Steven Stanaway

An experienced, proactive hands-on leader skilled in senior management within the financial services industries, who leads by example. Is able to engender loyalty from diverse team members and backing from stakeholders and senior managers. A motivated outcome focused professional, with a proven financial services industry track record, who demonstrates a real passion for developing and managing effective business and stakeholder interest relationships, with a strong customer focus and sound understanding of financial services, that includes all aspects of risk, compliance, and control frameworks, regulatory obligations, governance and conduct within the financial services industry.

Steven Stanaway is a senior governance, risk, and compliance leader with over 15 years’ experience across the financial services sector. He has held leadership roles including Head of Compliance APAC at HiFX, Head of Compliance at Trustees Executors, and Senior Advisor at the FMA, specialising in embedding complex regulatory change, AML/CFT, and conduct risk programmes. Steven is known for translating regulation into practical, business-focused solutions and for building strong compliance cultures that support trust, resilience, and sustainable growth.

Steven holds a New Zealand Diploma in Business Studies (Accounting) from the Auckland University of Technology and an NZIM Diploma in Management. He also previously held status as an Authorised Financial Adviser (AFA), giving him a strong grounding in both the technical and practical aspects of financial services regulation and client-focused conduct.