FMA Licensing Solutions for New Zealand Crowdfunding Services | Pre-licensing Assessment | FMA Crowdfunding Licence Application Management | Post-licensing Risk and Compliance Support

We offer a comprehensive set of solutions to help you obtain and maintain a New Zealand Crowdfunding Service Provider (FMA Crowdfunding) Licence issued by the New Zealand Financial Markets Authority, tailored to:

• Your business goals and objectives
• Your client demographics
• Your countries of operation
• The size of your business
• The available human and technology resources
• Your risk appetite
• Your governance structure
• The products that you offer
• FMA regulated crowdfunding platforms' obligations covering risk and compliance management under financial laws and regulations, the applicable financial licensing requirements, AML/CFT laws, privacy laws, consumer protection laws, and more

We have designed our regulatory licensing solutions to help you navigate the complexities of New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing framework in a commercially oriented and goal-focused manner, providing effective support for all stages of the New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing process, including but not limited to the following aspects:

• FMA Crowdfunding Licence Guidance: Advising on a wide range of aspects associated with New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing as it relates to your specific situation
• Pre-licensing assessment: Covering compliance gap analysis as well as risk and compliance assessment
• Pre-licensing support:

• Drafting the necessary policies and procedures to help you comply with the New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing requirements and the FMCA regulations
• Developing internal controls to help you meet your obligations under the New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing framework

• FMA Crowdfunding Licence Application Support: Covering the entire licensing process
• Post-licensing Support: Covering

• Ongoing compliance advice
• Comprehensive second-line risk and compliance support, including leading the implementation of your risk management framework (RMF), compliance management framework (CMF), compliance monitoring program (CMP), compliance calendar and checklist, ongoing risk assessments, internal and external reporting, outsourced providers' management, and more
• AML/CFT advice
• AML/CFT compliance management
• Compliance assurance solutions, including compliance assurance program (CAP) development, implementation, and internal control testing

 

Service Coverage

This page is about the New Zealand Crowdfunding Licence. In New Zealand, entities operating crowdfunding platforms for retail users must obtain a New Zealand Crowdfunding Licence issued by the FMA pursuant to the provisions of the FMCA and its regulations. This licence authorises them to provide financial services to retail clients. We offer comprehensive support for a wide range of FMA crowdfunding licence applications, tailored to meet the specific needs of the following businesses:

• Equity Crowdfunding Platforms
• Lending-Based Crowdfunding Platforms
• Rewards-Based Crowdfunding Platforms
• Donation-Based Crowdfunding Platforms
• Real Estate Crowdfunding Platforms
• Debt Crowdfunding Platforms
• Royalty-Based Crowdfunding Platforms
• Hybrid Crowdfunding Platforms
• Community-Based Crowdfunding Platforms
• Microfinance Crowdfunding Platforms
• P2P Insurance Crowdfunding Platforms
• Broker-Dealer or Funding Portals

Beyond New Zealand's crowdfunding services licensing solutions for retail-oriented businesses, we offer a range of regulatory compliance solutions for crowdfunding platforms serving wholesale customers, including FSP registration and various AML/CFT solutions for Crowdfunding Services. You can find more information about our solutions for a FMA crowdfunding licence below:

 

New Zealand Crowdfunding Services’ Licensing Preparation

Pre-licensing Compliance Assurance

Our New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing solutions cover the following focus areas:

• Compliance Goals Analysis: We review your business-specific goals and resources against the suitability criteria for a crowdfunding licence
• Initial Consultation: We provide guidance on potential risk and compliance issues that may arise during the New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing process
• Choosing the Right Jurisdiction: We assist in evaluating regulatory, risk, and compliance environments to determine the most suitable jurisdictions for your crowdfunding licence, tailored to suit your:

• business objectives,
• operational capacity,
• client base,
• markets of operations,
• and other relevant factors

• Gap Analysis: We identify gaps between your existing operations and regulatory requirements and help you align them in a commercially oriented manner
• FMA Crowdfunding Licence Application Plan: We help you establish a roadmap to effectively meet the crowdfunding licence conditions

 

 

New Zealand Crowdfunding Services’ Licensing Guidance

Selecting the right compliance model is crucial not only for navigating the licensing process but also for maintaining ongoing compliance and avoiding potential breaches. Our New Zealand crowdfunding platforms' licensing solution covers:

• Compliance Model Selection: To help you best comply with the New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing framework and related risk and compliance obligations.
• Corporate Governance Model Selection: We offer practical guidance on establishing effective corporate governance practices that support your risk and compliance oversight.
• Operations Model Advisory: We advise you on optimising your operational and governance models to help you efficiently comply with the licensing requirements for New Zealand crowdfunding platforms and other applicable obligations for New Zealand crowdfunding services, keeping in mind your specific circumstances, available resources and business goals.

