FSC Empower Women had the opportunity to connect with delegates at the FSC26 Conference: Amplify across three sessions, including a lunch event, lightning talk and breakout discussion, all focused on empowering women and fostering meaningful change within New Zealand's financial services industry.
FSC Empower Women Lunch
Authored by Janet Britz, Member of the FSC Empower Women Working Group
The FSC Empower Women Lunch on 13 August brought professionals together for an engaging conversation about innovation, financial wellbeing and the opportunities that
come from better understanding the needs of customers and communities.
With a full room and an enthusiastic audience, the session featured Stephanie Pow (Crayon) and Sadie (Nashrr Finance) and was facilitated by Angela Meyer (Behavioural change strategist).
Rather than a traditional panel, the session focused on how innovative ideas are developed in response to real needs. Stephanie and Sadia shared their experiences of building businesses with a focus on financial wellbeing and more inclusive approaches to financial services.
The conversation was complemented by research insights from Rich in Context, giving both the panellists and audience an opportunity to consider what the findings could mean for customers and organisations across the financial services sector.
Among the insights explored were that:
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30% of people have no financial plan beyond winning Lotto or a prize.
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23% of women have consulted a financial adviser, compared with 35% of men.
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20% of women experience weekly financial stress that affects their mental wellbeing, compared with 12% of men.
These findings provided a springboard for an open discussion about how financial services can respond to changing customer needs and where there may be opportunities to reach people who are currently underserved.
A key theme throughout the session was the importance of listening to customers and being prepared to challenge assumptions. The panellists spoke openly about what they are building, what has influenced their thinking, and the process of developing products and services around genuine needs.
The session also highlighted the role that the wider financial services community can play in supporting innovation. By sharing ideas, asking questions and considering how insights might apply within their own organisations, members were encouraged to take something practical away from the conversation.
The positive energy in the room reflected the passion, purpose, authenticity and innovation at the heart of the discussion.
Thank you to Stephanie Pow, Sadia Islam and Angela Meyer for sharing their perspectives and to everyone who joined us and contributed to the conversation.
FSC Amplify Conference Closing the Gap: Highlights from the Lightning Talk
Authored by Morven Booth, Member of the FSC Empower Women Working Group
At the recent FSC 2026 Conference, one of the most high-impact moments of Day 1 was a fast-paced Lightning Talk - “Closing the Gap." 
Hosted by Jack Tame, the session brought together David McLean (Chair, FSC), David Boyle (Retirement Commissioner), and Sophia van Zijl (Chief People Officer, NZX) to tackle one of the most pressing issues in our sector: the gender pay gap.
The conversation began with a stark reality check. While New Zealand’s national gender pay gap stands at 5.2%, the financial services industry sits at a staggering 23% - more than four times the national average.
The panel emphasized that this isn't just a social issue; it is a structural one. David Boyle highlighted how these disparities at work directly translate into much wider gaps in retirement outcomes, noting that by age 61-65, the gender balance gap can reach 36%.
A major goal of the session was to dispel the common misconceptions that prevent firms from taking the first step. The panel was clear reporting is neither difficult nor costly.
- Low Barrier to Entry: For most large employers, the process is a routine use of existing payroll data. In fact, over 80% of firms that already report have incurred no external costs.
- A Management Tool, not a Liability: Rather than being criticised for transparency, David shared that being open about gaps often leads to being thanked by staff and customers for the honesty and the commitment to change.
- Commercial Logic: Sophia van Zijl provided a compelling business case, noting that transparency builds stakeholder credibility, helps attract top talent, and provides the insights needed to better serve our female customer base.
The panel also shared practical wisdom for those ready to move from measurement to action. Sophia highlighted that the "headline number" is only the beginning. To drive real change, organizations must look at the decisions that shape the employee lifecycle—hiring, starting salaries, promotion pathways, and parental leave.
Our Call to Action
The FSC Empower Women initiative is actively encouraging all member firms to participate in our gender pay gap reporting initiative. We know that what gets measured gets managed.
As the session concluded, Sophia van Zijl left the audience with a powerful three-step mantra that should resonate with every leader in our industry:
“Report your gap, mind the gap, and reduce the gap.”
Are you ready to take the next step?
We encourage all members to utilize the Ministry for Women’s Gender Pay Gap Toolkit (Gender pay gap toolkit | Ministry for Women) to begin the journey. Let’s work together to move our industry from being a laggard to a leader in closing the gap.
FSC Amplify Conference - Dress for Success: Opening doors: how you can help women return to work and succeed
Authored by Courtney Okeroa, Member of the FSC Empower Women Working Group
We were proud to support Dress for Success as FSC’s charity partner again at this year’s conference, where they presented a powerful session focused on the challenges women face when returning to work — and the practical ways we can help. The conversation highlighted that the organisation does more than provide professional attire — it helps women build the skills, confidence, and support networks they need to re-enter the workforce and progress their careers.
Through its one-on-one Career Centre coaching sessions, workshops, and interview attire Dress for Success offers practical help tailored to each woman’s journey.
One of the most impactful ways to support Dress for Success is by volunteering as a mentor. Even a simple coffee catch-up or conversation can provide encouragement, tips, and connection for a woman navigating the return to work.
There are also many other ways to help. Donations of clothing and financial contributions all support Dress for Success’ important work, while volunteering time or sharing its mission can help extend its reach even further.
If you are able to support Dress for Success — whether through mentoring or donating clothing or funds - you can contact them here.