long. I’m not sure this is ever especially successful, and indeed, this month I am struck by the same challenge. As our ecosystem grows more active, we are seeing a growing diversity and democratisation of events and initiatives, which is heartening. FinTechNZ’s role is evolving, with a stronger focus on sector leadership and areas of greatest impact—some of which are visible, and some happening behind the scenes. It’s a hard balancing act for both myself and the executive council, but after four years in this role, I can see the real, positive impact our collective efforts are having. As we reach a pivotal point in our growth, I hope we’re striking the right balance between leading on big-picture issues and coordination across the sector.
As an example, you may have noticed that over the past year we’ve shifted away from running our own “foundation” networking events, rather prioritising major initiatives like the Hui Taumata and supporting a groundswell of member-driven events—often organised independently, sometimes with our marketing support. This last month, the sector saw a phenomenal turn out for last week’s FinTech Expo at GridAKL and Akahu’s Open Banking event with Chapman Tripp (more below).
As mentioned briefly in previous editions of this newsletter, our efforts are now focused on three priorities as mentioned last month: enabling the startup ecosystem (alongside the likes of Creative HQ and GridAKL), a new focus on supporting scale-ups (including a mentoring initiative, more on that further on), and collaborating with government on the broader open banking agenda. In our view is an essential start point as we transition to an open data future enabled digital economy.
Behind the scenes, we’ve given our members the opportunity to the FinTechNZ community to provide feedback on API fees, Accreditation levies and fees, Interchange fees and surcharging, as well as submitting papers on Digital Identity/Biometrics, opening up ESAS access, and reducing banking license barriers for fintechs. You may be aware of the work of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) sandbox with the new one to watch being upcoming activity on e-invoicing.
In this issue:
- Expo highlights and sector reflections
- Policy and infrastructure progress
- Anti-Scam Alliance launch
- Digital wallet and ESAS updates
- Member and community news
- Upcoming events and new initiatives
FinTechNZ Updates
Highlights from the FinTech Expo
July marked a milestone for the sector with the inaugural FinTech Expo produced by Ramp Up and Auckland Council, hosted at GridAKL. As noted above it is great to see new and innovative approaches to events coming through in our ecosystem. It was great to see over 32 exhibitors and 650 plus guests participating in the expo!
Check out highlights from the event and video highlight reel from the organisers here.
The Open Banking Summit
Yet another fantastic ecosystem event that happened in July was the Open Banking Summit, hosted by Akahu and Chapman Tripp. The Summit drew an overflowing crowd and strong engagement from the fintech community. “When did Open Banking become cool?” asked Josh Daniell in his opening speech, reflecting the energy in the room. Attendees explored the future of open banking and its industry implications, with commentary from Hon Scott Simpson and representatives from the Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment (MBIE), Brenton Charnley (Co-Founder, Open Finance ANZ) and Lisa Ibarra (Head of Innovation, PaymentsNZ). The event highlighted just how far the sector has come as we count down to legislated Open Banking.
Read Chapman Tripp’s write-up on the event here.
2026 Hui Taumata Planning and our Partnership with Creative HQ
We’re excited to announce that the annual FinTech Hui Taumata will move from Auckland to Wellington in March 2026, reflecting an alignment with our strategic goals and supporting the Wellington region’s vibrant startup and scale-up ecosystem. Next year’s Hui, scheduled for 11–12 March, will feature a pitching competition led by Creative HQ, showcasing talent from their Fintech Ignite (More on this further on) and Accelerator programmes. This ongoing collaboration also supports the FinTech Festival and new initiatives aimed at growing Wellington’s fintech community.
Sponsorship opportunities for the Hui Taumata are now open. Get in touch to find out more,
Visit our website to stay up to date with the lastest news on the 2026 Hui Taumata
Exploring a New Mentoring Programme
As part of our commitment to growing and enabling scale-ups, we’re exploring a formal mentoring initiative. By creating a more structured approach to knowledge-sharing, we hope to better connect experienced leaders with the leaders of emerging fintechs. We welcome feedback and expressions of interest from those willing to mentor, as well as from companies seeking guidance. There will be more information about this to come soon.
If you or your organisation is interested, please contact Jason.
Regulatory & Policy Updates
Open Banking & Payment Infrastructure: From Policy to Practice, and Lessons for the Future
With the passing of CDR (CoPD) legislation, New Zealand’s fintech sector is actively transitioning from policy to practical market settings. Recent changes—including API fee limits, accreditation fees and levies, new interchange settings for Mastercard and Visa, and the government-announced ban on terminal card surcharging—provide greater certainty and signal a positive direction for the sector.
