Emma Geard

Senior Associate Pouarataki Pāhake

Emma is a banking and finance lawyer with broad regulatory and advisory experience and particular expertise in payment systems and prudential regulation of banks, non-bank deposit takers and financial markets infrastructure.

Emma has advised financial institutions and financial industry bodies on regulatory change, engaging with the legislative process, compliance and enforcement matters in relation to prudential regulation (including the Deposit Takers Act 2023), the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013, the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003, Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 and payment systems regulation (including legislation and domestic and card scheme rules). She also works with clients on payments system related projects and product development.

She is known for both her deep technical knowledge of her clients’ industries and ability to provide pragmatic advice that clients can operationalise with ease. Emma focuses on building a strong understanding of clients’ businesses and the evolving markets that they operate in. She works closely with her clients to help them achieve the best outcomes for the business and their customers.

Emma also has experience advising a range of legal entities, including companies, trusts, building societies and credit unions advising on corporate governance, legal risk and compliance management, capital raising and structuring.

Career highlights

Advising the API Centre on the ongoing development of New Zealand's industry lead open banking regime.

Advising a Buy Now Pay Later provider on the transition to regulation under the CCCFA.

Co-ordinating an industry group of non-bank deposit takers in their engagement with the Reserve Bank throughout the development of the Deposit Takers Act 2023 and its regulations and standards.

Advising a major bank on the provision of exchange settlement services in the pacific to a mobile network operator seeking to become a clearing system participant in the national payment system.

Advising New Zealand's large banks on the enforceability of netting arrangements under ISDA Agreements.

Advising Treasury on its indemnities in relation to the Reserve Bank's quantitative easing programme in response to COVID-19.