Head of Advocacy & Market Development

Department: Advocacy (NZFMA)

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Wellington (NZFMA)

About Us

The New Zealand Financial Markets Association (NZFMA) is the industry body representing participants in New Zealand’s wholesale financial markets. Working closely with regulators, government agencies and market participants, NZFMA plays a critical role in supporting market integrity, capability, best practice and the ongoing development of New Zealand’s financial markets.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Head of Advocacy & Market Development to lead NZFMA’s advocacy, policy engagement and market development activities. This is a highly visible leadership position offering the opportunity to shape industry thinking, influence policy discussions and provide strategic advice on matters impacting New Zealand’s wholesale financial markets.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will be NZFMA’s trusted expert on market policy and regulatory developments while acting as a key representative for members across government, regulatory and industry forums.

Key responsibilities include:

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• Monitoring and analysing regulatory, legislative and policy developments affecting wholesale financial markets.
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• Leading submissions, consultation responses and policy papers on behalf of NZFMA.
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• Building and maintaining strong relationships with regulators, government agencies, industry bodies and international counterparts.
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• Representing NZFMA at external meetings, forums and industry engagements.
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• Supporting working groups, advisory forums and committees on key market issues.
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• Contributing to market development initiatives, thought leadership and industry best‑practice frameworks.
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• Providing strategic advice to the Chief Executive on advocacy priorities, emerging risks and opportunities.
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About You

You will be a respected industry professional who combines deep market expertise with exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

To be successful, you will bring:

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• At least 10 years' experience within wholesale financial markets.
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• Strong exposure to interest rate products and/or market infrastructure
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• A sound understanding of New Zealand’s regulatory environment and policy‑making processes.
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• Experience working with Boards, committees and industry working groups.
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• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop high-quality policy and regulatory material.
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• Proven ability to build credibility and influence across regulators, market participants and industry bodies.
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You will also be known for your sound judgement, professionalism, collaborative style and ability to balance strategic thinking with practical delivery.

This is a rare opportunity to play a meaningful role in shaping the future direction of New Zealand’s financial markets. While NZFMA is a small organisation, this position carries significant influence, visibility and responsibility, offering the chance to work alongside senior leaders, policy makers and industry experts.

We are open to shaping the role across three to five days per week for the right candidate.

We also offer Southern Cross Healthcare.

If you feel you have the right experience and background for this role please apply now with your cover letter or reach out to [email protected] for more information.

Applications close 5 August 2026