Yet, as we welcome these developments, it’s important to reflect on the legacy of our payments infrastructure. In my opinion, underinvestment in EFTPOS has allowed card schemes and Apple Wallet to gain dominance, making it harder for local payment solutions to thrive. Imagine if we had invested earlier in a monetised EFTPOS, maybe we would have seen Paywave capability or an EFTPOS digital wallet as our predominant payment format, or even identity option in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Looking ahead, the sector’s challenge is to actively invest in progressing real-time payments, enabling a unified digital identity wallet and more. We strongly support PaymentsNZ’s work in this area.
Read more about the CDR legislation here and the terminal surcharges ban here.
Financial Inclusion Report Released
As members may recall, we recently hosted roundtables in Auckland and Wellington focused on access to basic transaction accounts. We’re pleased to see the Reserve Bank has released some initial findings for the latest Financial Inclusion report, providing important insights into the key indicators of a healthy and functioning financial ecosystem in Aotearoa. As good as reports are, the question now is ‘what’s next?’
In the background, Jason is gathering expressions of interest for the inaugural FinTech for Good working group. Get in touch with him if you would like to be involved.
Read all RBNZ initial findings here.
Industry Initiatives
Anti-Scam Alliance Launch
Aotearoa’s new Anti-Scam Alliance was launched in July, coordinated by MBIE and bringing together government agencies, banks, telcos, digital platforms, and consumer groups. The Alliance aims to improve collaboration, enhance information sharing, and develop joint initiatives to combat scams and build a more secure digital environment.
Read MBIE’s announcement here.
Digital Wallets & ESAS
The next phase of Exchange Settlement Account System (ESAS) applications opens in September. Payment service providers, overseas deposit takers, and Financial Market Infrastructures (FMIs) are encouraged to apply. We see this as an important future focus.
Read the full announcement
Upcoming Events
International RegTech Showcase
Date: 20 August
Join our RegTech working group for “The Best of International RegTech Showcase” and discover some of the world’s leading RegTech solutions now making an impact in New Zealand. Featured companies include RegPass, Bluline, CUBE, and SimpleKYC. Each provider will demonstrate how their technology addresses key compliance challenges and can help your business save money and stay ahead of regulatory requirements. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore practical tools and connect with industry innovators.
Secure your spot
Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK Festival 2025
Date: 3 November – 7 November 2025
Hong Kong FinTech Week and StartmeupHK Festival returns for 2025. The two join forces for their 10th anniversary, 3–7 November, attracting 37,000+ attendees from 100+ economies. The event features a main conference, community events, 700+ exhibitors, and 800+ speakers, covering fintech, AI, Web3, sustainability, healthtech, and more.
Learn more
Upcoming Delegations: Australia & Singapore
We’re ramping up our global connections with key delegations and events in Australia and Singapore. Join us at Intersekt 2025 (14–16 August, Melbourne) to network with Australian fintech leaders and regulators. If you haven’t secured your spot yet, we have a special offer for General Admission tickets. Simply apply the code INTER800FNZL at checkout to get your discount. Looking ahead, the Singapore Fintech Festival (12–14 November) offers an exceptional opportunity for NZ businesses to engage with the world’s largest fintech market. FTNZ plans to run an orientation webinar with NZTE over the coming month, keep an eye out fro more info. If you or your company would like to go to the festival, contact Jason Roberts to express your interest. International events like these are invaluable for building relationships, sharing insights, and raising New Zealand’s profile on the global fintech stage.
Community Noticeboard
CreativeHQ Launch Fintech Ignite
Fintech Ignite is an immersive, eight-week, free startup programme that empowers early-stage fintech founders across Aotearoa to validate concepts, rapidly prototype MVPs with AI-driven tools and forge connections with industry leaders such as the NZ Fintech Fund and the Financial Markets Authority. The programme is delivered in a hybrid format with flexible online workshops covering customer discovery, compliance and pitching—supported by peer squads and workshops. Open to solo founders or small teams anywhere in New Zealand, it runs from 25 August to 19 October 2024 (applications close 11 August).
Check out the website for more info
Goldie Fundraising Success
Congratulations to Goldie, the Kiwi investment startup making waves by enabling Kiwis to invest in art, watches, and collectibles. Goldie recently secured new funding to drive its growth and bring alternative investment opportunities to more New Zealanders.
Kiwibank Gets Government Approval for $500m Private Capital Injection
The Government has approved a $500 million capital injection for Kiwibank from the private sector, allowing it to raise funds while remaining under majority state control. This move aims to boost Kiwibank’s competitiveness and support its future growth ambitions.
Looking ahead
Legislative progress, new alliances, and a focus on skills and innovation are setting the stage for the next phase of New Zealand’s fintech journey. Your continued engagement, feedback, and advocacy are crucial as we move forward together.
Ngā mihi nui,
Jason Roberts
Executive Director