 

Entering FMA Regulated Environment

We help businesses transition from an unregulated environment to operating under the New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing framework, helping them meet their obligations as a New Zealand FAP licence holder.

We also assist already regulated businesses in aligning their existing risk and compliance management structures with the New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing requirements. Our focus areas for this service include:

• New businesses
• Existing crowfunding serives operating in unregulated markets
• Crowdfunding platforms expanding into foreign jurisdictions
• Financial institutions and/or service providers with established risk and compliance frameworks seeking to operate a crowdfunding service as a new product.

Multi-Jurisdictional Compliance

With years of experience managing risk and compliance obligations for businesses operating under multiple financial licences across various jurisdictions, we help businesses remain globally compliant with crowdfunding platforms' regulatory compliance obligations.

 

Crowdfunding Licence and Wholesale Markets

Getting a crowdfunding licence may not always be the best fit for all. For example, a retail market expansion may not always align with your goals or the products you offer.

Operating in the wholesale environment can sometimes be a more suitable option. We offer a wider range of risk and compliance management solutions to assist crowdfunding platforms that:

• Operate in the wholesale markets
• Operate under exemptions from the New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing regime
• Offer services to sophisticated, eligible, and wholesale investors

We help them comply with the regulatory compliance obligations that are not caught by the New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing regime, but that still have to be addressed and handled, including:

• Advertisement Rules
• Financial Service Provider (FSP) registration
• Fair Dealing Regulations
• Risk Management
• Outsourced Providers' Oversight
• Restrictions on offering services to retail investors without a crowdfunding licence (an integral part of the New Zealand FMCA's licensing regime)
• Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) laws and regulations, including AML/CFT registration with the FMA or New Zealand DIA (depending on the primary nature of business). You can visit our Specialised AML/CFT page for Crowdfunding Platforms for more information.
• Data Management Laws and Regulations

FMA Crowdfunding Licence Application

We can assist with your FMA crowdfunding licence application through ongoing engagement in the New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing process:

• Document Compilation and Review: We compile and review all required supporting documents to support your FMA crowdfunding licence application.
• Application Form Completion: We help you complete the forms so that all material information is accurate and complete.
• Pre-Submission Review: We can arrange a pre-submission review session with key stakeholders to ensure all parts of your FMA crowdfunding licence application are understood and agreed upon. This session aligns application details with the actual situation, removing ambiguity.
• Regulatory Liaison: We manage the end-to-end submission process, maintaining clear and effective communication channels throughout the New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing process.
• Timeline Management: We closely monitor and adhere to all necessary deadlines, providing timely updates and adjustments to keep the FMA crowdfunding licence application process on track.

 

Resolving Crowdfunding Services’ Licensing Issues

Having competent compliance advisors is crucial when licensing issues arise. Therefore, our New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing solutions include a range of services to address and resolve these issues effectively:

• Remediation Solutions for Crowdfunding Licence Applicants: We address and remediate risk and compliance issues identified by regulators, helping your operations align with New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing regime requirements.
• Specific Crowdfunding Licence Conditions Compliance: We can help you manage additional conditions imposed on your crowdfunding licence, developing a tailored action plan to maintain compliance and facilitate the eventual removal of these conditions with minimal disruption to your business operations.
• Licensing Issues Handling: We address common licensing issues encountered during the New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing process, providing you with solutions to navigate and resolve these challenges efficiently.
• Further Information: You can visit our Compliance Remediation Solutions page for more information.

 

Post-Licensing Support

We offer a full range of ongoing risk and compliance solutions for licensed crowdfunding services and platforms. Our services include, but are not limited to:

