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Programme at a glance: speakers and session details coming soon. 


Registration and Networking

7.45AM - 9.00AM 

The FSC26 Conference will open for registration at 7.45AM, followed by networking opportunities to connect with industry peers and expand your professional network. Additionally, the expo will be open, providing a chance to connect with conference sponsors and explore the latest products and services. 


Wellbeing Session (optional)

8.00AM - 9.00AM

 

Start your day with balance and clarity at our FSC26 Wellbeing session - a perfect way to refresh your mind and body before diving into the conference.


Main Plenary

9.15AM - 10.45AM 

Join us for the first sessions of the morning with a conference welcome and a political perspective.

WELCOME
THE POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE

FSC Conference Pōwhiri and Karakia

9.15AM - 9.30AM

Following arrival networking, a Karakia will be held before our MCs officially open FSC26 conference.

The Political  Perspective

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9.30AM - 10.45AM

Amplifying the Future

As global markets, technology, and consumer expectations rapidly evolve, New Zealand’s financial systems need a fundamental re‑wiring.
 
This opening plenary brings government and industry voices together to reflect on recent changes and challenge how regulation must change with the rest of the world, shifting from prescriptive rules to adaptive frameworks that enable innovation, support competition, and deliver better long‑term outcomes for New Zealanders.

10.45AM - 11.15AM Morning Tea

Time to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, network and further explore the expo area.


11.15AM - 12.30PM 

The next session of the morning welcomes a global keynote and the second panel discussion of the day. 

GLOBAL VELOCITY

Global Velocity

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11.15AM - 12.30PM

Learning, Adapting and Accelerating New Zealand's Future

As geopolitics, technology, demographics, and global capital flows reshape financial systems at unprecedented speed, New Zealand must rethink its position in a rapidly evolving international landscape.

This global keynote and panel will unpack the major forces transforming everything from consumer expectations to investment behaviour, risk management, and regulatory models worldwide.
 

Lunch Sessions

12.30PM - 2.00PM 

Mix and mingle over lunch in the expo area, with two lunch sessions also running concurrently.

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE
LADUCA

Professional Advice

12.30PM - 2.00PM

Enjoy a relaxed networking lunch while diving deeper into key issues facing the Professional Advice sector.

LADUCA

12.30PM - 2.00PM

Enjoy a relaxed networking lunch while diving deeper into key issues affecting underwriting.


Masterclasses

2.00PM - 4.00PM

There will be a choice of three Masterclasses in the afternoon prior to the networking drinks. 

LIFE AND HEALTH INSURANCE
KIWISAVER AND INVESTMENT
DIGITAL AND AI

Life and Health Insurance 

2.00PM - 4.00PM

FBT: The Hidden Handbrake or NZ’s Untapped Advantage?

Is Fringe Benefit Tax truly holding back access to life insurance — or have we been viewing it through the wrong lens? As protection gaps widen and employers look for smarter ways to support their workforce, this masterclass confronts a critical question for the sector: is FBT a genuine barrier, or could modernising its use unlock broader coverage, stronger financial resilience, and improved workplace wellbeing?
 
In this interactive and insight‑driven session, industry leaders and policy thinkers will unpack the real impact of FBT, challenge long‑held assumptions, and examine whether international approaches point to smarter models for New Zealand. Participants will explore how government and business could rethink FBT as a strategic lever rather than a burden, one that strengthens employer value propositions, increases access to essential protection, and supports a healthier, more productive workforce across Aotearoa.

KiwiSaver and Investment

2.00PM - 4.00PM

The Next Frontier: How a Fully Mature Savings and Investment System Could Transform New Zealand

Imagine a New Zealand where high savings rates are the norm, retirement outcomes are strong, and KiwiSaver acts as a powerful engine for national wellbeing. This masterclass shifts the conversation from fixing today’s challenges to exploring the long‑term opportunities of a fully successful KiwiSaver system.
 
How might a well‑capitalised population reshape capital markets, home ownership patterns, social mobility, and economic resilience? What new possibilities emerge when New Zealanders retire with confidence and security?
 
This aspirational session reframes KiwiSaver as not just a savings tool, but a catalyst for a stronger, more prosperous future.

Digital and AI

2.00PM - 4.00PM

Digital Intelligence Unleashed: AI, Open Finance and the Next Frontier of Financial Services

AI and digital transformation are reshaping global financial services at speed — and New Zealand is on the cusp of a major shift. This masterclass explores how open finance, advanced machine learning, and responsible AI deployment will redefine customer experiences, risk management, product design, and operational efficiency.
 
Drawing on cutting‑edge research on deep learning, interpretable AI, data modelling, and optimisation as well as leading research into human–AI collaboration, AI governance and digital work this session connects academic insight with practical industry application.
 
Attendees will gain a clear view of how AI can unlock consumer‑centric open finance, how to navigate emerging digital risks, and how the next decade of financial services innovation will be shaped by the intersection of technology, policy, and human‑centred design.

Sundowner Drinks and Day 1 Wrap

4.00PM - 5.30PM

Unwind and catch up with the financial services industry over drinks and canapés following the Masterclasses and the Day 1 wrap.