Page last updated: 24 June 2021

Investor capability and consumer insights

Capable, confident and well-informed investors are an essential part of healthy financial markets. Part of our role is to help investors build this capability and to seek insights from both investors and consumers of other financial services.

Investor capability and consumer insights

Our objective is to build investor confidence and understanding by creating safe and transparent financial markets so investors can better choose and use appropriate financial products and make informed investment decisions.

We work closely with other Government agencies, market participants, and community organisations to achieve this objective. We share our research to understand what helps investors and consumers make good decisions and stay up to date with international research best practice.

We focus on positively influencing the behaviour of all New Zealand investors and consumers of financial services in the following areas: 

  • KiwiSaver
  • investor platforms.
  • avoiding fraud and scams
  • awareness of high-risk ‘investments’
  • getting help and advice across investments, insurance, and mortgages
  • consumer rights and responsibilities
  • An increase in investors surveyed who report they are confident in New Zealand’s financial markets (measure from our annual Statement of Performance Expectations, reported in our Annual Report).
  • Evidence to show that investors and customers are engaged and make active and informed decisions based on clear, concise, and effective information and communication (strategic intention from our Statement of Intent, reported in our Annual Report). View the FMA Annual Report.

We survey consumers to understand current issues and consumer perceptions. Some of these surveys are conducted jointly with other agencies. We also test key resources with an online panel of consumers. Feedback helps us ensure we are clearly communicating the steps a capable investor should take when considering a specific product or activity. 

Our consumer advisory network helps us ensure consumer perspectives are considered and addressed in our investor capability strategy and initiatives, and in our broader regulatory activities.

  • Banking Ombudsman Scheme
  • Consumer New Zealand
  • Financial Dispute Resolution
  • FSCL – Financial Services Complaints Limited
  • Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme
  • National Building Financial Capability Charitable Trust
  • New Zealand Shareholders Association
  • SavvyKiwi

If your organisation is interested in becoming part of the network please contact us. Member organisations agree to our Charter of Participation.