Industry focus on sustainability

The Financial Services Federation (FSF) will be putting the spotlight on the environmental, social and governance qualities of finance companies at its annual conference in Auckland this month.

This year’s event, which is open to members and non-members, has the theme “The Social Licence to Thrive” and is being held at the SkyCity Theatre on September 19

The FSF is the association for responsible non-bank lenders and leasing providers operating in New Zealand. Its 95 members include a number of companies operating in the motor vehicle finance sector.

Lyn McMorran, executive director, says the conference will offer attendees insights into trends in financial services domestically and abroad, as well as opportunities to network with delegates, experts and officials.

She adds the event’s sustainability focus is about organisations exploring positive impact beyond the balance sheet.

“The financial services sector has been hit with legislative review after review over the last few years, and when all time and investment is forced on constant compliance changes, it leaves little room for blue-sky thinking, innovation and ideas to help a sector to grow and its customers to thrive,” says McMorran, pictured.

“We hope this conference is an opportunity for attendees to take stock, take a break from working in the business and work on the business, and thinking about what more they could be doing for their customers and community.

“We want to reignite that enthusiasm for pioneering innovation and ideas that we know the New Zealand’s financial services sector is ready for.”

The conference programme includes sessions and updates on topics ranging from cyber security in motor vehicle finance to customer trust, sustainability, and the upcoming general election.

Regulatory sessions from the Financial Markets Authority, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and Commerce Commission will also be taking place.

A panel discussion on having an environmental, social and governance focus is set to feature Neeraj Lala, Toyota NZ’s chief executive officer, Michelle Herlihy, group chief executive officer of the Speirs Finance Group / YooGo, and Angus Luffman, managing director of Equifax NZ

Stephen Haddrill, head of the Finance and Leasing Association, which is the UK’s equivalent of the FSF, will also be attending and giving a speech.

“I will be talking about the opportunities for the consumer and business credit industry to fund a green revolution,” he says. 

“How we can make use of technology to improve our understanding of consumers and so provide better and safer access to credit.”

Annual awards

A gala dinner following the conference will also feature the FSF Crediting Excellence Awards, which recognise individuals and businesses that go above and beyond for good outcomes for customers, community, and staff wellbeing. 

The categories and finalists for this year’s awards are as follows. 

• Autosure Rising Star: Brendon Clark, hummgroup; Matthew Fung, Speirs Finance Group; Michael Bushell, Avanti Finance.

• Centrix Workplace Champion: Josh Aloua, Avanti Finance; Rebecca Emery, hummgroup; Jo Clews, DebtManagers.

• Provident Leadership: Kieran Stott, DebtManagers; Shannon Beech, Protecta; Monika Lacey, Centrix.

• Happy Prime Team Spirit: DebtManagers field agent team; Yoogo Fleet (a division of Spiers Finance Group); Avanti Finance people and capability team.

• Spiers Finance Innovation: Equifax; Centrix; Resimac.

• Equifax Community & Sustainability: Speirs Finance Group / Yoogo Fleet; IDCARE; DebtManagers.

For more information about the FSF conference and awards, click here.