Non-bank sector celebrates at FSF Awards

 

The non-bank lending sector celebrated at the Financial Services Federation’s biggest ever, sold-out Awards on 16 November, following a hiatus for two years.

The Awards showcase the positive impact FSF members contribute to the sector and its customers by recognising those who have demonstrated excellence and dedication to the sector.

“We started these awards four years ago as we were tired of dodgy lenders hogging the spotlight when there are so many excellent people in this sector who take pride in their work, and responsible lending seriously,” says FSF’s Executive Director, Lyn McMorran.

“There are 1.7 million New Zealanders who are customers of FSF members, and countless stories of good borrowing experiences to go with that, and this is a moment to acknowledge that.”

Particular emphasis for the entry criteria is placed upon dedication to good outcomes for both consumer and business customers.

The judging panel for 2022 comprised of FinCap Chief Executive Ruther Smithers, Financial Services Complaints CEO Susan Taylor, and Chapman Trip Partner Luke Ford.

The Awards Gala Dinner Ceremony followed the FSF’s (also sold-out) ICE Conference, which focused on Innovation, Conduct, and Empowerment. Among the line up was Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister David Clark, ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner, National Party Commerce Spokesperson Andrew Bayly, Commerce Commission General Manager of Credit Louise Unger, and over from Australia, the Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) CEO Diane Tate.

 

FINALISTS/WINNERS:

 

Autosure Rising Star

New industry professionals who demonstrate outstanding achievement and commitment to the responsible New Zealand financial services sector.

Finalists: Chris Fifita, DebtManagers; Eona Ikilei, CFS Finance

Winner: Mark Wilson, Latitude Financial

Winner of the Autosure Rising Star Award Mark Wilson (L), Latitude Finance, with Autosure GM James Searle.

Centrix Workplace Champion

Recognising those backstage heroes in the workplace whose outstanding attitude and support work empowers the organisation to thrive.

Finalists: Irene Craig, CFS Finance; Rebecca Stuart, Avanti Finance

Winner: Daniel Alridge, CFS Finance

Winner of the 2022 Centrix Workplace Champion Award Daniel Aldridge of CFS Finance, pictured with Centrix's Monika Lacey.

Provident Insurance Leadership Award

Celebrating our Federation's leaders who empower their team, promote good conduct, company culture, and outcomes for customers.

Finalists: Michael Harrison, Avanti Finance; Kieran Stott, DebtManagers

Winner: Angela Jorgensen, CFS Finance

Winner of the Provident Insurance Leadership Award, Angela Jorgensen of CFS Finance, pictured with Provident Insurance CEO Steve Owens.

Happy Prime Team Spirit Award

High achieving teams with a fantastic team spirit, who look after each other, and make the workplace a good place to be.

Finalist: DebtManagers Field Agents Team

Winner: Oxford Credit Services

Oxford Credit Services took out the Happy Prime Team Spirit Award, with Oxford's Jason Smith (R) and Happy Prime's Meurig Chapman.

Speirs Finance Innovation Award

FSF member companies that have displayed significant innovation, initiative, and thought leadership to enhance their company's or clients' abilities to thrive.

Finalists: Equifax; Lexis Nexis

Winner: Centrix

The Speirs Finance Innovation Award went to Centrix (Stewart Baxter of Centrix pictured with Speirs Finance's Michelle Herlihy).

Equifax Community and Sustainability Award

Celebrates FSF member companies involved in initiatives that have a positive impact on the lives of New Zealanders.

Finalist: Go Car Finance

Winner: Avanti Finance

Winners of the Equifax Community and Sustainability Award: Avanti Finance. With (L-R) Equifax's Lisa Postlewaight, and Avanti's Graeme Duncan and Priya Patel.

The judges were impressed by Avanti’s co-ordinated effort across their whole business when it comes to people, the wider community, and our planet.

Of note was Avanti’s structured framework and dedicated resource to organise volunteering opportunities for staff to volunteer in the community with the likes of Eat My Lunch, Ronald McDonald House, Motuihe Island Care, and Helping Homeless Families. Avanti has also supported IHC to contribute towards development of an app designed to promote financial literacy for people with intellectual disabilities.

For more information please email hmckee@fsf.org.nz
Background:The Financial Services Federation representsresponsible finance and leasing companies operating in New Zealand. FSF members take their compliance obligations seriously and all members are subject to a Code of Conduct which ensures its reputation as the setter of industry standards in responsible lending. FSF published the Responsible Lending Guidelines and produced a Responsible Borrowing Code with FinCap in 2019. Find out more about FSF and see the full member list at www.fsf.org.nz.