Mitigating credit risk is vital to managing credit portfolios. Key strategies include credit analysis and underwriting, diversification, collateral, credit limits, monitoring, credit risk transfer, and stress testing. These help reduce the likelihood and impact of borrower defaults. There is no one-size-fits-all approach—strategies should be tailored to the portfolio’s specific needs.

They say money can’t buy happiness… but having financial breathing room sure helps. Money Month is your chance to take small, smart steps that make a big difference for your future self. Your challenge this Money Month Pick one action, start your rainy day fund, cancel a subscription you don’t use, or set up an automatic transfer and do it today. Small steps now can lead to big freedom later.

At Happy Prime, our support for Women in Credit Risk & Collections goes far beyond corporate social responsibility box-ticking. It’s about recognising a fundamental truth in our industry: diverse thinking leads to better risk management.

The latest housing data shows we’re firmly shifting into a buyer’s market, with residential stock levels at their highest since 2015. More available homes mean increased competition among sellers, driving the need for sharper pricing and better presentation. Properties are also taking longer to sell, another clear sign the market has cooled. For buyers, this brings greater choice and negotiating power.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has announced its intention to open access to its Exchange Settlement Account System (ESAS) beyond just traditional banks. This change could extend access to non-bank deposit takers, payment service providers, overseas institutions, and financial market infrastructure operators — a potential turning point for competition in the sector.

New Zealand has an aversion to risk, but the key isn’t avoiding it, it’s knowing how much we’ll take for the reward we want.

While the New Zealand Government may be dialling back on climate change commitments, extreme weather events will cause financial disasters.

While most of us use New Zealand dollars every day to buy goods and services, few probably stop to think about where that money actually...

Discover what low side overrides are, why they matter in credit risk management, and how to mitigate their risks for a healthier loan portfo

Explore the pros and cons of reverse mortgages vs. debt consolidation to find the best option for your financial goals and retirement needs.

Managing credit risk is like crafting the perfect dog biscuit—balance high-quality loans, diversification, and risk for a healthy portfolio.

Discover why first-time homebuyers often let emotions take the wheel, leading to decisions that defy pure financial logic.

New Zealand's property-focused lending stifles SME growth. Shifting to business-backed loans can unlock potential in tech & services.

It’s our birthday! As we celebrate our seventh anniversary, we’re not merely resting on our laurels.

Will Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) face the same demise as peer-to-peer lending?

At Happy Prime Risk Consultancy, we believe in straight talk and decisive action.

Happy Prime has partnered with Women in Credit Risk & Collections.

Recent changes to the CCCFA, while welcome, are unlikely to significantly improve Kiwi access to finance.

Addressing 'whataboutism' in credit risk improves clarity, risk assessments, and keeps discussions productive for effective strategies.

In this blog post, we explore what BNPL is and the pros and cons associated with this payment method.