100 members up for FSF
The Financial Services Federation (FSF) has welcomed social lender Money Sweetspot to its ranks, marking 100 members for the first time in the organisation’s 59-year history.
“Reaching 100 members reflects the viability of New Zealand’s non-bank sector, which is supporting consumers and businesses through their ability to be nimble, innovative and provide necessary competition,” says Lyn McMorran, the FSF’s executive director.
Its members include finance and fleet leasing providers, such as UDC Finance, Turners Automotive Group and MTF Finance, several credit unions and building societies, mortgage providers, credit-related insurance providers, and the finance arms of global motor-vehicle brands including Toyota, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz. Click here for the full list.
“Being able to expand our community while upholding rigorous standards for membership is testament to the quality of non-bank organisations emerging in New Zealand,” adds McMorran, pictured.
“FSF membership has doubled in the past seven years. We’ve done that while remaining dedicated to only welcoming organisations that we believe contribute to New Zealand’s financial services sector in a positive and compliant way.
“It’s humbling that organisations continue to recognise the value of being a member where they can contribute to key policy discussions and initiatives shaping the sector.”
Rather than a traditional celebration, the FSF is marking the milestone by donating 100 food parcels through the Salvation Army and Woolworths NZ’s Foodbank Project.
“We know that with today’s cost of living, many Kiwis are doing it tough,” says McMorran. “We hope this donation to the Foodbank Project will make a small difference to families in need.
“We also encourage borrowers experiencing financial strain to contact their lender, non-bank or bank to help navigate a way forward that protects their future financial wellbeing.
“Our members know life happens and there are lots of things lenders can do to help customers get through.”
Paul Forster, the Salvation Army’s financial mentoring co-ordinator, says the organisation is always grateful and in need for support. “In these difficult times, it’s gifts such as these that make such a difference in the lives of the people we support who so often need a hand-up.”
