Samantha Barrass is Chief Executive of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA), bringing more than 25 years’ experience in financial regulation and leadership across New Zealand, the UK, and Europe. A dual NZ/UK national, she began her career at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand before serving in senior roles with the UK Financial Services Authority, Solicitors Regulation Authority, and as CEO of the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission. Samantha also led the establishment of the UK’s Business Banking Resolution Service. She is passionate about building trusted, fair, and innovative financial systems and is known for her balanced leadership and collaborative approach to industry and regulation.