Headquarters:
Auckland, New Zealand
Year founded:
2019
Number of employees/contractors:
14
Phone:
0508 Base Law (0508 2273 529)
Email:
info@baselaw.co.nz
Website:
baselaw.co.nz
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/baselaw
“We prioritise embracing cutting-edge technologies, creative problem solving and continuous improvement to enhance our premium funding solutions and provide exceptional value to our clients”
Brett Bastow, IQumulate Premium FundinG
Suzie Sneddon (nee Leuschke)
Director
Joelle Grace
Partner – Corporate and Commercial
Matt Keenan
Partner – Corporate and Commercial
Leadership
Suzie Sneddon’s motivation for establishing Base Law was two-fold: first, to develop a legal model providing senior lawyers with an alternative way to practice and second, through that same model, to (eventually and ambitiously) provide more New Zealanders with direct access to their own senior legal adviser.
The increasing demand for flexibility (and this was pre-COVID!) – both for clients and lawyers alike – as to when, where and how they provide and receive legal services – was the catalyst for Base Law.
Director
Suzie Sneddon (nee Leuschke)
Joelle Grace is a highly experienced corporate and commercial lawyer, having spent over 18 years working in large corporate law firms in both New Zealand and Australia. She has led large and complex M&A transactions, including detailed due diligence investigations, competitive bid processes and complex multi-party and multi-jurisdictional negotiations.
Grace focuses on providing pragmatic legal advice and commercial solutions for her clients and works closely with boards and senior executives to build strong relationships and achieve positive outcomes. In 2022, she was named Corporate Governance Lawyer of the Year in the Asia-Pacific Women in Business Law Awards.
Partner – Corporate and Commercial
Joelle Grace
Matt Keenan is an experienced corporate and commercial lawyer who specialises in corporate transactions, restructuring, joint ventures, shareholder arrangements, domestic and cross-border M&A and corporate governance.
He has extensive experience advising a range of clients (from large multinationals to high-net-worth individuals) with domestic and cross-border issues and brings a commercial and global perspective to his clients’ business issues. Keenan is focused on helping clients solve complex issues and is passionate about developing trusted relationships with them; understanding their strategies, objectives and pressure points; and providing exceptional legal services to help them achieve their goals.
Partner – Corporate and Commercial
Matt Keenan
BRETT BASTOW, IQUMULATE PREMIUM FUNDINGs
Leadership
“Our clients can expect IQumulate to support their business in several ways, providing an understanding of what premium funding solutions are available”
GRAEME GORDON, IQUMULATE PREMIUM FUNDING
BRETT BASTOW, IQUMULATE PREMIUM FUNDING
Leadership
Claire Evans
Partner – Corporate and Financial Services
Claire Evans has 20 years of experience supporting clients in New Zealand and internationally. She is recognised as a Leading Individual in Investment Funds by Legal 500 in 2022 and 2023.
Evans is an internationally experienced corporate lawyer with expertise in financial markets, capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, franchises, corporate transactions and regulatory compliance. She was recognised as one of NZ Lawyer’s Elite Women 2022.
Evans also held a number of significant director roles prior to joining PwC Legal. She is currently an executive committee member with Women on Boards, as part of Governance NZ.
Partner – Corporate and Financial Services
Claire Evans
Helen Johnson
Partner – Tax Advisory
Helen Johnson leads the PwC Legal tax practice and the New Zealand international tax team. She advises clients on all aspects of New Zealand tax, with focus areas including cross-border and domestic property and infrastructure investment, tax rulings and disputes, structuring and capital raising. Her clients include corporate groups, managed funds and high-net-worth family groups. She is also interested in tax policy. Johnson is a member of the New Zealand Law Society's Tax Law Committee and regularly presents at industry seminars. She previously worked at top-tier law firms in New Zealand and London.
Partner – Tax Advisory
Helen Johnson
Base Law is structured very differently from a traditional law firm. Unlike the traditional “partnership” model, it has a team of experienced senior lawyers (Base lawyers) qualified to practice on their own account (such as a “sole practitioner”) who share resources and infrastructure within the Base Law umbrella.
