International Analysts Invite INFINZ Input

Media Release
Institute of Finance Professionals New Zealand Inc

For Immediate Release:
December 5, 2003

International Analysts Invite INFINZ Input

The Institute of Finance Professionals New Zealand Inc (INFINZ) is pleased to announce the election of INFINZ Board Member, Mr Deepak Gupta, to the Executive Committee (ExComm) of the Asian Securities Analysts Federation (ASAF).

Mr Gupta, a past Chairman of the New Zealand Society of Investment Analysts, (which merged with the New Zealand Society of Corporate Treasurers in 2002 to form INFINZ.), has been a New Zealand delegate to ASAF for nearly a decade, and was instated in his new role at the organisation's October 2003 AGM, held in Beijing.

"This is tremendous news, as it clearly indicates the high regard accorded to INFINZ by its international peers," said Paul Hocking, Executive Director, INFINZ.

"INFINZ already has a key involvement in this large influential professional body, through our role in the ASAF Advocacy Committee and as Co-Chair of the ASAF Communications' Committee. However, we are delighted that our involvement has extended to representation at executive level. We are also honoured to have been invited to host the next ExComm meeting, which will be held in Auckland in April 2004," said Mr Gupta

ASAF, a representative organisation for over 36,000 member analysts in the Asia Pacific region, carries strong influence in the international arena as a member of the International Council of Investment Associations.

"Despite continuing perceptions about the supposed lack of ethical behaviour and appropriate market regulation in New Zealand, the fact is that New Zealand finance professionals are Œworld class', and through our professional body INFINZ we are increasingly taking a leadership role in world affairs," said Paul Hocking.

"We have had specific input into two ASAF papers over the last 18 months being "Corporate Disclosure" and "Analyst Independence" which have particular currency in the present New Zealand environment.

ENDS

Institute of Finance Professionals New Zealand Ltd (INFINZ)

INFINZ was established in 2002, the outcome of the union of two associations - The Society of Investment Analysts, and the Society of Corporate Treasurers. Its mandate is to operate as the industry body for Finance and Capital Market professionals in New Zealand. The organisation's membership (over 64+0 and rising) includes professionals in a broad range of disciplines, including sharebroking, senior bankers, funds management, investment banking, consulting, the legal and accounting professions, bank treasuries and dealing rooms, commerce in chief financial officer and corporate treasury roles, government and academia. INFINZ's mandate is to promote the proper development, growth and regulation of the financial and capital markets in New Zealand and to ensure their ongoing relevance to domestic and international investors and all market users.

ASAF members, represented by their local analyst societies, are Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Peoples Republic of China, Korea, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Iran and the Philippines.

ENDS

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