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Page last updated: 01 July 2026

Consumer credit providers

If you provide consumer credit you must follow New Zealand consumer credit laws.

The FMA took on regulatory responsibility for the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA) on 1 July 2026. The financial service of being a creditor under a credit contract is now a licensed service under the remit of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013.

This page is regularly updated with information and guidance for consumer credit providers.  

Topics covered in this section

Consumer credit contract

A consumer credit contract is a contract between a consumer and a lender. If you provide a mortgage, credit card, arranged overdraft or personal or cash loan – you have probably entered a consumer credit contract.

CCCFA transfer overview

This information sheet provides an overview of the transfer of regulatory responsibility for consumer credit from the Commerce Commission to the FMA. 

CCCFA transfer FAQs

Here you’ll find answers to common questions about the transfer, including what’s changing, why it matters and what you need to do.

Consumer credit provider licensing

Read about our intended approach to consumer credit provider licensing and what you can expect as a licensed consumer credit provider. 

Charging interest

There are rules about how you can calculate and charge a borrower interest or default interest.

Timeline of changes to credit laws

There have been a number of changes to credit laws since 2019 which are set out in the timeline below.

Assessing for affordability

When providing consumer credit lenders must comply with the lender responsibility relating to affordability.

Disclosure Obligations

You must provide key information to borrowers before a loan is entered into, and at certain times during its life.

Hardship applications

If a borrower makes a hardship application, you are required to consider it and follow a specific process.

Lender responsibility principles

When providing credit, you must ensure you comply with the lender responsibility principles. The lender responsibility principles impose obligations on lenders when advertising, before entering into a loan, and during all subsequent dealings with borrowers and guarantors.

Red Flags

Red Flags is a resource designed specifically for consumer advisers such as financial mentors, and others helping people in debt.

Repossession

When you enter into a credit contract, some items may be listed as security and may be repossessed if you do not make your loan repayments.

Consumer credit fees

When you lend money, the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act has rules you must follow when setting your fees.