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Wednesday 12 August Thursday 13 August

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

8.00AM - 9.00AM

 

Eat Better, Live Better

Start your conference with healthy snacks and a fresh perspective on wellbeing. Drawing on insights from AIA's latest 5590+ research, we'll explore the health of New Zealanders, the behavioural science behind healthy habits, and why nutrition remains one of the most powerful drivers of long-term health and wellbeing. Join us for a conversation on prevention, behaviour change and the small choices that can make a big difference.

SESSION SPEAKERS

Sponsored by:
Eat Better Live Better_broccoli

Main Plenary

9.00AM - 11.00AM 

The conversation starts here.

In the first main plenary, following the conference welcome, our keynote, Sir John Key discusses decision that shape our nation followed by a panel looking from a global perspective.

WELCOME, KEYNOTE AND PANEL 1

Welcome

9.00AM - 9.30AM

Amplify begins with a welcome from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei before our MCs welcome delegates and set the direction for the conversations ahead.

In an election year, when the decisions made today will shape the financial resilience of tomorrow, this is where the sector comes together to listen, challenge, influence and lead.

SESSION SPEAKERS

Decisions That Shape Our Nation

9.30AM - 10.15AM

Few leaders have shaped New Zealand's economic direction like Sir John Key. In this opening keynote, he'll reflect on the decisions made during his time in government, including the legacy of KiwiSaver, the investment choices that continue to influence New Zealand today, and, with the benefit of hindsight, what he might do differently.

Following the keynote, Sir John will join Jack Tame for a live Q&A, exploring the leadership lessons from his time in office, the economic and political landscape ahead, and the choices that will shape New Zealand's future.

SESSION SPEAKERS

The Pitch

10.15AM - 11.00AM

Election campaigns are built on ideas. This is where you'll hear them first-hand.

The finance spokespeople take the stage to outline their priorities for the New Zealand economy, financial services and our long-term prosperity. This is an opportunity to hear their priorities, understand the choices ahead and compare the policies that could shape our sector for years to come.

SESSION SPEAKERS
Sponsored by:
Associate Slider_Chapman Tripp

11.00AM - 11.15AM  Coffee & Connections

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

11.15AM - 12.45PM 

The next plenary session of the morning explores the mood of the nation followed by a view on the upcoming election in 'The Pitch' and a lightning talk focusing on Closing the Gap.

KEYNOTE, CONVERSATIONS AND LIGHTNING TALK

Reading the Mood of the Nation

11.15AM - 11.40AM

With the election fast approaching, understanding the public mood has never been more important.

New Zealand's leading pollster and political commentator, David Farrar, shares the latest insights into the state of the election, the issues influencing voters, and what the polls are revealing about the road ahead. Expect sharp analysis, informed commentary and a healthy dose of David's trademark wit.

SESSION SPEAKERS

Global Perspectives: The World is Changing. Are We?

11.40AM - 12.25PM

As uncertainty grows and the pace of change accelerates, New Zealand cannot afford to look inward.

In this global perspectives panel, Jack Tame is joined by international experts to explore the forces reshaping economies, markets and financial services around the world, and what they mean for New Zealand.

From geopolitical shifts to global risk, resilience, capital and confidence, this session will ask how our sector can not only respond to change, but help shape New Zealand’s place in it.

SESSION SPEAKERS

Lightning Talk: Closing the Gap

12.25PM - 12.40PM

In this fast-paced lightning talk, Jack Tame is joined by David McLean, David Boyle, New Zealand’s Retirement Commissioner and NZX's Chief People Officer Sophia van Zijl, to explore the progress being made on the financial services gender pay gap. Through a candid Q&A, they'll discuss why the gender pay gap should be closed, share practical lessons on what's working, and update the sector on the current gender pay gap reporting initiative being led by FSC Empower Women.  

SESSION SPEAKERS

Conference Day Wrap

12.40pm - 12.45pm

Our MC, Vanja Thomas will close the morning sessions and outline the rest of the day's activities. 

SESSION SPEAKERS

Lunch Sessions

12.45PM - 2.00PM 

Mix and mingle over lunch in the expo area or attend the LADUCA lunch session. 

LADUCA

LADUCA

12.45PM - 1.45PM

Customer Case Study Overview 

The case study explores a complex income protection claim and the claim journey from acceptance through to eventual dispute and closure of the claim.

It will focus on the assessment of work capacity where clinical evidence and lived experience do not align and analyse whether claim closure was appropriate based on medical and occupational information.

Through a series of evolving scenarios, the discussion will challenge key decision points in claims management, including conflicting medical opinions, the realities of managing a chronic condition in a working environment, potential non-disclosure identified during the claim lifecycle and the application of policy provisions during fluctuating work capacity.

The case raises important discussion points around fairness, communication, vulnerability, and governance, highlighting the complexities of making balanced decisions in modern claims environments.

SESSION SPEAKERS

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.

SESSION SPEAKERS

Sponsored by:

Associate Slider_MERW

Programme subject to change.
FSC26 Conference Terms and Conditions (February 2026)