Resignation of FSF Executive Director

24 February 2012

After two years leading the Financial Services Federation (FSF) executive director, Kirk Hope has resigned to take up the role of chief executive of the New Zealand Bankers Association.

Rob Zubielevitch Director Sales and Business Development GE Capital and Chair of the FSF says “we are obviously very sorry to lose Kirk, as he has been instrumental in executing our strategy, which has left us very well positioned as an industry organisation after what has been an historically tumultuous period for the sector. However, we are also very happy that Kirk remains in a high profile leadership position within the financial services sector, as we believe the entire sector is well served by having an advocate of Kirks capability working at the industry level. On behalf of FSF member organisations I would like to thank Kirk for his contribution to the Federation, and to wish him all the best for the future.”

Kirk Hope says “I have immensely enjoyed working with the members of the Federation, and being given the opportunity to help build the public case that the NZ economy needs strong well run finance companies, and that there are still a good number of those operating. The Federation has an excellent history of professional advocacy, developed over a long period by my predecessor Justin Kerr, and I have been lucky enough to have had this substantial platform when engaging with government on issues of relevance to the sector.”

During Kirks time at the FSF he led discussions with the government on the Financial Service Providers Act, the Financial Advisers Act, amendments to the GST legislation, the development of the regulatory regime for non bank deposit takers, issues related to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act, and helped establish the Federations Responsible Lending Guidelines – which set a best practice standard for New Zealand lenders.

About the Financial Services Federation
The Financial Services Federation is an incorporated society that has represented New Zealands non-bank financial sector since 1965. Today the Federation represents 36 members including finance and leasing companies, building societies, and other major financial service providers. The non-bank financial sector provides investment and lending opportunities for over 1.2 million New Zealanders.

The Financial Services Federation promotes a healthy, competitive non-bank financial sector by providing a forum for members to interact and engage with government and private sector organisations on issues of importance to the sector.

ENDS

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