Ongoing Risk and Regulatory Compliance

• FMA Regulated Crowdfunding Platforms' Obligations Guidance: We can advise your risk, compliance, management and other teams on meeting the requirements of New Zealand's crowdfunding services' licensing framework and other regulatory compliance obligations. You can visit our Compliance Consultancy Service page for more information.
• Regulatory Risk and Compliance Management: We provide dedicated compliance managers to manage your overall compliance. For more information, visit our Specialised Compliance Management Solutions page for Crowdfunding Platforms.
• Compliance Assurance Solutions: As part of our compliance assurance solutions, we offer:
• Compliance Assurance Program (CAP) development and testing options
• Internal Controls Design option
• Internal Controls Testing option
• Internal AML/CFT Review option
• Statutory AML/CFT Audit option
• Compliance Training Solutions: We offer training programs to different teams on complying with:
• FMA regulated crowdfunding platforms’ obligations for risk, regulatory compliance management, and FMCA regulations. You can visit our Compliance Training page for more information.
• AML/CFT obligations and operational best practices for New Zealand crowdfunding platforms to prevent fraud. You can visit our AML/CFT Training page for more information.
• Crisis Management Planning: We can develop proactive strategies to manage potential compliance crises effectively.
• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Terrorist Financing Solutions: We provide a full range of AML/CFT solutions for crowdfunding platforms. For more information, visit our Specialised AML/CFT Compliance Solutions page for Crowdfunding Platforms.
• Advanced Compliance Technologies: We can assist you with selecting and integrating advanced technology solutions, such as compliance automation tools and regulatory technology (RegTech), to streamline compliance processes without disrupting operations.
• Risk and Compliance Framework Adjustments: Including adjustments to risk management frameworks (RMFs), compliance monitoring programs (CMPs), compliance management frameworks (CMFs), and other core procedures and policies to align them with:
• new business goals
• regulatory changes
• changes in your operations
• evolving market conditions
• changes in stakeholders’ risk appetites (your banking partners, insurance companies, liquidity providers, etc.).

 

 

Risk and Compliance Obligations for Crowdfunding Licence Holders

Crowdfunding licence holders are subject to various obligations set out in applicable laws and regulations. They are also expected to uphold standards for their conduct and internal operations, as outlined in regulatory guidance or accepted industry practices.

We can help you address these obligations and expectations through comprehensive support in the different areas. The list below is not exhaustive:

Crowdfunding Licence and Regulatory Compliance Obligations

• Compliance Management Systems: We can help you establish effective compliance programs, compliance monitoring plans, controls testing methodologies, compliance calendars and more (as required under condition five of the FMA's Standard Conditions for Crowdfunding Service Licences and the Licensing Application Guide).
• Risk Management Frameworks: We can help you develop comprehensive risk management frameworks to fulfil FMA regulated crowdfunding platforms’ obligations for identifying, assessing, and mitigating operational, regulatory, strategic, financial and other types of risks.
• Policy and Procedure Development: We can help you draft and implement policies and procedures aligned with the New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing requirements.
• Compliance Monitoring Plans: We can oversee the execution of your CMPs, covering ongoing monitoring of your compliance obligations under New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing framework.
• Internal Control Testing and Compliance Assurance: We can conduct internal reviews and audits of your controls to test their effectiveness and compliance with the applicable regulatory standards.
• Capital Adequacy Requirements: We can help you implement controls to comply with capital adequacy requirements, helping your businesses meet FMA regulated crowdfunding platforms' obligations for maintaining required financial resources (as required under condition seven of the FMA's Standard Conditions for Crowdfunding Service Licences).
• Financial Auditing Standards: We can assist in establishing procedures to help you comply with the audit and assurance requirements under New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing framework.
• Digital Payment Token Services: Where applicable, we can assist in developing controls to comply with regulations for digital payment tokens, cryptocurrencies, and digital assets, including obligations under New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing framework and AML/CFT requirements for transaction monitoring and reporting.

 

Crowdfunding Licence and Operational Oversight Obligations

• Oversight of Outsourcing: We can establish a set of effective controls to comply with New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing obligations for overseeing outsourced services, also covering related obligations under AML/CFT compliance, ISO requirements, and more (as required under condition two of the FMA's Standard Conditions for Crowdfunding Service Licences)
• Structures for Governance: We can help you establish effective governance structures to comply with FMA regulated crowdfunding platforms' obligations and develop an effective approach to overseeing your risk exposure and compliance status across different functions of your business (as required under condition six of the FMA's Standard Conditions for Crowdfunding Service Licences).
• Senior Management Accountability: We can help you comply with FMA regulated crowdfunding platforms’ obligations for senior management and key staff conduct and competence (as required under FMCA, section 396c).
• Maintaining Operational Resilience: We assist in developing continuity plans to meet FMA regulated crowdfunding platforms’ obligations for operational resilience, helping critical business services withstand disruptions.
• Managing Technology Risks: We provide guidance on technology risk management obligations under New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing framework.

