FMA talking investment risk for Money Week

FMA talking investment risk for Money Week

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) today announced its plans for this year's Money Week from October 13-19 2014. The FMA will be hosting a panel discussion to promote greater understanding of investment risk.

The theme for this year's Money Week is getting your money fighting fit and the FMA will be hosting a ‘Heavy Weight Debate’ at St Matthew's Church, Auckland, Thursday 16 October 2014, 5:30 -7pm.

The panel discussion will ask whether New Zealanders are any good at understanding risk. The panel aims to help investors and consumers understand more about risk, a subject which many investors often find challenging. The event is free and open to the public.

The panel will feature Rob Everett, CEO FMA; renowned author and investor advocate Mary Holm; John Body, Managing Director ANZ Wealth, the nation’s largest KiwiSaver provider and Martin Hawes respected commentator and authorised financial adviser.

Chairing the panel is broadcaster Wallace Chapman from TV’s “Backbenches” programme and Radio New Zealand.

Understanding more about the risks as well as the benefits of investing is an important aspect of encouraging confident and informed investors. The Financial Markets Authority Act 2011 gives the FMA a mandate to provide public information and education on New Zealand’s capital markets.

Simone Robbers, FMA’s Head of Primary Markets and Investor Resources, said “New Zealanders seem to be more comfortable chatting about mortgage interest rates around the barbecue than discussing their investment risk profile or the type of KiwiSaver fund they are in. We want to help get people talking about their savings and investments in Money Week.”

Money Week is a major nationwide initiative from the Commission for Financial Literacy and Retirement Income. Now in its third year, the week of activities is focused on raising awareness about personal money matters and motivating New Zealanders to assess their financial situation.

“The FMA is really pleased to be contributing to Money Week and raising the profile of what’s available for investor resources. We want to help investors be able to make more informed decisions. Well-informed investors are likely to make more appropriate choices, and understanding your investment risk profile has a big impact on these decisions,” said Ms Robbers.

As well as hosting the debate, the FMA will be releasing research into Kiwis’ attitudes and understanding of investment risk at the start of Money Week.

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