Celebration of ‘thriving sector’
Individuals and companies driving the specialist lending sector forward have been recognised at the 2025 awards run by the Financial Services Federation (FSF).
The organisers say you won’t see a “deal of the year” winner or categories based on financial performance because the awards are focused on customer care, innovation and positive community impact.
Aarti Pundir, of Speirs Finance Group, won the rising star award, Bryce Grove, of SG Fleet, was voted workplace champion, and Mary-Anne Kirkness, of MTF Finance, secured the leadership title.
The team spirit award went to Avanti Finance’s strategic delivery team, Money Sweetspot won the gong for innovation and Finance Now took home the impact award.
Lyn McMorran, pictured, executive director of the FSF, says: “In today’s economic climate, it is more important than ever that Kiwis know there’s a thriving sector outside of the traditional banking system that prides itself on innovative and customer-centric lending options.
“We started these awards five years ago because, quite frankly, we were tired of bad players hogging the spotlight for the wrong reasons when there are so many good people in the specialist lending sector that play an important role in ensuring people have options for a loan that best suits their needs.
“Specialist lenders are no longer on the periphery. There are 1.5 million New Zealanders who are customers of FSF members. This is a moment to acknowledge that.”
The event on November 5 fell during the FSF’s 60th year, highlighting the association’s evolution from its inception in 1965 as the NZ Finance Houses Association with 10 members.
“The membership today spans 100 consumer and commercial lenders, non-bank deposit takers, fleet leasing firms, credit unions and building societies – all unified in enabling flexible finance options that consumers increasingly rely on and injecting competition into the market,” adds McMorran.
Scott Simpson, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, opened the ceremony at the MOTAT Aviation Hall in Auckland that attracted 200 attendees, including Samantha Barrass, chief executive officer of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA).
The awards judging panel consisted of Andrew Mitchell, financial mentor team lead at Kaiwhakahaere Putea, the Salvation Army, Susan Taylor, financial ombudsman and CEO of Financial Services Complaints Ltd, and Luke Ford, finance partner at Chapman Tripp.
Judges’ views on the winners
Autosure Rising Star Award – Aarti Pundir, Speirs Finance Group. Pundir was nominated by the general manager of Speirs Finance, who described her as a young professional forging an impressive career with the group. Her first taste of the finance industry began in a phone-based customer service role before a stint overseas.
Pundir then climbed the ranks at Speirs Finance to commercial manager within a relatively short time, reflecting her rapid professional development and the trust she has earned across the organisation.
As a young woman excelling in a competitive, traditionally male-dominated field, she brings fresh energy and perspective to every interaction. Pundir represents the next generation of finance professionals – humble, confident, capable and deeply customer-focused.
Experian Workplace Champion Award – Bryce Grove, SG Fleet. The judges were particularly impressed with Grove’s commitment to people and his ability to empower others to thrive. He was shown to be a quiet achiever with many years of service at SG Fleet and goes above and beyond the requirements of his day job to encourage events and initiatives.
Provident Insurance Leadership Award – Mary-Anne Kirkness, MTF Finance. This category was a close-run race between the finalists, but ultimately it was Kirkness’ work with financial mentors and hardship, commitment to leadership training and clear future initiatives that impressed the judges.
Team Spirit Award – Avanti Finance’s strategic delivery team. The judges noted this innovative team demonstrates a clear focus on impactful change that matters and is committed to transparency and an agile approach. It has delivered a range of improvements from small beginnings and is now fundamental to the overall business.
Innovation Award – Money Sweetspot. The judges said this social lender developed an innovative and courageous business model from the ground up, identifying and addressing needs in the community. Backed by charities, it provides financial reset debt consolidation loans to help individuals facing hardship.
Equifax Community Impact Award – Finance Now. This category was a close race among the finalists. The judges were impressed with Finance Now’s commitment and connection to its local community, and the thought put into developing community initiatives. These include running a volunteering programme and supporting organisations such as Auckland City Mission, Conservation NZ, I Am Hope, Invercargill Blind and Low Vision Centre, Women’s Refuge, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and the Invercargill Food Bank.