Base Law gives senior lawyers collegiality and collaboration while allowing them autonomy. Through the shared use of an established business infrastructure and legal platform, Base lawyers can quickly establish their own practice, all with wraparound support within the Base Law umbrella.
A flexible working philosophy, coupled with strategic use of technology, is central to Base Law’s model. The client feedback on this way of working is extremely positive. By working remotely (without offices) using legal technology to assist and sharing infrastructure and resources, Base Lawyers have lower overheads and are more cost-effective.
“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started”
Wayne Tower,
IQumulate Premium Funding
Chris Baldock
Partner – Employment
Thierry Pascal
Head of Credit and Legal
Cemal Akgul
Head of Risk and Collections
Stephen McMillan
Commercial Manager
Chris Baldock leads the PwC Legal employment practice in New Zealand. Taking a highly commercial approach, his team helps employers navigate the nuances and challenges of New Zealand’s unique and evolving labour law regime.
Baldock has worked with some of New Zealand’s largest organisations and advises on all manner of workplace legal issues, including statutory compliance, M&A people matters, workplace safety, disciplinary and performance issues, complex restructuring and change processes, Holidays Act compliance, collective bargaining and industrial action, and regulatory investigations and prosecutions.
With a commercial litigation background, he has appeared regularly before the Employment Relations Authority and the courts.
Partner – Employment
Chris Baldock
Thierry Pascal has over 13 years of experience in business and corporate banking in various financial/credit analytical and relationship management roles with the NAB and CBA.
After a career break to undertake postgraduate studies, he joined GE Capital as a senior risk analyst in premium funding in 2010. Following the divestment of the premium funding business to the Macquarie Group in 2015, he joined Macquarie Premium Funding and was promoted to credit risk manager, where he led the credit underwriting team.
Following the re-branding to IQumulate Premium Funding, Pascal was recently promoted to head of credit and legal, a role that sees him manage the credit underwriting team as well as oversee IQumulate’s in-house legal function.
Pascal holds undergraduate and postgraduate tertiary qualifications in accounting and law.
Head of Credit and Legal
Thierry Pascal
Cemal Akgul sees the head of risk and collections role as pivotal in guiding and influencing business decisions. He has more than 15 years of experience across financial and government services, most recently with the NDIS, where he was the leading consultant driving the Risk Management process’ nationwide. Prior to that, he served various roles at BMW Finance across the United States, Hong Kong, Germany and Australia.
During Akgul’s tenure at BMW Finance, he predominately worked in risk management, guiding the organisation through seismic changes between 2016 and 2018. In his time prior, he was based out of New York, leading BMW Finance’s American subsidiary's market risk and data analytics teams between 2011 and 2016.
Akgul values a balanced approach to business, encourages a positive work culture and is passionate about teaching and guiding the business and individuals at IQumulate.
Head of Risk and Collections
Cemal Akgul
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
One culmination of these efforts has been the real-world, needs-based IQEdge solution. A one-stop online quoting tool designed for both the Australian and New Zealand markets, IQEdge delivers quotes in under 60 seconds. Plus, the solution offers quote comparison and quote versioning capabilities, enabling users to review vital historical and financial data in a single page view.
IQEdge can streamline and automate application processing, underwriting document verification and payment collection, cutting the need for manual labour and minimising processing errors. A digital “self-service” platform, IQEdge, reduces the need for customer and administrative support. Meanwhile, borrowers can access their accounts, make payments and manage their policies independently and through sales and support teams, which are always available for further assistance.
“We’ve created a quality platform that simplifies the quoting process yet amplifies the customer experience,” says Gordon. “It’s a real game changer.” IQumulate offers an online digital quoting tool to clients. The best-in-market solution enables IQumulate to tailor funding offerings to brokers that align with their prefered distribution channel.
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Brokers’ Pick – Professional liability
Broker's Pick – Personal Accident and Illness Insurance
Turnaround time – claims
BDM support
Broker communication, training and development
Overall service level
BDM support
BDM support
Medal
Overall service level
Broker communication, training and development
BDM support
Turnaround time – claims
Broker's Pick – Personal Accident and Illness Insurance
Brokers’ Pick – Professional liability
Small business
Medal
Overall service level
Broker communication, training and development
BDM support
Turnaround time – claims
Broker's Pick – Personal Accident and Illness Insurance
Brokers’ Pick – Professional liability
Small business
What does IQumulate have in mind for the future?
