Sarah McQueen

Special Counsel

Auckland

Corporate Advisory

+64 9 367 8373 DDI sarah.mcqueen@russellmcveagh.com

Profile

Sarah is a corporate lawyer with specialist knowledge in managed funds, superannuation and insurance law. She has extensive experience advising clients on the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013, including legal and compliance matters relating to unit trusts, superannuation schemes, KiwiSaver schemes and discretionary investment management services. Sarah also has experience advising insurers on the Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Act 2010, including in respect of corporate transaction and regulatory obligations.

Sarah joined Russell McVeagh in June 2020 from another New Zealand law firm, where she acted for domestic and international fund managers, insurers and trustees. Earlier in her career she spent two years at Slaughter and May in London.

Related Expertise

Funds Management, KiwiSaver & Superannuation

Financial Regulation

Insurance

Experience

Sarah's work highlights include:

Insurance

Advising Westpac Group on the sale of its New Zealand life insurance business to Fidelity Life for NZ$400m, including a 15-year life insurance distribution arrangement between Westpac NZ and Fidelity Life.
Acting for National Australia Bank (parent company of BNZ) on the sale of BNZ's life insurance business to Partners Life for $290 million.
Acting on the acquisition of the Sovereign life insurance businesses from CBA.
Acting on two other recent acquisitions of life insurance businesses in New Zealand.
Advising on insurance portfolio transfers.
Advising a number of insurers on regulatory requirements under the Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Act 2010.
Reviewing insurance policies, including for compliance with the unfair contract terms provisions in the Fair Trading Amendment Act.

Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 (FMCA) regime

Advising on the transition of managed investment schemes (KiwiSaver schemes, superannuation schemes and unit trusts) to the FMCA regime.
Advising on establishing new managed investment schemes under the FMCA regime.
Reviewing product disclosure statements for managed investment schemes.
Advising on a wide range of legal and general compliance matters under the FMCA regime.

Superannuation

Advising on superannuation and other retirement savings products, including their establishment, preparation of trust deeds and other required documentation, preparation of offer documents and ongoing maintenance.
Advising on the superannuation aspects of corporate transactions.
Advising on scheme transfers and closures, including employee communications and engagement with the Financial Markets Authority.

Insights

Publication

Contracts of Insurance Bill passes third reading

15/11/2024

Following its introduction to Parliament in April earlier this year, the Contracts of Insurance Bill passed its third reading on 14 November 2024. With just Royal assent by the Governor-General required now, the reform of New Zealand's insurance contracting regime is – finally – set to become law.

Learn more

Publication

Action by Australian regulators highlights greenwashing risks for financial institutions and other businesses

2/03/2023

Two developments in Australia highlight the ongoing focus by regulators overseas on greenwashing, with lessons for New Zealand businesses.

Learn more

Publication

Client money and property services: draft guidance consultation

4/10/2022

The Financial Markets Authority has released draft guidance for consultation in relation to the requirements under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 and Financial Markets Conduct Regulations 2014 that apply to providers of "client money or client property services" (Client Property Requirements).

Learn more

Publication

Consultations released on regulations and fees for Conduct of Financial Institutions regime

30/09/2022

Earlier this week, MBIE released two consultations on proposed regulations and licensing fees under the Conduct of Financial Institutions (COFI) Regime

Learn more

Publication

COFI Bill - Supplementary Order Paper Released

20/06/2022

The Financial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment Bill (COFI Bill) is scheduled for its Committee of the whole House debate this week. In advance of that, the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs has released a Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) showing further proposed amendments to the COFI Bill.

Learn more

Publication

Insurance Regulation Update: Insurance Contracts Bill – Exposure Draft

10/03/2022

The recently released exposure draft of the Insurance Contracts Bill and a Consultation Paper highlights the increasing role that the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) will have in respect of the insurance sector.

Learn more

Publication

FMA releases guidance on managed fund fees and value for money

15/04/2021

Yesterday the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) released final guidance which aims to assist managers and supervisors of KiwiSaver schemes, and other managed investment schemes, to demonstrate how they are meeting their: existing obligations; statutory duties; and conduct expectations, in respect of fees and value for money.

Learn more

Publication

Standard conditions for financial advice provider full licences

10/11/2020

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has released the standard conditions for full financial advice provider (FAP) licences.

Learn more

Recognition

She is ranked in the Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific 2025 Guide for Financial Services, is recognised as a Leading Associate by the Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2025 Guide for Investment Funds, and a 'Rising Star' for M&A in IFLR1000. Recognised in Chambers as an "Associate to Watch" for Investment Funds, she is described as, "technically strong and provides really good, focused advice."