 

Crowdfunding Licence and Market Integrity/Transparency Requirements

• Standards for Market Conduct: We can help you implement controls for FMA regulated crowdfunding platforms’ obligations to maintain fair and transparent market conduct, including preventing manipulation and insider trading.
• Principles for Fair Treatment: We can help you implement controls to comply with expectations that cover adherence to principles of fair treatment and transparent communications with clients.
• Standards for Conduct and Disclosure: We can help you comply with New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing standards for conduct and disclosure.
• Product Suitability and Governance: We can establish tailored controls to help licensed crowdfunding platforms comply with product suitability and governance obligations, including risk management and governance arrangements across the product life cycle.
• Protection of Client Assets: We can help you comply with New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing obligations to protect and segregate client assets.
• Resolution of Disputes: We can help you establish effective mechanisms for dispute resolution and complaints management, particularly for retail clients.

 

Crowdfunding Licence and Resource Management Obligations

We can help you comply with the following requirements of the New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing framework:

• Adequacy of Resources: Covering financial, technological, human and other resources.
• Competence of Professionals: Covering key personnel, their necessary skills, knowledge, and professional competence (as required under condition one of the FMA's Standard Conditions for Crowdfunding Service Licences).
• Our focus areas include:

• Assessment and Gap Analysis: We can help you evaluate the adequacy of your financial, technological, and human resources against the requirements of the licensing regime.
• Resource Allocation Plans: We can help you develop strategies to optimise resource allocation, covering sufficient capacity for compliance, operations, banking, customer support and other functions and departments.
• Technological Solutions: We can recommend and implement RegTech tools to streamline compliance processes, such as transaction monitoring, reporting, and audit trails (as required under condition nine of the FMA's Standard Conditions for Crowdfunding Service Licences).
• Key Personnel Assessment: We can help you assess the skills, qualifications, and experience of key personnel to identify areas for improvement.
• Training and Development Programs: We can design and deliver targeted compliance training programs to upskill personnel in compliance, risk management, and FMCA regulations.
• Competence and Accreditations of Advisors and Representatives: We can advise you on certifications and continuing professional development (CPD) requirements for compliance professionals and senior management.
• Representative Vetting: We can help establish a framework for assessing the competence and suitability of advisors and representatives before appointment.
• Compliance Monitoring: We can help develop controls to monitor representatives' adherence to conduct and disclosure obligations.
• Ongoing Training: We can help you create a framework to support continuous education for advisors and representatives on licensing obligations, market integrity, and client interaction standards.

• Regulator Liaison: We can act as an intermediary with regulators to address queries and help you demonstrate compliance with resourcing obligations.

 

Crowdfunding Licence and Reporting

• Regulatory Reporting: We can help you prepare and submit periodic and ad-hoc reports covering:
  • New Zealand Crowdfunding Services' licensing obligations (as required under condition four of the FMA's Standard Conditions for Crowdfunding Service Licences and section 412 of the FMCA).
  • New Zealand Crowdfunding Platforms’ AML/CFT obligations (SARS, STRs, prescribed transaction reports PTRs for cross-border and cash transactions and other reporting obligations)
  • FMA Regulated Crowdfunding Platforms' obligations under financial market conduct regulations
• Compliance Documentation: We can help you develop and maintain the necessary documentation to meet record-keeping obligations under various laws and regulations.
• Audit Readiness: We can prepare you for audits and reviews to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements, provisions of the New Zealand crowdfunding services' licensing framework, applicable operational standards, and more.

 

Related Licensing Solutions

We can help you apply for the FMA crowdfunding licence equivalents in the following jurisdictions:

• • Australia: For more information on the Australian equivalent of the FMA crowdfunding licence, the Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) for Crowdfunding, visit our Crowdfunding AFSL page.
  • Singapore: For more information on the Singaporean equivalent of the FMA crowdfunding licence, the Capital Markets Services (CMS) Licence, you can visit our Singaporean Crowdfunding Licence page.
  • United States: We offer USA-based crowdfunding licensing options. Generally, crowdfunding platforms in the US are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, specifically through "Regulation Crowdfunding".
  • United Kingdom: For more information on the UK equivalent of the FMA crowdfunding licence, the FCA Authorisation for Crowdfunding issued by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), you can visit our Crowdfunding FCA Authorisation page.
  • Prominent Financial Centres and Offshore Tax Havens: We also offer licensing solutions for crowdfunding platforms in the prominent financial centres and offshore tax havens, including:
  • European Union
  • Cayman Islands
  • British Virgin Islands (BVI)
  • Seychelles
  • Bermuda
  • Vanuatu
  • Malta
  • Isle of Man