Make a complaint

When you should complain to the FMA

1. Misleading or deceptive conduct - We expect all providers of financial products and services to ensure that customers are not confused or misled and to ensure that all representations are based on facts. In addition, we encourage directors, senior managers and those involved with providing financial products and services to also consider how their conduct can help investors and consumers make appropriate financial decisions considering their particular circumstances (such as vulnerable customers). The FMA has a variety of enforcement options available to address false, misleading, deceptive or confusing behaviour. The action taken will depend on the severity and level of misconduct.   

2. Misleading information in disclosure documents such as a prospectus, investment statement or product disclosure statement (PDS). 

3. If investment funds are withheld or unpaid when they are due.  

4. If insider information is used for profit during a share market trade. Insider information is a fact about a public company's plans or finances that has not yet been revealed to shareholders and that could give an unfair advantage to its possessors if acted upon. Buying or selling stock based on insider information can be a criminal offense. 

5. If a Company registered on the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX) has failed to report relevant and timely information in a prospectus or investment statement. Or if you believe that the information provided is misleading. 

6. If you suspect a lowball share offer. A lowball offer is one that comes in below fair market value with no supporting rationale or evidence. 

7. Illegal investment offers or investment schemes. We publish warnings and alerts about illegal investment offers and also report this information to the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). IOSCO is an association of organizations that regulate the world's securities and futures markets. In some cases we take enforcement action such as issuing a Stop Order. 

8. Businesses that are not registered when they should be. Everyone who provides a financial service or financial advice in New Zealand must be registered for that service. They must also be a member of a dispute resolution scheme if they provide financial services to retail clients You can check if a company is registered in New Zealand at the Companies Office. You can also find basic details about a company such as the names of directors, addresses, registered shareholders, and financial statements.