CISI Announces Arrival in Australia and New Zealand, Invites New Members and Launches the CISI Regulators Forum

PRESS RELEASE

Wednesday 4 November 2026

The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment has deepened its global professional community in Australia and New Zealand, is welcoming new members, and hosting events in the region.

Global educational charity and professional body, the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), has announced a greater focus on the Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) region following the transfer of 5,000 members from the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA) at the beginning of 2026.

For the ANZ region, CISI is providing educational offerings that meet global regulatory standards and the current needs of the financial services sector; spearheading networking opportunities and hosting events; and providing access to insights and thought leadership on ethics and best practices for financial professionals.

To underline this greater investment and focus on the region, CISI is hosting The Regulators Forum on 20 November 2026 at The Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney and welcomes all members to attend.

James Paterson, CISI Country Head, Australia & New Zealand comments, "Seeing our global network expand with dedicated professionals who embody the highest standards of ethics and excellence is a testament to the strength of the sector in this region. We are deeply committed to bringing our new members more opportunities to connect, collaborate, and learn, with an exciting lineup of in-person events and initiatives already underway."

CISI launches The Regulators Forum for Australian and New Zealand members

The Regulators Forum for Australia and New Zealand is a major initiative for ANZ. The event invites attendees to 'hear directly from the regulators shaping the future of financial services'. It will bring together senior leaders from the region's key financial regulatory agencies including ASIC, APRA, AUSTRAC and FMA NZ to discuss regulatory priorities, emerging risks and the future outlook for the financial system.

Leaders from banking, wealth management, financial advice, superannuation and capital markets will offer first-hand insight into the strategic thinking influencing the Trans-Tasman financial services landscape. This event follows education, networking and media initiatives already established by CISI.

CISI CEO, Tracy Vegro OBE, who will be attending the Sydney Forum, comments, "Our members are at the heart of everything we do. By listening to the needs and ambitions of our Australian and New Zealand community we can champion the highest standards of professionalism, cultivate meaningful dialogue and provide thought leadership that makes a real difference. The Regulators Forum is an important step in bringing our profession closer to the people shaping its future, strengthening understanding, trust and excellence across financial services."

Establishing a new advisory council dedicated to the ANZ region

Further showcasing its commitment to the region, CISI has established a new Australia & New Zealand Advisory Council with a programme of domestic events to keep local voices at the centre of the community. Regional updates are now shared through CISI's LinkedIn page.

David R Cox FCSI, Partner, PwC Australia and Chair of the newly established ANZ Advisory Council, comments, "Following the transition of FINSIA members to CISI, we have seen enthusiastic engagement in this region. Members now have access to CISI's global network, internationally recognised professional designations, expanded learning and thought leadership, and broader opportunities to connect with peers. The Australia & New Zealand Advisory Council ensures our market continues to have a strong voice."

Developing capability through professional education

Professional education and lifelong learning sits at the heart of CISI's mission and objectives. The CISI Learning Platform offers more than 2,000 learning resources, including region-specific e-learning for ANZ, with Professional Refresher modules on private credit, digital assets and cryptocurrencies, and fintech solutions and financing for the agricultural sector. Members also have access to the MyCISI app, CISI TV, Professional Forums, a jobs board, membership designations and a pathway to Chartered status.

CISI is running a four-part virtual workshop series on AI Governance in Financial Services, and its Certificate in Ethical Artificial Intelligence, winner of the 2024 Association Excellence Award for Transformational Impact, has attracted more than 7,000 registrations across over 60 countries. It builds on the 2024 collaboration between CISI and FINSIA to help ANZ practitioners understand the ethical issues involved in deploying AI.

Bringing diverse voices and global value to ANZ

Ethics sit at the centre of CISI's qualifications and continuing professional development, reflecting its purpose as an educational charity to enhance public trust and confidence in financial services. In addition, diversity and inclusion is a strong focus.

Manjula Shaw, Member of Inclusion and Belonging Committee, CISI, comments, "We need a spectrum of age, gender, special needs and diverse backgrounds to offer insight, input and guidance as to how CISI builds out their portfolio of events, courses and certificates. I'm excited to see CISI actively investing into diversity of thought and making this a priority, alongside prioritising relevance of conversation, for instance AI, and encouraging participation and interaction between members."

New CISI members across ANZ have welcomed CISI's growing presence in the region, pointing to the value of its diverse community, relevant educational opportunities, strong professional standards and global connectivity. As CISI is a global organisation, members can leverage the mentoring scheme that connects more than 1,000 mentors and mentees in over 50 countries, Professional Forums, and a network that includes more than 57,000 members worldwide.

CISI member, and Professor at University of Technology Sydney, Michael Block FCSI, comments, "I joined the CISI because I see the great benefit it's already offering this region. There really isn't an equivalent here. The organisation offers incredible opportunities through education, networking, podcasts and other media, access to industry, and the ability to tap into a broader international perspective. I'm excited to inspire younger people to become members, to offer mentorship and expertise, and to give back to the community. And, as learning never stops, I'm excited to continue to expand on my understanding and expertise with my peers."

CISI welcomes new members in ANZ

Membership is open to all financial services professionals across ANZ. Former members of FINSIA can join CISI and receive recognition of their former FINSIA credentials. Joining CISI offers access to a global network of peers, internationally recognised credentials, world-class professional development and local events.

To learn more about CISI Regulators Forum 2026 and to register, click here.

-ENDS-

For further information on CISI please contact:

Lora Benson
Head of Media Relations, CISI
+44 20 7645 0662 / +44 7801 521034
lora.benson@cisi.org

Azadeh Williams
Managing Director, AZK Media
+(61) 0452 411 770
pr@azkmedia.com 

About the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment      

The CISI's mission is to help members attain, maintain and develop their knowledge and skills and to promote the highest standards of ethics and integrity in the securities and investment profession. Based in the City of London, with origins in the London Stock Exchange, the CISI is a charity with global reach through its representative offices in financial centres such as Colombo, Dubai, Sydney, Dublin, Glasgow, London, Mumbai and Nairobi. We work in close cooperation with regulators, firms and other professional bodies worldwide. With 57,000 members in over 100 countries the CISI is the professional body which sets examinations and offers qualifications for those working in or looking to establish a career in financial planning, wealth management and capital markets.