The Government must make access to companies securities registers more difficult, prescribe minimum disclosure requirements for unsolicited offers and force those making unsolicited offers to keep them open for a reasonable length of time if low ball offers to unsophisticated investors from the likes of Bernard Whimp are to be thwarted.

There may be issues, if your child is already in a relationship or if they get into one after the property is purchased.

The proposed law, expected to be fully operational on 1 July 2020, establishes a mandatory farm debt mediation scheme.

The Investment Protocol to the CER, signed today between New Zealand and Australia, is an ambitious undertaking which adds a new dimension to trans-Tasman economic relations.

In April 2020, the Reserve Bank announced the LVR restrictions would be removed for 12 months, ending May 2021.

Equity crowd funding is the term for small or start-up businesses raising funds by issuing shares via an online platform.

The final guidance note issued today by the FMA will contribute to the smooth operation of the securities market.

The Financial Markets Conduct Act may provide great assistance for small companies wishing to raise start-up capital.

The Government is introducing further legislation to tighten the rules for non-bank deposit takers.

Difficult requirements and significant FMCA penalties can discourage organisations from planning a public capital raise.

New guidelines for reporting entities under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism regime.

Mortgagee sales offer a chance to buy a cheaper property but require thorough due diligence before signing the contract.

If a property is sold with "leased fixtures", such as solar panels, this must be made clear to subsequent purchasers.

APEC wants feedback on the Asia Region Funds Passport initiative to regulate the cross-border offering of managed funds.

What can you do as an investor to prepare for these new requirements?

Interest on listed or widely held bonds will be exempt from the 2% approved issuer levy (AIL) as the Government seeks to encourage more foreign lenders to participate in the New Zealand corporate bond market. A number of restrictions are proposed on the exemption so issuers hoping to attract foreign interest will need to consider the legislation carefully, and to make submissions if they believe it requires amendment. No submission date has yet been set.

5 key changes that aim raise the standard of lenders & to better protect consumers from harmful lending practices.

This Act replaces other pieces of legislation, principally the Securities Act 1978 and the Securities Markets Act 1988.

The Regulatory Systems (Commercial Matters) Amendment Bill has now passed.

Most of NZX's top 25 listed companies now have a diverse mix of debt funding - a trend which is likely to continue.