Donna Nicolof

Donna Nicolof, Founder, Pāua Wealth Management (New Zealand)

Donna has almost 30 years of experience in financial services, predominantly gained in Australia and abroad in the US and Hong Kong. Wellington born and bred, she returned to New Zealand in 2013 to lead BNZ’s Wealth & Private Bank. Under her leadership, funds under management grew to over $5BN, and BNZ Private Bank was globally recognised as the best in New Zealand for five consecutive years.

She left corporate life and set up Pāua Wealth Management as a disruptor to traditional advice models. Pāua Wealth Management was established to deliver independent financial advice to successful New Zealanders, with good governance around investment decision-making and free from the inherent conflicts of interest in the industry today, such as those found in commission-based structures and vertically integrated business models. Pāua is also committed to responsible investing, where environmental, social and governance factors are key considerations in how the firm deploys capital for clients.

Donna works with families, assisting them with succession planning, generational matters, wealth management and investment. In addition, she is a passionate advocate for financial literacy, particularly in educating the next generation.