FMA’s Executive Director - Transformation & Operations Kari Jones on technology in the regulatory landscape, moving from a specialist data role to a broader leadership role, the lessons she’s learned from her international sporting career, and the honest feedback that changed her approach to leading teams.
Key insights:
Career Evolution: From computer science to technology consulting at PWC, leadership roles at Air New Zealand, NZ Post, and Woolworths before joining the FMA
Leadership Philosophy: The importance of collaboration over competition and serving the organisational strategy
Digital Transformation: Making regulatory processes easier through data intelligence and digital enablement
Financial Regulation Approach: Acting as a "referee" focused on customer fairness and transparency while enabling innovation
Professional Growth: Learning from feedback and evolving leadership style from results-focused to people-focused
Technology & Innovation: Balancing regulatory oversight with embracing emerging technologies like AI and cryptocurrency
Regulatory Sandbox: Testing innovative financial products with regulatory guidance in real-time