The Financial Services Council (FSC) has seen a solid year of member growth and increased revenues, the organisation
announced at its 2020 Annual General Meeting today.
In a year of two distinct stages, members of the Financial Services Council have worked together to support consumers
through COVID-19 and the development of the financial sector in New Zealand.
Rob Flannagan, Independent Chair, said “As the extent of Covid-19 started to come to light, I was proud to see the FSC
Members come together as an essential service and work with Government and regulators to support Kiwis.”
Richard Klipin, Chief Executive Officer, said “It is important to acknowledge how quickly government and regulators
reacted to the COVID-19 crisis. For the financial services sector, this included reducing and simplifying processes such
as the KiwiSaver Hardship Withdrawals, and re-prioritising regulatory change due in 2020.”
In 2019/20, FSC’s revenue grew 22%, membership has grown to 80 members* and the AGM highlighted some of the many
activities of the Council, including the 2019 Towards Wellbeing Conference, and the launch of FSC Connect, a series of
online events and other resources for FSC members during COVID-19 restrictions.
“It was great over the year to be able to welcome our new members, and to work with our membership to inform, educate
and support New Zealand and strengthen the voice of the sector”, continued Klipin.
The new FSC Board was also announced today, with experienced industry leaders Adrian Riminton (Joint acting CEO and
Chief Distribution Officer, Fidelity Life) Grant Willis (Head of Life, Asteron Life), Hugh Stevens (Chief Executive,
Smartshares) and James McDonnell (Managing Director, FNZ) joining the Board.
“I would like to welcome our new Board and thank our exiting Board members, Blair Vernon, Charlie Trotter, Cris Knell,
David Biegel and Nadine Tereora for their commitment, guidance and expertise.” said Rob Flannagan, FSC Chair.
“At our core, the financial services sector is key in supporting New Zealanders; our families, our businesses and our
communities through both good and bad times. The FSC remains committed to the health, wealth and wellbeing of New
Zealand, now more than ever, as we continue to adapt and respond to the ongoing global challenges of Covid-19”,
concluded FSC CEO Richard Klipin.