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FMA Debates give industry heavyweights the chance to face off in public in a light-hearted, competitive debate over important matters affecting Kiwi investors.
Teams argue for or against a chosen topic (the ‘moot’), with just minutes to state their case in front of a live audience.
Our topics are based on important financial markets issues, but our speakers are encouraged to keep things fun and engaging.
The FMA does not endorse a side, and the winning team is decided based on how persuasively – and entertainingly – they debate.
2021: DIY investing
Wednesday, 4 August 2021
Full debate
Highlights
Moot: “Kiwis are better off investing through experienced advisers rather than trying to DIY.”
It’s estimated that more than 250,000 New Zealanders are using Sharesies, Hatch and InvestNow, with three-quarters of them aged 25-44. But are they being well-served?
In this FMA Debate, held in August 2021, the heads of those platforms went up against speakers from three firms that specialise in offering expert financial advice to investors.
Team Affirmative
Team Negative
Judges' decisions
MC David Boyle and FMA CE Rob Everett
MC
David Boyle is the head of sales and marketing at Mint Asset Management and a regular guest and financial commentator on Three’s The AM Show.
Teams
Affirmative
Negative
Andrew Bascand is the managing director of fund manager Harbour Asset Management, where he has responsibility for all Australasian equity portfolios.
Sonya Williams is the co-founder and co-CEO of investment platform Sharesies, and was the co-winner of the 2020 ‘Women of Influence – Business’ award.
Helen Skinner is the head of emerging wealth at Craigs Investment Partners, where she is responsible for the distribution of Craigs’ KiwiSaver and Superannuation products.
Kristen Lunman is the co-founder and GM of Hatch, Kiwi Wealth’s digital investment platform, and a leading fintech specialist.
Chloe Robertson is a financial adviser with Certus Financial Group, and won “Emerging Adviser of the Year” at the 2019 AMP Awards.
Anthony Edmonds is the founder of investment platform InvestNow, and MD of Implemented Investment Solutions.
Judges
Madison Reidy is a reporter for Three’s evening news show, Newshub Live at 6pm, where she specialises in business and finance.
Lachlan Wallace is vice president of the student investment club at the Auckland University of Technology, and studying finance and banking.
Oliver Mander is the chief executive of the NZ Shareholders’ Association, a role he's held since October 2020. Also a regular columnist for the Business Herald.
2020: Passive vs. Active fund management
Wednesday, 19 February 2020 @ Auckland University of Technology
Moot:‘Passive management gives investors the best outcome.’
Managers of investment funds, including KiwiSaver funds, can either manage those assets ‘actively’, by taking a hands-on approach to buying and selling and trying to outperform the market; or ‘passively’ by simply tying their asset mix to a market index.
Both methods have their pros and cons – largely around fees versus returns – but which gives investors the best outcome?
In this FMA Debate, held in February 2020, the audience ultimately decided that the negative team had presented a better argument, in support of active management.
David Boyle is the head of sales and marketing at Mint Asset Management and a regular guest and financial commentator on Three’s The AM Show.
Andrew Bascand is the managing director of fund manager Harbour Asset Management, where he has responsibility for all Australasian equity portfolios.
Sonya Williams is the co-founder and co-CEO of investment platform Sharesies, and was the co-winner of the 2020 ‘Women of Influence – Business’ award.
Helen Skinner is the head of emerging wealth at Craigs Investment Partners, where she is responsible for the distribution of Craigs’ KiwiSaver and Superannuation products.
Kristen Lunman is the co-founder and GM of Hatch, Kiwi Wealth’s digital investment platform, and a leading fintech specialist.
Chloe Robertson is a financial adviser with Certus Financial Group, and won “Emerging Adviser of the Year” at the 2019 AMP Awards.
Anthony Edmonds is the founder of investment platform InvestNow, and MD of Implemented Investment Solutions.
Madison Reidy is a reporter for Three’s evening news show, Newshub Live at 6pm, where she specialises in business and finance.
Lachlan Wallace is vice president of the student investment club at the Auckland University of Technology, and studying finance and banking.
Oliver Mander is the chief executive of the NZ Shareholders’ Association, a role he's held since October 2020. Also a regular columnist for the Business Herald.
Sam Stubbs
Rebecca Thomas
Hugh Stevens
John Berry
Fiona Mackenzie
Paul Gregory