Author: Philip vanDyk

Law to restrain loan sharks bites banks

Bankers’ association chief executive Kirk Hope said banks were never the target of the measures contained in the bill, which was aimed at reining in abusive loan sharks and dodgy debt collectors. “The most vulnerable consumers could be protected by enforcing the existing laws,” he said.

Banks may be playing on customer ignorance

“Banks have worked really hard and have involved people like Writemark in the development of their product material,” Hope said. They also all have programmes to lift financial literacy among customers, and people in the community.

Bank customer satisfaction high – survey

A public opinion survey has found a high level satisfaction among bank customers, the New Zealand Bankers’ Association revealed today. Eighty-two per cent of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with their main bank, with only seven per cent dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. “This is a pleasing result which shows that banks are continuing to… Read more »

Westpac to chair New Zealand Bankers’ Association

Westpac New Zealand chief executive Peter Clare has been elected chair of the New Zealand Bankers’ Association for 2013/14. ASB Bank chief executive Barbara Chapman was elected deputy chair. “I look forward to working with colleagues from across the industry,” said Peter Clare. “We have a strong and stable banking sector which invests in New… Read more »

Bankers knock new capital plans

Hope said that it was wrong to assume all high LVR borrowers were on comparatively low incomes; it might reflect a relatively high income and capacity to service the loan.

Heartland Bank joins New Zealand Bankers’ Association

Heartland Bank today joined the New Zealand Bankers’ Association, bringing the total number of the association’s member banks to 14. New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Kirk Hope welcomed Heartland Bank. “We are pleased to have New Zealand’s newest bank join us. Having Heartland on board further demonstrates the diversity of our banking sector,” said… Read more »

Kiwis could face Cyprus-style trim

Bankers Association chief executive Kirk Hope said the latest International Monetary Fund report on New Zealand pointed out the strength and stability of our banking system, and it was not helpful to compare it with Cyprus.

Fees campaign labelled ‘suspect’

Kirk Hope, chief executive of the New Zealand Bankers’ Association, says the Fair Play on Fees campaign is misleading people and questions their figures.