Areas of Practice
I am a specialist barrister with nearly three decades of experience across financial markets law, commercial litigation, insolvency, insurance disputes and privacy. I act for financial markets participants, directors, companies and individuals.
Financial Markets Law & Regulatory Defence
Defending financial markets participants facing FMA information requests, investigations and proceedings, and Commerce Commission investigations including under the Fair Trading Act. As a former founding senior solicitor of the FMA litigation team, I have direct insight into how the regulator operates.
Consumer Credit and CCCFA Regulation
The FMA has regulated consumer lenders since 1 July 2026. Merran advises lenders and their directors on FMA licensing, section 412 self-reporting, information requests, investigations and enforcement under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003.
AML/CFT and Financial Services Compliance
Merran advises reporting entities on AML/CFT obligations and enforcement risk under the Department of Internal Affairs, New Zealand's single AML/CFT supervisor since 1 July 2026, and on financial-services compliance and governance.
Commercial Litigation
Experienced litigator acting for financial markets participants, directors, companies and individuals in High Court and Court of Appeal proceedings across a wide range of commercial disputes.
Insolvency and Receiverships
Advising insolvency practitioners, secured and unsecured creditors, and debtors on receiverships, liquidations, voluntary administrations, deeds of company arrangement and compromises.
Insurance Disputes
Advising on coverage disputes and representing clients in insurance litigation across commercial property, liability, professional indemnity, directors and officers, and business interruption insurance.
Privacy and Data Breach
Advising agencies and individuals on Privacy Act 2020 obligations, privacy breach response, and representation before the Privacy Commissioner.
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