Principal or Senior Analyst - Conduct Risk

About the organisation

The Financial Markets Authority is a meaningful place to build a career, focused on safeguarding Aotearoa New Zealand’s financial services market. As guardians of the market, the team works to support fairer outcomes for consumers and investors, guided by values such as looking ahead, collaborating well, making confident decisions, and bringing openness and empathy to the work.

The opportunity

This newly established role sits within Conduct Risk and is designed to strengthen the organisation’s ability to identify and interpret conduct-related risks across New Zealand’s financial markets. The position is central to shaping how the FMA spots the issues that matter most for consumers and investors, and how it responds to them.

You will help drive the next phase of the Business Model Assessment programme, a strategic initiative supported by executive leadership. Your work will improve understanding of how conduct risk emerges through regulated firms’ business models and how that may lead to consumer harm.

The role may be appointed at either Principal Analyst or Senior Analyst level, with scope, autonomy, and leadership responsibility varying by level.

Principal Analyst responsibilities

• Set the direction for conduct risk thinking and help shape the organisation’s approach to business model analysis.
• Lead high-impact analytical projects that inform regulatory strategy and supervision.
• Work with and influence senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Design and improve frameworks, tools, and methods that strengthen capability across the organisation.
• Coach and support colleagues to build conduct risk expertise.

Senior Analyst responsibilities

• Lead or support analysis of business models, sectors, and products.
• Turn analytical findings into practical advice for supervision and regulatory decisions.
• Help develop methods, tools, and techniques for identifying and assessing conduct risk.
• Partner with teams across supervision, economics, enforcement, and audit to combine insights.
• Contribute to organisational learning about conduct risk and business model dynamics.

What the role delivers

Across both levels, the work will be used to focus insights where they matter most, supporting impactful regulatory action and helping improve outcomes for consumers and investors.

Employment details

This is a permanent full-time position. A secondment option may also be considered for candidates currently working in the public sector.

About you

You are an inquisitive analyst who can balance detailed thinking with a wider strategic view. You enjoy bringing together financial analysis, market knowledge, and sound judgement to reach well-supported conclusions. You can work comfortably in ambiguous environments where the framework is still developing.

You also know how to convert complex findings into clear, practical recommendations that can support real regulatory decisions.

What you’ll bring

• The ability to turn detailed analysis into clear, useful recommendations.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills.
• Experience working with financial data, business models, or quantitative analysis.
• Confidence building relationships and collaborating across varied teams.
• Background in financial services, consulting, regulation, policy, or another analytical field.
• An interest in how markets function and where risks to consumers and investors can arise.

Principal Analyst specific experience

• Deep knowledge of financial analysis, business model assessment, or conduct risk.
• Experience leading complex analytical work or multi-part programmes.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and shape organisational thinking.
• Experience building frameworks, tools, or methods that improve team capability.
• Strong mentoring or coaching ability.

Senior Analyst specific experience

• Solid experience carrying out structured analysis and contributing to complex work.
• Ability to own analytical tasks and produce high-quality outputs.
• Willingness to develop stronger expertise in conduct risk and business model analysis.

Qualifications

Qualifications in finance, economics, data science, or a related field are preferred.

Additional information

You do not need to match every requirement. The organisation values growth mindset, and candidates who meet most of the criteria and are motivated by the opportunity are encouraged to apply.

What is offered

• 4% employer KiwiSaver contribution.
• Health and life insurance cover.
• Paid time off over the Christmas period.
• The option to exchange public holidays for days of personal significance.
• Strong learning and development support, including technical training and leadership programmes.
• A diverse, inclusive workplace where people are encouraged to bring their authentic selves.
• Wellness and social activities that support personal and professional wellbeing and help colleagues connect.

How to apply

Applicants are encouraged to review the position description and submit an application through the organisation’s careers process. Questions about the role can be directed to Kelly Winyard, Talent and Recruitment Lead, at careers@fma.govt.nz.

Applications close at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, 8 July 2026.