Maria Collett-Bevan > MinterEllisonRuddWatts > Auckland, New Zealand > Lawyer Profile

She regularly advises clients in relation to, and helps prepare, their offer documents, trust deeds, custody agreements, and investment management agreements. She also assists with the establishment of new schemes and/or funds. Maria advises on all aspects of the Financial Markets Conduct Act (FMCA) and the suite of financial services legislation generally. Her FMCA expertise includes discretionary investment management services, managed investment schemes, and the financial advice regime under the Act. In addition, Maria advises clients on the regulation of cryptocurrencies in New Zealand.

Maria has in-depth knowledge of the Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Act and the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act (AML/CFT). She has assisted the wider Corporate team with several merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions involving insurance entities. Recently, Maria has advised clients on the new climate-related disclosures regime for large listed companies and financial institutions (also under the FMCA).

Her work involves regular engagement with the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). She provides comprehensive and practicable advice to clients, including an understanding of the regulators’ approach to aspects of the financial services regime.