Kiwi entrepreneur gains authority to operate and represent New Zealand
businesses in Europe's financial markets
In a New Zealand first, Gaze Capital Ltd has attained membership of the UK's
prestigious Financial Services Authority (FSA) enabling the company to
operate across the board in Europe's, institutional and private investment
markets.
"Any New Zealand business that wants to tap into the financial resources of
the United Kingdom and mainland Europe or sell its financial services and
products can now do so by taking advantage of our FSA accreditation," said
chartered financial analyst Andrew Barnett, a co-director of Gaze Capital Ltd
with David Gaze.
Achieving FSA authorisation allows Gaze Capital to perform regulated activity
throughout Europe against an extensive list of financial instruments and
products. These activities include but are not limited to Promoting, Advising
and the establishment and operation of investment vehicles.
"Without this authorisation it is virtually impossible for a company to set up
and operate in Europe's complex financial markets, let alone advise on global
investments such as, Bonds, FX, Equities, Property and other unitised
offerings," said London-based Mr Barnett.
As well as undergoing a strict capital adequacy and training requirement, to
attain the FSA authorisation, the support, signoff and continued involvement
of auditors, operators, compliance consultants, international lawyers and tax
advisors was and will be required.
Full access to Europe's markets will enable Gaze Capital to now legally
promote an extensive range of financial products "and thus for a New Zealand
company aiming at international expansion, broadening their investor base or
seeking international capital injections we can promote their product in the UK
or Europe, saving them considerable compliance costs, internal audit
requirements and providing them a regulated platform that gives potential
investors/financiers peace of mind."
"Our market research is clearly showing that throughout Europe, Asia and the
Middle East investors are currently looking for innovative products and
international diversification," said Mr Barnett. "With New Zealand often quoted
as the Switzerland of the South Pacific, now is the time to run off the back of
global successes such as Lord of the Rings and the America's Cup by
continuing to sell quality Kiwi products to the world."
"We are a Kiwi company walking the talk - London-based but with a New
Zealand 'can do' business culture using every opportunity to source funds
globally, promote new ideas and internationalise."
In the period ahead, Gaze Capital intends to take advantage of the FSA
passport in promoting, establishing and advising on property investment
opportunities in markets as diverse as Britain, Croatia, the Baltic States, which
recently joined the European Union, Sri Lanka as well as New Zealand.
"There is the ability for an enhanced presence of Australasian companies in
the financial markets of Europe, through this window that Gaze Capital has
created. The pool of private equity funds that are looking for quality, product
and global diversification is substantial and we can provide the legal and
authorised access to it."
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