Emma Geard

Senior Associate Pouarataki Pāhake

Emma specialises in the complex and rapidly evolving legal and regulatory landscape governing banking and payment systems. She advises financial institutions, industry bodies, fintech companies, and other businesses on a broad range of matters, including regulatory compliance, funding and capital, licensing and product development. Her expertise spans traditional banking regulations (e.g., prudential regulation, consumer protection, anti-money laundering) and emerging areas such as open banking, digital payments, and cryptocurrency.

Emma has a proven track record of helping clients navigate complex regulatory challenges, mitigate legal risks, and successfully launch innovative financial products. Her approach combines deep technical knowledge of the law with a pragmatic understanding of the commercial and operational realities of the financial services industry. Her focus on providing strategic and actionable legal advice that empowers my clients to achieve their business goals while maintaining a strong culture of compliance. Emma welcomes connections with fellow professionals in banking, payments, and fintech to discuss the future of the financial industry.

Career highlights

Advising on the development of industry lead open banking regime, including legal issues relating to participation, liability settings and standards governance.

Including disclosures, product design for compliance and regulator engagement.

Co-ordaining the Non-Bank Deposit Takers Association.

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 quantitative easing programme.