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      The financial services industry in Aotearoa New Zealand is at a pivotal moment.

      Rapid technological innovation, evolving customer expectations, and a shifting regulatory landscape are reshaping the future of finance. In the second edition of our “Navigating Tomorrow” series, KPMG New Zealand explores how the convergence of technology, data, regulation, and customer needs is creating both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges for the sector.

      This year’s report draws on conversations with banking and financial sector leaders across New Zealand, as well as global perspectives from KPMG’s Head of Innovation and Fintech. Together, we examine the critical dimensions shaping the sector’s future:

      • Strategic integration of artificial intelligence (AI)
      • The evolution of embedded finance and fintech innovation
      • Growth in digital assets
      • The role of regulation
      Navigating tomorrow for Aotearoa's banking and finance sector

      Navigating tomorrow for Aotearoa's banking and finance sector

      Insights across digital and transformation, risk and regulation,
      and sustainability.

      Download report

      Key insights

      psychology

      AI and strategy

      AI is transforming financial services, moving beyond automation to become a strategic driver of innovation and customer experience.

      New Zealand banks are seeing early wins in fraud detection and data management, but the real opportunity lies in aligning AI with long-term strategy and culture.

      Institutions that foster transparency, invest in skills, and embed ethical frameworks are building trust and delivering greater value for both customers and teams.

      finance

      Embedded finance and fintech

      Embedded finance is integrating banking into everyday platforms, making financial services seamless and contextual.

      Success stories like buy now, pay later (BNPL) and real-time lending show how fintech partnerships and digital infrastructure unlock new value.

      To build resilient, customer-centric digital experiences in a digital-first world, trust, security and collaboration are essential.

      rule

      Regulation

      Overseas, we see regulation is evolving from a set of constraints to a platform for innovation. Clear, targeted rules and collaborative engagement with regulators are unlocking growth and protecting consumers.

      Initiatives like regulatory sandboxes and real-time compliance tools have the potential to help institutions adapt quickly and responsibly. The challenge is balancing agility with accountability, ensuring innovation serves both business and society, and turning regulation into a strategic advantage for the sector.

      Contact us

      We hope you enjoyed this report and would be delighted to discuss its content and insights in further detail. Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to schedule a conversation.

      Nicola Raynes-Pene - KPMG New Zealand
      Nicola Raynes-Pene

      National Industry Leader - Financial Services

      KPMG in New Zealand

      Ceri Horwill - KPMG NZ - Partner
      Ceri Horwill

      Partner - Risk Consulting, Head of Banking & Finance

      KPMG in New Zealand

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