“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started,” says Wayne Tower, CEO. “Through continuous engagement with our clients, partners, marketplace and industry, we will listen to the needs as they arise and position our business to be agile and respond to changes as they occur.
“Faster decision-making innovations such as AI-powered decision support systems can expedite the underwriting and approval process, leading to quicker responses to clients. This can improve client satisfaction and potentially attract more business, with the potential to allow IQumulate to capture a larger market share, whilst continuing to deliver service excellence to clients.”
“As forward-thinkers with a digital and ‘do it better’ mindset, we collectively and proactively look to learn and improve on our customer experience for our clients, paving the way for successful business outcomes for our clients and our business in the coming years ahead.
“We’re excited for the future and look forward to what’s on the horizon.”
https://iqumulate.com/
IQumulate invests in education and people, which are vital to attracting new business and talent to the company.
“We have long tenures for several of our key staff, including some in leadership positions, and this sound working knowledge of our business, practices and industry provides great insights and a wealth of experience to offer our clients,” says Bastow. “Our new head of sales, Graeme Gordon, formerly manager for New Zealand, joins us in Australia to drive our sales strategy and lead our team to successful outcomes for our clients and our business. We look forward to great things ahead with Graeme as he continues to be active and present in the New Zealand market as well as building sound working relationships and new connections in Australia.”
Clients can also expect a lot from working with IQumulate.
“Through active engagement with our trusted broker network, IQumulate provides relevant information, education and training content,” says Graeme Gordon, head of sales. “Our clients can expect IQumulate to support their business in several ways, providing an understanding of what premium funding solutions are available and how IQumulate can spread the cost of insurance and help borrowers get the right level of insurance cover to free up their cash flow for other expenses or business growth opportunities. Premium funding is often considered a tool for those who simply cannot afford to pay their premiums in full. While this is certainly a significant driver for many, it is also successfully used by profitable companies who use premium funding to manage their cash flows more wisely or better manage their liquidity.”
IQumulate invests in education and people, which are vital to attracting new business and talent to the company.
“We have long tenures for several of our key staff, including some in leadership positions, and this sound working knowledge of our business, practices and industry provides great insights and a wealth of experience to offer our clients,” says Bastow. “Our new head of sales, Graeme Gordon, formerly manager for New Zealand, joins us in Australia to drive our sales strategy and lead our team to successful outcomes for our clients and our business. We look forward to great things ahead with Graeme as he continues to be active and present in the New Zealand market as well as building sound working relationships and new connections in Australia.”
Clients can also expect a lot from working with IQumulate.
“Through active engagement with our trusted broker network, IQumulate provides relevant information, education and training content,” says Graeme Gordon, head of sales. “Our clients can expect IQumulate to support their business in several ways, providing an understanding of what premium funding solutions are available and how IQumulate can spread the cost of insurance and help borrowers get the right level of insurance cover to free up their cash flow for other expenses or business growth opportunities. Premium funding is often considered a tool for those who simply cannot afford to pay their premiums in full. While this is certainly a significant driver for many, it is also successfully used by profitable companies who use premium funding to manage their cash flows more wisely or better manage their liquidity.”
What does IQumulate have in mind for the future?
“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started,” says Wayne Tower, CEO. “Through continuous engagement with our clients, partners, marketplace and industry, we will listen to the needs as they arise and position our business to be agile and respond to changes as they occur.
“Faster decision-making innovations such as AI-powered decision support systems can expedite the underwriting and approval process, leading to quicker responses to clients. This can improve client satisfaction and potentially attract more business, creating a competitive advantage with the potential to allow IQumulate to command premium pricing or capture a larger market share.
“As forward-thinkers with a digital and ‘do it better’ mindset, we collectively and proactively look to learn and improve on our customer experience for our clients, paving the way for successful business outcomes for our clients and our business in the coming years ahead.
“We’re excited for the future and look forward to what’s on the horizon.”
Claire Watson
Product Manager
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
Claire Watson
Product Manager
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Claire Watson
Product Manager
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson