Well it’s been another busy month for the tech community, with a few surprises thrown in, and we’re looking forward to seeing the Government’s next move in the CTO process now that Minister Woods has retracted Derek Handley’s offer. Alternatively, we watch with interest for developments in the private sector, as NZTech CEO Graeme Muller astutely calls for a non-government CTO.
In the international space, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK has launched the Global Financial Innovation Network (GFIN), which currently includes 12 global regulators. The aim is to build a global sandbox, and if New Zealand becomes a member, I believe this environment will give us the edge to scale multiple FinTechNZ companies onto the global stage. FinTechNZ is planning to write to officials to suggest New Zealand will benefit from involvement in this global initiative.
Closer to home, over the last few months we have been going through the consultation process to develop a governed model for FinTechNZ. That is, we are establishing 12 Board seats, in keeping with the NZTech Alliance model. This means we will have six seats up for election in October across all the different categories of membership; we have also agreed on six working groups which are: Open Ecosystem; InsurTechNZ; International; Start-ups; Test Environment, and a FinTech Investor Guide. Each group will require a Chair and Deputy; now is the time to get involved so please get in touch if you would like to nominate yourself for a key role in any working group.
We are also using the results of the recent FinTechNZ survey to help us shape future organisational changes. Thank you to everyone that took the time to complete the survey, which provided us with some real insights. For example, over 80 percent of respondents would prefer we host bi-monthly events instead of the current quarterly presentations. You also told us that Cyber Security, Digital ID and Open Banking are the top three areas you would like to see us focus on; and you see the main benefit of membership as networking, and collaboration within the wider financial ecosystem. Look out for changes to FinTechNZ that reflect these survey results in the coming months.
The winner of the survey prize – two tickets to this years NZ FinTech Summit – is David Cole-Barker from Quanton, well done and see you at Summit on the 29th of November; FinTechNZ and Finnotec have been working hard to make this a day to remember. The program is taking shape and opportunities to get involved are slim, if you want to host or sponsor a session then get in quick.
Regards
James Brown
General Manager
EVENTS
Attend the NZ Fintech Summit, 29 November at the Pullman in Auckland. The premier FinTech conference in New Zealand is brought to you by FinTechNZ and FINNOTEC. Binu Paul of PocketWise explains why this event is a highlight of the FinTech calendar. FinTechNZ members please contact us to arrange a discount.
FinTechNZ is supporting a delegation from New Zealand attending the Singapore FinTech Festival 12- 16 November organised by NZTE in conjunction with Kea, ATEED and Xero. Please get in touch with NZTE if you wish to join the delegation. There are lots of diverse New Zealand companies attending in the delegation, and plenty of opportunities in and around the conference, so it is highly recommended.
Attend Open Data and Open Banking: a global perspective September 21, with 20% discount available for FinTechNZ members.
Join InsurTechNZ for our event Transforming Customer Engagement in the Digital Age on October 4.
The Trans-Tasman Business Circle event featured an engaging panel discussion on fintech with a presentation by FinTechNZ Executive Director, James Brown.
Request an invitation to the Blockchain South 2018 Leadership Summit October 2 and 3. It has just been confirmed that Naomi Brockwell, aka Bitcoin Girl, will be the master of ceremonies at the Summit.
The FSF CONFERENCE 2018: “DRIVING EXCELLENCE” held on 10th October focuses on proactively setting standards of responsible lending to drive excellence in the sector.
Learn more about how Blockchain is transforming business, government and society at Blockworks on October 12.
Attend the Sibos Conference in Sydney 22 – 25 October Enabling the Digital Economy. FinTechNZ members Ambit, Hnry and Chelmer have been selected to take part in the conference. There is still one more space available for a start-up to represent your brand at this amazing event so get in touch now if you’re interested.
Register for the Australian Payment Summit: Payments in the Platform Economy November 26 and 27.
Upcoming FinTechNZ Connect and InsurTechNZ events:
Wellington, 31st October, Your IP and How to Protect It.
Auckland, 1 November, Mapping the New Zealand InsurTech Landscape. The FinTechNZ Annual Meeting will be taking place before this event.
NEWS
Andrew Dentice, Technology Lawyer at Hudson Gavin Martin gives us an update on various Open Banking initiatives in New Zealand and overseas.
Jane Retimana, GM Strategy and Corporate Affairs for Payments NZ, gives us an overview of the recent payments pilot paving the way for Open Banking in New Zealand, and PwC reports on how to seize the Open Banking opportunity.
Radio New Zealand profiles Open Banking already operating in New Zealand.
Discover insights into financial technology innovation from New Zealand and Singapore featuring RegPac, FinTechNZ and Finappster.
MEMBER NEWS
Jason Roberts gives an update on recent developments at InsurTechNZ, FinTechNZ’s largest Working Group.
NZ InsurTech Landscape Report
EY, MBIE and InsurtechNZ have teamed up to develop New Zealand’s first ever InsurTech Landscape Report. The purpose of this is to help identify, open up and connect the wider eco system of insurtechs, incumbents and technology partners to stimulate further growth and opportunity.
We would like your input, you will receive a survey questionnaire soon and urge you to share your views. We plan to deliver the insights from this report at the next FinTechNZ Connect events (31st October – Wellington and 1st November in Auckland).
FinTechNZ member Delta Insurance has released a new product that offers to protect Kiwi businesses against intellectual property (IP) risks. The insurer said its new IP cover is a first in New Zealand; designed to make it easy for Kiwi companies to cover their legal costs in a battle over “intangible” assets.
Join Kiwibank in a key leadership role as General Counsel.
Xero is looking for a Product Manager for their Xero Learn tool for educators.
