Financial institution regulatory returns

A condition is imposed on all financial institution licences requiring the completion of regulatory returns. They are one of the tools the FMA will use to monitor financial institutions. They seek information about relevant activities of the financial institution.

Although the questions are asked on an annual basis, this is not intended to imply that the activities referred to must be undertaken annually, nor to impose any additional requirements beyond those set out in legislation. 

Regulatory returns are one of the tools the FMA uses to better understand financial institutions. It helps support our proportionate supervision of the sector and targeting our regulatory efforts to the greatest risks and opportunities.

The financial institution regulatory return data will be analysed over time to identify trends that can be used to inform subsequent monitoring activities and inform trends and insights which we will share.

Financial institution regulatory returns are submitted online through the FMA Online Services Portal (myFMA portal).  
Before submitting your return, you can download the financial institution regulatory return question set. This can help you prepare your responses in advance.

When completing your return in the myFMA portal, you will see guidance embedded directly within the online form. Additional help text is available throughout the form and can be accessed by hovering over the '?' icons. This guidance is designed to support you as you complete and submit your return. 

The financial institution regulatory return question set sets out all questions that are included in the return.

Each question is accompanied by guidance and an explanation of why the information is being requested to help you understand the purpose of the questions and what is expected in your response. Reviewing this question set ahead of time will assist you in preparing your data, systems and internal processes.

The same guidance is also available within the online return form, allowing you to refer to it while completing and submitting your return through the myFMA portal.

Regulatory returns are due annually by 30 September for the 12-month period from 1 July to 30 June. This means that financial institutions need to collect data to input for this period. The first return period is for 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, and submission is due by 30 September 2026. You can submit your return at any time within this three-month period.

Where a Regulatory Return contains errors or omissions, you will need to re-submit an updated version with the required amendments.

To do this:

1. Log in to the myFMA portal.

2. Go to the “My Submitted Forms” tab, where you will find the previously submitted return.

3. Scroll to the right-hand side of the page to locate the action options.

4. Click on the duplicate icon (as shown below). This will allow you to create a copy of the submitted form.

5. Once you confirm that you would like to create a duplicate, a copy of the return, including your previous responses, will then appear under the “My Drafts” tab.
6. Open the draft, make the necessary updates, and re-submit the return before 30 September 2026.

Important notes:

The FMA will only consider the most recently submitted version of the regulatory return.

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