FSF Codes
Members are required to adhere to FSF's Codes and Guidelines. These also act as a resource to help consumers know what they should expect from a responsible lender.
Only companies who are FSF members or financial mentors may use or promote these Codes.
Credit-Related Insurance Code
This is a new version of the Responsible Credit-Related Insurance Code updated to reflect stronger insurance provider obligations and further protect consumers
Code of Practice
For FSF members, economic abuse means customers might not know about debt they are responsible for.
Understand the responsibilities of FSF members to prevent and reduce economic harm to keep staff and customers safe.
Responsible Lending Guidelines
When you apply for a loan, your lender has responsibilities to you, including making sure they understand your situation and needs.
Understand what a responsible lender will do to ensure the loan is right for you.
Responsible Borrowing Code
Re-launched in 2019 in conjunction with FinCap, this code covers what consumers should consider before taking out a loan, what to disclose, and what not to do if things go wrong.
Responsible Debt Collection Code
Understand how FSF members go above and beyond what is required in law to action debt collection responsibly.
Micro-Credential (NZQA Level 5) Consumer Credit
This programme is tailored for New Zealand’s consumer credit providers to give their team members involved in assessing and approving loan applications and assisting your customers throughout the life of the loan, a comprehensive understanding of responsible consumer lending. It sits on the New Zealand Qualifications framework at Level 5.
The programme promotes elevated industry standards for responsible lending, compliance, and consumer awareness. It will assist your people to elevate their existing skills through a 16 week course completing 8 specially written modules covering everything they need to know about the provision of consumer credit in New Zealand.
The programme is provided online and has been developed by financial services training provider Strategi Institute in conjunction with the Financial Services Federation. The course aims to equip your people with the necessary knowledge, competency, and skills to make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and promote responsible borrowing and lending practices in a professional context.
Graduate feedback:
“The course has real value. The biggest plaudit being, we will commit all of our lending staff to undertake as part of their ongoing education and training." – This organisation has since put 50 staff through qualification.
“People need encouragement do these courses because everyone has a fear of failure. Strategi did a good job of getting me over the line.”
Podcast: Why a course on consumer credit?
Check out this short episode of the NZA Talk podcast to hear our Executive Director, Lyn McMorran, talk all things Consumer Credit Micro Credential, including why FSF co-developed it, who the course is for and what it covers.