Is Halifax regulated by the FMA (NZ)?

What the FMA (NZ) licence means

According to our records, Halifax holds a licence from the Financial Markets Authority (FMA (NZ)), the financial regulator for New Zealand. We classify the FMA (NZ) as tier 2 — strong regulation. Credible regulators with real rulebooks, but fewer safeguards than tier 1 (e.g. no compensation scheme or looser leverage rules).

For Halifax clients whose account is held by its FMA (NZ)-regulated entity, the key protections are: compensation — No compensation scheme; approved dispute resolution schemes; retail leverage — No fixed statutory cap; conduct and disclosure rules apply; negative balance protection — not a regulatory requirement (may be offered contractually); client money — Client money rules for derivatives issuers. Disputes can be taken to Approved dispute resolution schemes (e.g. FSCL, IFSO).

Halifax is also matched to licences from ASIC. ASIC is rated higher than the FMA (NZ) in our methodology, so if you are eligible for that entity you may get stronger protection.

Protection at a glance

Regulator tier

Tier 2 — Strong regulation

Compensation scheme

No compensation scheme; approved dispute resolution schemes

Retail leverage

No fixed statutory cap; conduct and disclosure rules apply

Negative balance protection

Not a regulatory requirement

Client money

Client money rules for derivatives issuers

Complaints

Approved dispute resolution schemes (e.g. FSCL, IFSO)

How to verify this licence

1. Open Halifax's client agreement or website footer and note the exact company name and FMA (NZ) licence number.
2. Search that name or number on the official FMA (NZ) register. Check the status is current, not cancelled or suspended.
3. Confirm the website domain you're using (halifax.com.au) is the one listed on the register — clone firms copy genuine licence numbers.
4. Search the FMA (NZ) warnings page and IOSCO I-SCAN for the brand name.

Halifax's other licences