Ksenia Stepanova

Auckland

Content Specialist, APAC at Key Media

News editor at Insurance Business NZ and NZ Adviser

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Articles

Advisers weigh in on gloomy labour market

1 week ago | mpamag.com | Ksenia Stepanova

Jobs are down and wage growth is slowing, but advisers say buyers aren't backing off By 10 May 2025 Recent figures show New Zealand’s labour market continuing to lose steam. The March 2025 quarter saw employment growth barely budging, and the unemployment rate holding at 5.1% – its highest since 2020. Around 20,000 jobs have been lost over the past year, while wage growth has slowed to a 0.4% quarterly rise in private sector labour costs - the lowest in three years.
AI use surging among NZ advisers

1 week ago | mpamag.com | Ksenia Stepanova

New survey data shows Kiwi advisers are embracing AI, but still want clearer guidance on risks and ethics By 09 May 2025 New Zealand’s advisers are broadly in step with global peers when it comes to the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), with two-thirds already using the technology or planning to do so within the next 12 months.
RBNZ warns of 'increased' risk to financial system

1 week ago | mpamag.com | Ksenia Stepanova

Latest Financial Stability Report highlights geopolitical tensions and a sluggish NZ economy By 08 May 2025 The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has warned that risks to the country’s financial system are on the rise. According to RBNZ’s May 2025 Financial Stability Report, geopolitical shocks, volatile financial markets, and subdued local economic activity are creating headwinds for the financial sector.
Westpac NZ posts results amid 'fierce' competition

1 week ago | mpamag.com | Ksenia Stepanova

Rate wars, first home buyer wins, and broker backing - inside Westpac’s half-year performance By 07 May 2025 Westpac New Zealand has reported a net profit of $525 million for the six months to 31 March 2025, up 10% on the same period last year. The result was supported by an 8% rise in operating income, though partly offset by a 6% lift in expenses due to higher investment in technology, staff, and customer protections.
Further rate cuts signal adviser opportunities

1 week ago | mpamag.com | Ksenia Stepanova

Kiwibank has become the latest lender to further drop its rates, though major movements have eased off By 06 May 2025 New Zealand’s mortgage market is continuing to shift into a more borrower-friendly phase, with interest rates now showing consistent signs of softening across key terms. Kiwibank has led the latest round of adjustments, and has trimmed several of its longer fixed-term rates.
Why diversification is the best defence in a volatile market

2 weeks ago | mpamag.com | Ksenia Stepanova

Say yes, then figure it out – here's how advisers can step into new markets with confidence By 03 May 2025 With volatility quickly becoming the norm rather than the exception, mortgage advisers across New Zealand are looking for ways to future-proof their businesses. For Brendan Brits, mortgage adviser at Loan Market Coast to Coast, diversification has been the key to maintaining growth – even in the face of economic headwinds.
Inside a top adviser's award-winning year

2 weeks ago | mpamag.com | Ksenia Stepanova

From market research to tough client conversations, iConsult director explains how consistency and clarity helped him win big in an uncertain climate By 01 May 2025 Fresh from taking home three major wins at the 2025 New Zealand Mortgage Awards – Avanti Finance Adviser of the Year (Specialist Lending), Commercial Mortgage Adviser of the Year, and Liberty Adviser of the Year – Satyan Mehra, director and chief adviser at iConsult, has emerged as one of the standout performers in what has been...
Stalled negotiations weigh on NZ outlook

2 weeks ago | mpamag.com | Ksenia Stepanova

Lower rates are good news for borrowers – but here's what advisers need to watch for next By 30 Apr 2025 New Zealand’s mortgage market remains steady for now, but global economic tremors are adding uncertainty to the interest rate outlook. As international trade disruptions intensify and global growth slows, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) is likely to maintain a cautious approach, leaving brokers and borrowers in something of a holding pattern.
Short-term rates dominate - the risk for advisers

3 weeks ago | mpamag.com | Ksenia Stepanova

Why advisers can't just "follow the news cycle" when deciding on structure By 26 Apr 2025 As interest rates continue their downward shift, New Zealand’s housing market has shown fresh signs of activity. According to CoreLogic data, national home values have now lifted for six consecutive months, and both listings and buyer sentiment are on the rise. For many homeowners this is cause for celebration, and for homebuyers, lower rates are always good news.
Bizcap reveals surge in line of credit demand

3 weeks ago | mpamag.com | Ksenia Stepanova

The lender has recorded its biggest month yet in New Zealand By 24 Apr 2025 Bizcap has hit a new milestone in the New Zealand market, with its recently launched Line of Credit product now accounting for 41% of March deals. The result marks the second consecutive record month for the non-bank lender, highlighting a growing demand for revolving business funding – and a major opportunity for advisers looking to diversify.