The Conduct of Financial Institutions (CoFI) regime was introduced to strengthen consumer protections and improve conduct across New Zealand's financial services sector. It requires banks, insurers and non-bank deposit takers to treat consumers fairly, act transparently and maintain systems that support good consumer outcomes. The article explains the fair conduct principle, the requirement for licensed institutions to maintain fair conduct programmes, and the practical steps consumers can take if they believe they have been treated unfairly, including making complaints through independent dispute resolution schemes and seeking compensation where appropriate.

New Zealand's proposed shift to proportionate liability will change how responsibility for defective building work is allocated. The reforms aim to create a fairer system by ensuring parties are liable only for their own mistakes, while introducing new consumer protection measures such as mandatory warranties and insurance requirements.