Canterbury Finance Limited was a New Zealand finance company that collapsed in 2010, becoming a significant casualty of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and the subsequent downturn in the New Zealand property market. Its failure resulted in substantial losses for investors and contributed to a broader crisis of confidence in the country’s finance sector. Founded in 2004, Canterbury Finance specialized in providing finance for property development and commercial property ventures. They attracted investors by offering relatively high interest rates, which were appealing in a low-interest-rate environment. However, this higher return came with a correspondingly higher risk, as the company was heavily reliant on the volatile property market. The company’s business model involved raising funds from retail investors through the sale of debentures, and then lending these funds to developers and property investors. This model proved lucrative during the property boom of the early to mid-2000s. As property values soared, borrowers were easily able to repay their loans, and Canterbury Finance prospered. However, the GFC, which began in 2008, triggered a sharp decline in the New Zealand property market. Property values plummeted, and many developers found themselves unable to meet their loan obligations. This placed significant strain on Canterbury Finance, as its loan book began to deteriorate. As the property market worsened, Canterbury Finance struggled to attract new investors and faced increasing difficulty in repaying existing debenture holders. The company’s credit rating was downgraded, further eroding investor confidence. Despite attempts to restructure and recapitalize, the company was ultimately unable to survive. In July 2010, Canterbury Finance was placed into receivership. The collapse left approximately 8,000 investors facing significant losses. The estimated amount owed to investors was around $467 million. The collapse had a significant impact on many individuals, particularly retirees who had relied on the income from their investments. The failure of Canterbury Finance, along with other finance companies, led to heightened scrutiny of the regulatory framework governing the finance sector in New Zealand. Subsequent investigations revealed a number of issues, including inadequate risk management practices, insufficient due diligence on loans, and a lack of transparency in the company’s financial reporting. The collapse also had political ramifications, leading to debates about the effectiveness of the regulatory oversight and the government’s handling of the finance company crisis. The government subsequently introduced reforms aimed at strengthening the regulation of the finance sector and protecting investors. Canterbury Finance’s demise serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with investing in finance companies and the importance of thorough due diligence. It also highlights the vulnerabilities of businesses heavily reliant on cyclical sectors like property and the potential consequences of inadequate risk management. The collapse remains a significant event in New Zealand’s financial history, shaping the regulatory landscape and influencing investor behavior for years to come.