Fidelity Life welcomes a new Head of Regulatory Affairs - Sam Kelly.
Media release
6 March 2023
New Zealand’s largest locally owned life insurer Fidelity Life has today welcomed Sam Kelly as its new Head of Regulatory Affairs.
Sam will be responsible for building and maintaining Fidelity Life’s relationships with regulators, policy makers and industry bodies to help ensure the business meets its ongoing regulatory obligations.
With more than 11 years’ experience in the financial services sector - most recently as ASB Bank’s Head of Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs - Sam has a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory environment and strong relationships with Government and industry stakeholders.
Prior to ASB, Sam worked at Sovereign (now AIA) as a solicitor and in management roles, providing him with a sound understanding of the life insurance sector and the often-nuanced challenges the industry faces.
Fidelity Life Chief Risk Officer Adrian Riminton says Sam will be a significant asset for the business as it navigates regulatory change and delivers its customer led transformation.
“Sam’s background is a perfect fit for us, especially as we move into an increasingly regulated environment. His experience with the conduct and culture reviews by the Financial Markets Authority and Reserve Bank will no doubt be of value as he takes the lead on ensuring our own reputational and regulatory risks are well managed and in line with customer and regulator expectations.
“There’s significant change underway both in our business and our industry, so Sam’s deep understanding of financial services law, policy and regulation, coupled with his life insurance experience, will be invaluable as we make these transitions.
“It’s a significant role that will help build trust and ensure we’re here for the long term good of New Zealanders, so we’re delighted to welcome him to the team,” says Adrian.
Prior to his time in financial services, Sam served as a corporate lawyer in New Zealand and London, with experience both in-house and at local law firm, Buddle Findlay.
