Principal or Senior Analyst - Conduct Risk

About the organisation

The Financial Markets Authority in Aotearoa serves as a guardian of the financial services market. Its purpose is to help ensure the market delivers fairer outcomes for everyone in New Zealand, guided by values that emphasise forward thinking, teamwork, sound decision-making, and openness.

The opportunity

This newly established role for a Principal or Senior Analyst focused on Conduct Risk will strengthen the organisation’s ability to identify and interpret conduct-related risks in New Zealand’s financial markets. The role sits at the centre of work that shapes how risk is understood and addressed, especially where business models may create harm for consumers and investors.

You will contribute to the next stage of the Business Model Assessment programme, an important strategic initiative supported by executive leadership. The work will deepen understanding of how conduct risk appears within regulated firms’ business models and where that can lead to poor consumer outcomes.

What you will do at Principal Analyst level

• Provide strong intellectual leadership on conduct risk and on the organisation’s approach to analysing business models.
• Lead demanding analytical work that influences regulatory strategy and supervision.
• Shape thinking among senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop frameworks, tools, and methods that strengthen capability across the organisation.
• Coach and mentor colleagues to build wider expertise in conduct risk analysis.

What you will do at Senior Analyst level

• Lead or support analytical work covering business models, sectors, and products.
• Turn analysis into practical advice that informs supervision and regulatory decisions.
• Help design tools, techniques, and approaches for identifying and assessing conduct risk.
• Work closely with teams across supervision, economics, enforcement, and audit to combine insights.
• Contribute to broader organisational understanding of conduct risk and how business models operate.

Shared focus across both levels

Regardless of level, your contribution will help ensure insights are timely, useful, and applied in ways that influence regulatory action and improve outcomes for consumers and investors.

Role type and flexibility

This is a permanent position. A secondment arrangement may also be considered if you are currently employed in the public sector.

About you

You are an analytical thinker who is curious, comfortable with uncertainty, and able to balance detailed evidence with the broader commercial or regulatory picture. You enjoy blending financial analysis, market understanding, and strategic thinking to reach well-supported conclusions.

You can translate complex findings into practical, clear recommendations that support real-world decision-making. You work well with others, build relationships easily, and communicate effectively in writing and speaking.

Core experience and attributes

• Ability to convert complex analysis into practical recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with financial data, business models, or quantitative analysis.
• Ability to collaborate across teams and build effective working relationships.
• Background in financial services, consulting, regulation, policy, or a similar analytical field.
• Curiosity about how markets work and where risks to consumers and investors can emerge.

Additional capability for Principal Analyst level

• Deep knowledge of financial analysis, business model assessment, or conduct risk.
• Proven experience leading complex analytical work or multi-stage programmes.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and shape organisational direction.
• Experience creating frameworks, tools, or approaches that improve team capability.
• Well-developed mentoring or coaching skills.

Additional capability for Senior Analyst level

• Solid experience delivering structured analysis and contributing to complex work.
• Confidence taking ownership of analytical tasks and producing high-quality outputs.
• Willingness to grow deeper expertise in conduct risk and business model analysis.

Qualifications

Relevant tertiary qualifications in finance, economics, data science, or a related discipline are preferred.

Growth mindset

You do not need to match every requirement. The organisation values learning and encourages applications from people who bring most of the experience and are motivated by the opportunity to grow.

Benefits

• Employer KiwiSaver contribution of 4%.
• Health and life insurance coverage.
• Paid leave during the Christmas period.
• Option to exchange public holidays for days of personal significance.
• Strong learning and development support, including technical training and leadership programmes.
• Access to wellness and social activities that support wellbeing and connection among colleagues.

How to apply

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

Application deadline

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