Bank of New Zealand chief executive Anthony Healy has been elected chair of the New Zealand Bankers’ Association for 2015/16 and takes on the role today.

ANZ chief executive David Hisco was elected deputy chair.

“I am delighted to take the role of Chair on behalf of BNZ. The Association is integral to maintaining the balance between workable regulation and economic growth which is of substantial benefit to the country.

“Our banks are rated as the most sound in the world and we look forward to a productive year with the Association and its members, and continuing meaningful engagement with stakeholders,” said Anthony Healy.

BNZ takes over the chair bank role from ASB.

New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Kirk Hope said, “I would like to thank Barbara Chapman for her contribution as chair over the last year, and welcome Anthony Healy to the role.”

Established in 1891, the New Zealand Bankers’ Association advocates on behalf of the industry in support of a successful banking system that benefits New Zealanders and the New Zealand economy.

The New Zealand Bankers’ Association announced today that Buddle Findlay has joined the Association as an affiliate member.

“We are delighted to welcome on board leading law firm Buddle Findlay,” said New Zealand Bankers’ Association Chief Executive Kirk Hope.

“Joining NZBA as an affiliate member signals Buddle Findlay’s commitment to the New Zealand banking industry. We look forward to working closely with them.”

Until recently NZBA membership was limited to banks registered under the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act 1989. The affiliate membership category allows the Association to formalise relationships it has with a range of complementary organisations involved with banking in New Zealand.

Buddle Findlay Partner Adam Jackson said, “We’re delighted to join NZBA as an affiliate member. The arrangement strengthens our already close relationship with the banking sector and helps build on our commitment to providing a range of legal services and advice to New Zealand banks.”

The chief executive of lobby group the New Zealand Bankers’ Association, Kirk Hope, said the group supported the Government’s changes.

MasterCard New Zealand has been unveiled as the first affiliate member of bank lobby group the New Zealand Bankers’ Association.

NZ Bankers Association chief executive Kirk Hope said: “The Canstar report demonstrates the high level of competition … and the importance of consumers doing their research, and talking to their bank to ensure they get the best possible deal.”

MasterCard New Zealand today became the New Zealand Bankers’ Association’s first affiliate member.

“We are delighted to welcome MasterCard as our first affiliate member,” said New Zealand Bankers’ Association Chief Executive Kirk Hope.

“Until recently our membership was limited to banks registered under the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act 1989. The new affiliate membership category announced today allows us to formalise relationships we have with a range of organisations involved with banking in New Zealand.

“It also means those organisations can benefit from our reach and contacts across the banking sector.”

MasterCard’s New Zealand Country Manager Peter Chisnall said, “As part of MasterCard’s commitment to New Zealand, we are proud to be the first affiliate member of the New Zealand Bankers’ Association.

“MasterCard’s membership will formalise our long-standing relationship with the Association and help continue to promote policy outcomes relating to the continued evolution of the payments industry.”

“We support the Code because it will help target unscrupulous lenders and provide greater protection for vulnerable people,” said NZBA chief executive Kirk Hope.

The New Zealand Bankers’ Association today welcomed the government’s release of the Responsible Lending Code.

The Code provides guidance on how responsible lenders should behave and supports consumer credit law reforms last year that aimed to crack down on loan sharks.

“We support the Code because it will help target unscrupulous lenders and provide greater protection for vulnerable people,” said New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Kirk Hope.

“Along with other responsible lenders and consumer groups, we have engaged with government on the Code’s development to help find a balance between protecting vulnerable consumers and making sure responsible lenders do not incur substantial additional compliance costs.

“As ever, proper enforcement will play a crucial role in the Code’s success. Regulators will need to be vigilant to ensure the Code, and the law behind it, meets its stated aims of cracking down on loan sharks and other unscrupulous lenders.

“We congratulate Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Paul Goldsmith on finalising the Code,” Hope said.

The fall in foreclosures reflected generally positive trends for Kiwi consumers and prospective homeowners, said Kirk Hope, New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive.

Bank of China today became the first Chinese bank to join the New Zealand Bankers’ Association. “The arrival of Bank of China further enhances competition and diversity in our banking sector,” association chief executive Kirk Hope said.