New Zealand

FMA Applies to Liquidate 25 Additional Chance Voight Entities

The FMA applied to the High Court to liquidate 25 additional entities in the Chance Voight Group, following interim liquidators' preliminary investigative findings. This is the second liquidation application from the FMA, with a hearing for the December 2025 application scheduled for June 29 – July 1, 2026. The interim liquidators' report remains under suppression until April 17, 2026.

Commissioner Decisions March 2026

IPONZ published four Commissioner decisions for March 2026 covering two trademark matters (Australian Defence Apparel examination, Chen Xi invalidity in Classes 30 and 43), one patent matter (Kite Pharma examination), and one design matter (Manscaped examination). All decisions are now publicly accessible through the New Zealand Legal Information Institute.

FMA Highlights Importance of High Quality Financial Reporting Amid Global Uncertainty

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) released its Financial Statements Monitoring Insights 2022–2025 report summarising findings from reviews of 60 sets of audited financial statements and reporting timeliness of all FMC-reporting entities over three years. The FMA urged directors, preparers, and auditors to reinforce governance and strengthen financial reporting processes amid global economic uncertainty. The report identified recurring weaknesses in disclosures around key judgements, assumptions, and risks, as well as inconsistencies between financial and climate-related reporting.

Financial Statements Monitoring Insights 2022-2025

The FMA reviewed 60 audited financial statements and filing practices of FMC reporting entities between 2022 and 2025. The report highlights findings on reporting quality, timeliness, and accuracy that support investor trust and market confidence.

FMA Warns Investors About Fraudulent AI Deepfake Trading Scams

The Financial Markets Authority in New Zealand issued a warning about increasing fraudulent trading platforms using AI-generated deepfakes of NZ politicians and business leaders to lure investors. The FMA identified 110 scam ads on Meta platforms in a single 24-hour period and flagged over 190 fake trading websites since March 2026. Consumers are advised to avoid clicking investment ads featuring high-profile New Zealanders and to never provide personal information to unverified platforms.

FMA Podcast on Access to Financial Advice in NZ

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) in New Zealand published a podcast summarizing its Access to Financial Advice Review. The review found that only 28% of New Zealanders accessed a financial adviser in the past 12 months, revealing significant accessibility barriers. The FMA is engaging with industry stakeholders to explore ways to improve access to financial advice within the existing regulatory framework.

Plant Variety Rights Journal

IPONZ released the April 2026 edition (No. 185) of the Plant Variety Rights Journal, published April 1, 2026. The quarterly journal contains new plant variety right applications and registrations. The document links to a PDF of general information and the searchable database of applications and registrations.

Class exemption simplifies green, social, sustainability bond issuance

The FMA granted a class exemption enabling issuers to offer green, social, sustainability and sustainability-linked (GSSS) bonds without the usual product disclosure statement requirements. The exemption aligns with the Financial Markets Conduct Act 'same class' exclusion, allowing issuers with existing quoted bonds to issue GSSS bonds with modified interest rates, redemption dates, and GSSS features more quickly and cost-effectively. Issuers must still make GSSS-related information available to investors.

FMA Cancels Saanvi 2022 Limited's Financial Advice Provider Licence

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has cancelled the Financial Advice Provider licence of Saanvi 2022 Limited for failing to meet its licence obligations. The FMA found serious failures in trust, governance, and professional standards, including the submission of altered documents and undisclosed referral arrangements.

IPONZ Journal - March 2026 Edition Available

The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) has released the March 2026 edition of its Journal. This update includes general information and specific application updates for patents, trademarks, and designs.