Applying to be a licensed insurer
Applying to the Reserve Bank for a licence
All insurers must be licensed by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and listed on a register of licensed insurers which they hold.
Applying for a licence
Entities intending to offer insurance services in New Zealand can apply to the Reserve Bank for a licence and satisfy conditions under the Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Act 2010.
If you intend to apply, contact the Reserve Bank for a licence.
The Reserve Bank's role
The Reserve Bank regulates and supervises all licensed insurers in New Zealand and is responsible for administering the Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Act 2010.
The Reserve Bank maintains the register of insurers who are licensed to carry on insurance business in New Zealand.
After you're licensed as an insurer
All insurers are also registered on the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR) and must file an annual confirmation and pay the associated fee. At the same time you pay a levy to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). The amount you pay depends on your annual gross revenue from premiums (GPR).
As a licensed insurer, the FMA levies you pay come under Class 3 of the Financial Markets Authority (Levies) Amendment Regulations 2017.