Victoria Young

Auckland

Editor at BusinessDesk

Editor at @businessdesk_nz based in Auckland.

Articles

What Apple has at stake in China

1 week ago | businessdesk.co.nz | Peter Griffin |Rebecca Howard |Victoria Young

By Rolfe WinklerPlanes filled with iPhones have been leaving the Chennai airport in southern India for months, a last-ditch effort by Apple to delay a tariff calamity.When President Trump last week ignited a trade war, it was clear that Apple could be hit hardest.
Chainsaws vs scalpels: The DOGE effect and a better way for NZ

1 week ago | businessdesk.co.nz | Peter Griffin |Rebecca Howard |Victoria Young

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative has sparked global debate about balancing disruptive reform with sustainable public sector innovation. In a panel discussion on The Business of Tech, experts Rob Campbell, Ben Reid, and Paul Quickenden critiqued Musk’s approach while proposing alternative strategies for New Zealand to drive efficiency in government while harnessing technologies like blockchain and AI.
FNZ extends controversial catch-up offer

1 week ago | businessdesk.co.nz | Victoria Young

Fintech FNZ has extended its deadline for “catch-up” equity offers, as employee shareholders say discontent grows.In March, the global fintech offered its class B shareholders a “catch-up” offer after it revealed their holdings could be massively diluted following its August capital raise of US$1 billion (NZ$1.7b)The shareholders, many of them longstanding FNZ employees in New Zealand, say the deadline for the offer is now extended, but real issues run deeper.“It’s not about having more...
The cost of over-regulated banking: $10b to $14.4b a year

1 week ago | businessdesk.co.nz | Pattrick Smellie |Rebecca Stevenson |Victoria Young

Over-regulation of the banking sector may be costing New Zealand between $10.1 billion and $14.4b in lost economic activity annually, say two of the most vocal critics of current banking regulation and competition settings.In a further submission to the finance and select committee inquiry into banking competition, former investment banker Andrew Body and lawyer Simon Jensen have used a complex but credible international model, known as GTAP, to arrive at their conclusion.“This is the result...
On the Money: Genesis, Bill Foley, Nicola Willis and more

1 week ago | businessdesk.co.nz | Victoria Young |Rebecca Stevenson

Watt a relief Usually, company directors don’t look forward to appearing before a parliamentary select committee, but for many Crown-owned companies, it’s part of the job.
FMA files criminal charge against Prem Gounder, former financial adviser

2 weeks ago | businessdesk.co.nz | Victoria Young

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has filed a criminal charge against former Auckland-based financial adviser Prem Gounder for dishonestly using a document.The FMA alleges that Gounder, while acting as a licensed financial adviser, submitted a false document, namely a gifting certificate, in support of a home loan application made on behalf of a client.“This type of alleged conduct damages trust and confidence in New Zealand’s financial markets and businesses,” FMA head of enforcement...
Govt eyeing ComCom bank interchange fees decision

2 weeks ago | businessdesk.co.nz | Pattrick Smellie |Rebecca Stevenson |Victoria Young |Andrew Body

The Government is closely watching for the Commerce Commission’s decision on regulation of bank interchange fees that credit card companies, banks and fintecs fear will stifle banking competition, recently appointed Minister of Commerce Scott Simpson says.In an interview with BusinessDesk, Simpson made clear there was no capacity for intervention before the commission’s decision, believed to be imminent.
Risky business? Why Kiwibank's $500m funding boost is causing concern

2 weeks ago | businessdesk.co.nz | Rebecca Stevenson |Victoria Young |Pattrick Smellie |Andrew Body

A $500 million funding boost for Kiwibank must come with checks and balances to ensure it doesn’t chase growth on risky loans the big four banks don’t want, a banking expert says. Treasury and Kiwibank's parent company are laying the groundwork for a private capital injection for the state-owned bank. Craigs Investment Partners has been appointed to give advice on proposals for funding by Kiwi Group Capital.
Microsoft at 50 years: From garage to global giant

2 weeks ago | businessdesk.co.nz | Peter Griffin |Victoria Young |Rebecca Stevenson |John Anthony

Microsoft is marking its 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades since Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded what would become one of the world's largest technology companies. In this week’s episode of The Business of Tech, Vanessa Sorenson, managing director of Microsoft New Zealand, reflects on the company's journey and its vision for the future.
Legal shots fired in FNZ employee shareholder stoush

2 weeks ago | businessdesk.co.nz | Victoria Young

Frustrated FNZ employee shareholders have written to the company and its directors threatening legal action over a capital raise that would massively dilute their holdings.In March, the global fintech offered its class B shareholders a “catch-up” offer after it revealed their holdings could be massively diluted following its August capital raise of US$1 billion (NZ$1.7b)Many of the class B shareholders are longtime employees, particularly from New Zealand, where the company was founded.“We...