Cook Islands finance sector growth creates roles for NZ professionals

The Cook Islands financial and insurance services sector is experiencing rapid growth, contributing more than NZ$48 million to the economy in 2024/25. This represents a 27 percent increase from NZ$38 million in 2019/20, with the sector now accounting for 8.54 percent of the nation's real GDP.

New international trust registrations rose 42 percent over the past year to a record 433, nearly a 90 percent increase compared to two years ago. This expansion is largely driven by international demand for asset protection trusts, with approximately 85 percent of licensed trustee company revenue originating from US clients.

The surge is creating a shortage of skilled workers, offering new opportunities for New Zealand-based lawyers, accountants, and compliance specialists. Additionally, the growth may benefit New Zealand fintech and regulatory-technology firms specializing in cybersecurity, identity verification, and international payment solutions.