Q&A
To delve deeper into Jeremy's remarkable journey, his growth mindset, FNZ’s roots in NZ, and his vision as the CEO, we asked him a few questions:
Can you share your extraordinary growth journey at FNZ, from starting as a developer in 2007 to becoming the CEO of the New Zealand business?
"In 2007, I started as a Junior Developer at FNZ, having come from a physics background where I worked on high-temperature superconductors. I was searching for a more exciting and opportunity-filled field, and both finance and FNZ seemed the perfect fit."
"My early days were filled with diverse roles, ranging from building the core custody platform to leading the Wellington solution centre and eventually managing our APAC product group. Each role was an immense challenge and helped to expand my understanding of both our technology and our market."
"Today, I've been here for 17 years and am in my eighth role. Each step up has brought more responsibility, greater challenges, and substantial opportunities to learn, grow, and make a real impact. Even today, so many years later, FNZ continues to offer the same opportunities to all its employees—I really believe that if you're hungry for it, the opportunities to think big and make an impact are definitely there!"
What is the secret to extraordinary career growth?
"The secret to extraordinary growth is self-belief and embracing new, often scary opportunities, even when they seem beyond your current capabilities. My approach has always been to set incredibly high goals. I remember including a quote in my performance review when I was quite junior: 'Shoot for the moon—even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.' Although it's a bit cheesy, this philosophy has guided me through various roles and ultimately to the CEO position."
What does it take to be considered an 'extraordinary FNZer'?
"Over the years, I've helped to hire thousands of FNZers, and I've learned that extraordinary qualities vary by individual. It's about having a spark—whether it's a hunger for knowledge, the courage to push boundaries, or the drive to make a significant impact. At FNZ, we value people who bring this energy to every level of our organization."
What makes FNZ extraordinary?
"I think it’s our growth, mission, and mindset that makes us extraordinary. From humble beginnings as a small startup in New Zealand to a global company today with over 6,000 employees across 30 locations, supporting 650 of the world’s biggest financial institutions. But what sets us apart is our mission, which has remained unchanged since day one. Our mission is to open up wealth—to make it more accessible, to lower costs, and ultimately to improve the lives and outcomes of so many people on a global scale. Few companies have made such a positive impact in the world, and I’m really proud to be a part of it."
Looking forward, what are your main goals for FNZ in New Zealand?
"We’re well-established in terms of technology and customer base, and now, I want to push us into new markets like retirement and pensions, providing comprehensive financial solutions as we do in other regions. We also aim to make financial services more accessible to underserved groups in New Zealand, leveraging our technology to reduce costs and enhance access, continuing our mission of opening up wealth."
