Senior Adviser, Deposit Taking

A great place to work. With great work to do. 

Ours is a meaningful and impactful role, as a kaitiaki (caretakers) of the financial services in Aotearoa. We oversee a market that does right by everyone, ensuring better outcomes for all New Zealanders. Our role as a kaitiaki is brought to life by our values; Look to the Horizon, Help the Team Work, Make the Calls and Open Hearts, Open Minds. 

Te Tūranga | The role 

Join us as a Senior Adviser within our Deposit Taking team, where you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering effective conduct regulation across the banking and non-bank deposit-taking sectors. This role offers the opportunity to take greater ownership, exercise sound regulatory judgement, and engage confidently with senior leaders across the sector.

A day in the life will have you managing a portfolio of banks and non-bank deposit takers, leading proactive engagement through operational meetings, onsite monitoring and desk-based reviews. You’ll form well-reasoned insights about conduct, culture and compliance, and use these to inform regulatory responses and broader supervisory priorities.

Your mahi will include but not be limited to:  

• Leading supervisory engagement with senior management of banks and non-bank deposit takers to understand their operations, conduct and consumer outcomes.
• Undertaking complex analysis and research to inform risk assessments, regulatory decisions and strategy.
• Supporting Senior FMA leadership with supervisory engagement at Executive and Board level.
• Responding to enquiries and complaints, assessing potential misconduct and determining appropriate next steps, including referrals and written feedback.
• Building strong relationships across the FMA and with co-regulators to support a coordinated regulatory approach.
• Identifying current and emerging sector risks and contributing to the team’s shared understanding of the deposit-taking landscape.

As a senior member of the team, you’ll also support the development of other advisers through informal supervision, guidance and knowledge sharing, and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing team culture.

He kōrero mōu | About you 

We are looking for someone who is confident, thoughtful and commercially astute, with a strong ability to navigate ambiguity and engage stakeholders with credibility. You’ll bring experience from the financial services sector, such as a bank or non-bank deposit taker, a regulatory environment, or a legal or consulting practice with a conduct, risk or compliance focus. You understand how financial institutions operate and are comfortable providing oversight, forming regulatory views, and influencing outcomes without formal authority.

You’ll have strong analytical capability and sound judgement, with the ability to connect detail with the bigger picture and anticipate where consumer harm may arise. You’re able to work autonomously, manage competing priorities, and know when to collaborate or seek input.

Ultimately, we are looking for someone with a service mindset and a genuine interest in improving consumer outcomes, who can balance relationship-building with regulatory firmness. You’ll also be willing to share your experience, support others, and role-model the FMA’s values in the way you work.

Ngā painga | What we offer 

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits, including:   

• 4% KiwiSaver employer contribution   

• Health and life insurance cover   

• Paid leave over the Christmas period   

• The ability to swap public holidays for days that hold personal significance   

• Exceptional learning and development opportunities, including technical training and leadership programmes   

At the FMA, we’re committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We also offer a range of wellness and social activities to support both personal and professional wellbeing and help our people genuinely connect with one another.   

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply 

The appointing salary range for this role is $120,000 - $135,000, plus 4% KiwiSaver and the benefits outlined above. Final offers are based on experience, skills, and internal equity. Pay equity and parity are important to us at the FMA, and we are committed to fairness and transparency throughout every stage of recruitment.

If this sounds like your next opportunity, then please apply today. Applications close Wednesday 8 April 2026 at 5pm, but may close earlier due to high volumes of applications.   

If you require additional support with your application, please let us know so you are best placed to complete this with ease.