Samantha Barrass is stepping down as chief executive of New Zealand’s Financial Markets Authority (FMA) before the expiration of her contract. Her departure follows the commencement of two investigations into issues within the FMA workplace. FMA chair James Miller confirmed Barrass’s exit in a statement released on Thursday, offering no specific details regarding the nature of the probes. The investigations suggest concerns regarding the internal environment at the agency responsible for regulating financial markets. Barrass’s early exit raises questions about accountability and oversight within the FMA. Further details regarding the investigations and the search for a replacement CEO are expected to be announced in due course. This situation potentially impacts public trust in the FMA’s regulatory functions.