This Act matters when a business raises capital, offers investment products, runs a fintech model, promotes financial products or operates in a regulated financial market. Startups should treat fundraising and financial-product language as legal workflows, not just pitch or growth material.
Main laws
New Zealand Act
Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013
The Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 is a core New Zealand statute for financial product offers, fair dealing, disclosure, governance and...
In forceNew ZealandPlain-English guide4 practical checks
Plain-English explainers, not legal advice. Use the linked official source for section-level detail, and get advice for your situation.
Get legal helpStart here
Quick read
- This Act matters when a business raises capital, offers investment products, runs a fintech model, promotes financial products or operates in a regulated financial market.
- Startups should treat fundraising and financial-product language as legal workflows, not just pitch or growth material.
Likely relevant if
- Startups and companies raising capital
- Fintech and investment businesses
- Platforms promoting financial products
Check first
- Check whether an offer needs disclosure, licensing or an exemption
- Avoid misleading or deceptive conduct in financial product communications
- Keep investor, product and governance documents consistent
What this means in practice
Key points
- A pitch deck can create legal risk if it overstates traction, rights or returns.
- Wholesale or small-offer pathways need evidence that the exemption actually fits.
- Financial product wording should be reviewed before growth teams test campaigns.
When this law usually matters
Most businesses do not need to memorise the whole law. The useful starting point is to know when it is likely to affect a contract, customer journey, employee process, data flow or company decision.
Key points
- Startups and companies raising capital
- Fintech and investment businesses
- Platforms promoting financial products
- Businesses preparing offer documents or investor communications
What to check first
Sense check
- Check whether an offer needs disclosure, licensing or an exemption
- Avoid misleading or deceptive conduct in financial product communications
- Keep investor, product and governance documents consistent
- Document the exemption or compliance pathway before marketing the offer
Documents and workflows to review
Key points
- Investor pitch deck
- Offer documents
- Subscription agreement
- Financial promotion approvals
- Governance and compliance records