Media Releases

FMA levy misses the mark

June 6, 2012 - The New Zealand Bankers’ Association today expressed disappointment at the government’s announcement on the way it intends to levy the financial sector to fund the Financial Markets Authority. “Banks are well-regulated responsible lenders operating at the top end of the market. “The levies should better reflect the costs and benefits where they actually fall,” said... Read more »

Good public purse management keeps cost of credit down

May 24, 2012 - Prudent management of the public purse is essential to keeping down the cost of credit said the New Zealand Bankers’ Association today in response to Budget 2012. The Association supported moves to ensure borrowing costs for the government, householders and business owners do not increase unnecessarily. Initiatives that kept the NZ dollar at a realistic... Read more »

Flipside of interest rate cuts

May 22, 2012 - Recent cuts in fixed interest rates highlight the level of intense competition in the New Zealand banking sector. This is good news for borrowers, but will impact on returns for bank depositors. Interest rates are at historically low levels. This is due to a drop in wholesale interest rates as a result of ongoing uncertainty... Read more »

Survey finds NZ banks well placed for challenges ahead

April 24, 2012 - The New Zealand Bankers’ Association today welcomed KPMG’s annual Financial Institutions Performance Survey (FIPS). In its 25th year, the 2011 survey shows New Zealand has a strong, stable and highly competitive banking sector that continues to serve New Zealand businesses and consumers very well in a globally uncertain environment. “Our banks are well placed to... Read more »

Regularly check your accounts says Bankers’ Association

April 10, 2012 - With heightened awareness around recent card fraud, the New Zealand Bankers’ Association has issued a reminder to check bank statements regularly. “We can all help in the fight against fraud by keeping an eye on our bank accounts. If you identify an unauthorised transaction, contact your bank immediately,” said New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive... Read more »

Banks critical to NZ’s economic recovery, says new Bankers’ Association Chair

April 4, 2012 - A strong and resilient banking sector will play a critical role in New Zealand’s ongoing economic recovery, said the new chairman of the New Zealand Bankers’ Association (NZBA), David Hisco. Mr Hisco, CEO of ANZ National, has been elected chair of the NZBA for 2012/13. Westpac New Zealand chief executive Peter Clare is the deputy... Read more »

Draft loan shark law welcomed

April 2, 2012 - The New Zealand Bankers’ Association has welcomed the government’s release today of a draft bill targeted at loan sharks and fringe lenders. The draft bill, which will amend the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003, proposes introducing a duty for all lenders to practice responsible lending. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has acknowledged banks... Read more »

More accurate credit picture welcomed

March 30, 2012 - The New Zealand Bankers’ Association has welcomed changes to credit reporting in New Zealand that take effect from 1 April 2012. The most fundamental change is that information held by credit reporting agencies will include up to 24 months of an individual’s repayment history. This includes both payments and defaults. Until now only defaults, or... Read more »

Foiling card fraud

March 29, 2012 - There are some simple things we can all do to fight bank card fraud says the New Zealand Bankers’ Association. “Most of us use cards on a daily basis because they provide a convenient and safe way to pay others and perform a range of electronic banking transactions,” said New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive... Read more »

Get scam wise – New Zealand Bankers’ Association

March 19, 2012 - The New Zealand Bankers’ Association has issued a seven point list to combat online banking fraud as Fraud Awareness Week 2012 kicks off. “Public vigilance is crucial in the fight against financial cyber crime. Customers have an important role to play to protect themselves and their money,” said New Zealand Bankers’ Association acting chief executive... Read more »