FNZ chief executive steps down. The latest issue of Financial Standard now available as an e-newspaper Executive Appointments | / | / | / | / | FNZ chief executive steps down BY RIDDHIMA TALWANI | FRIDAY, 18 SEP 2026 12:27PM FNZ chief executive Blythe Masters has resigned after two years in the top job as Stephen Welch assumes the role of executive group chair and interim chief executive. Masters will continue to support FNZ in an advisory capacity for six months to help ensure an orderly leadership transition. The board has begun the process to identify a permanent group chief executive. FNZ said Welch's appointment reflects the board's commitment to accelerating the execution of its strategic transformation programme, improving client delivery and supporting the group's progress towards long-term profitable growth. The wealth management firm added the board and Masters believe this leadership transition best supports the next phase of that journey. "FNZ has a strong business, a clear strategy, market-leading technology and an exceptional client portfolio," Welch said. "I look forward to working closely with colleagues across the group as we continue to execute our transformation programme, improve delivery for clients and build on the significant progress already made." FNZ said its strategy remains unchanged and the group will continue to focus on its core wealth management platform, improving the quality and consistency of client delivery, and transforming its operating model to drive efficiency and sustainable, profitable growth. The board thanked Masters for her contribution to FNZ over the past two years. "During her tenure, FNZ has made substantial progress executing its transformation programme, strengthening its financial position, advancing key regulatory priorities, simplifying the group through the divestment of non-core assets and continuing to grow assets on the platform, which now exceed NZ$2.5 trillion," FNZ said. Welch thanked Masters for her leadership as well. "FNZ enters this next chapter as a stronger and more focused organisation, and I am confident in the opportunities ahead for the business, our clients, our shareholders and our people," he said. Read more: FNZ, Stephen Welch VIEW COMMENTS Related News | | | FNZ appoints leads for APAC, North America | | | | FNZ, Centric extend partnership, citing 'significant' upgrades | | | | FNZ wins mandate, names APAC head | | | | Centrepoint Alliance launches long-awaited IconiQ platform | | | | Acclaim Wealth enters managed account space | | | | New CFS platform at the cutting Edge: Quirk | | | | FNZ acquires private banking tech firm | | | | UK competition watchdog blocks merger | | | | Calastone expands NZ presence Editor's choice. Gordan Legal commenced a class action against Macquarie Investment Management, alleging the investors in the collapsed Shield Master Fund have not been fully compensated for losses affecting their retirement savings. Sequoia Financial Group, the parent company of InterPrac Financial Planning, is conducting a thorough review of all its operating subsidiaries for a potential restructuring. Family offices in Australia have surpassed $323 billion in assets, according to data from Rainmaker Information. The Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation has appointed a new head of portfolio completion who hails from QIC's liquid markets team. Further Reading

FNZ CEO Blythe Masters steps down after two-year tenure. Stephen Welch has been appointed executive group chair and will serve as FNZ's interim CEO while the company searches for a new permanent chief. September 18, 2026 Blythe Masters is stepping down as group CEO of London-based wealth management platform FNZ after two years in the role. FNZ has appointed Stephen Welch as interim CEO and executive group chair while the company hunts for a new permanent leader. Masters, a former JP Morgan executive, initially took over from FNZ founder Adrian Durham as CEO in August 2024, with her appointment joined by a $1 billion capital commitment from the company's shareholders. These include Motive Partners and CPP Investments. Announcing the leadership transition, FNZ says that Masters will now move to an advisory capacity for a period of six months. The company's statement praises the "significant contribution" Masters has made during her two year tenure, namely "simplifying the group through the divestment of non-core assets" and growing on-platform assets beyond $2.5 billion. Reporter, FinTech Futures Cameron Emanuel-Burns, a reporter at FinTech Futures, is dedicated to enhancing the accessibility of fintech for a broader audience. He has contributed articles to various media platforms and possesses a strong interest in all aspects of fintech. Prior to his involvement in the financial industry, Emanuel-Burns worked in the podcasting field, where he held editorial, hosting,and production positions for renowned production companies, covering diverse topics. With a research master's degree in conflict analysis, he conducted a study on the influence of anti-refugee policies on extremism.