top of page

News & Insights
The latest credit, data and regulatory news, trends and insights from our team of credit risk specialists.
Invest in you: Build your future one step at a time
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.
Happy Prime
3 days ago
Beyond box-ticking: Why Happy Prime backs Women in Credit Risk & Collections
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.
Happy Prime
Jul 8
Is it a buyers or sellers market? The tale of two key indicators
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.
Happy Prime
Jun 2
RBNZ Settlement Account Access: Game Changer for NZ Financial Services Competition
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.
Happy Prime
May 12
Kiwis need to talk about our fear of risk and what it’s costing us
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.
Meurig Chapman
Apr 9
Climate change an imminent and unfolding storm for NZ homeowners
While the New Zealand Government may be dialling back on climate change commitments, extreme weather events will cause financial disasters.
Happy Prime
Mar 24
How money is created in NZ
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...
Happy Prime
Feb 17
Low Side Overrides and Why Credit Risk Management Should Care
Discover what low side overrides are, why they matter in credit risk management, and how to mitigate their risks for a healthier loan portfo
Happy Prime
Dec 17, 2024
Pros and Cons of Reverse Mortgage v Debt Consolidation
Explore the pros and cons of reverse mortgages vs. debt consolidation to find the best option for your financial goals and retirement needs.
Happy Prime
Dec 13, 2024
Barking up the right tree: Credit risk lessons from dog biscuits
Managing credit risk is like crafting the perfect dog biscuit—balance high-quality loans, diversification, and risk for a healthy portfolio.
Meurig Chapman
Dec 11, 2024
Why People Buying Their First House Are Irrational: The Heart Is Stronger Than the Mind
Discover why first-time homebuyers often let emotions take the wheel, leading to decisions that defy pure financial logic.
Happy Prime
Dec 5, 2024
Time for lenders to back Kiwi talent, not just property
New Zealand's property-focused lending stifles SME growth. Shifting to business-backed loans can unlock potential in tech & services.
Happy Prime
Nov 27, 2024
bottom of page