- A new initiative funded by banks and the government offering support for farmers struggling with farm debt is now up and running. The government has allocated $200,000 for the Farm Business Advice Support Fund, to be managed by Rural Support Trusts. For a qualifying farmer the fund will provide up to $6,000 to pay for... Read more »
- The New Zealand Bankers’ Association today welcomed the conclusion of the Reserve Bank’s review of how much capital New Zealand’s banks should hold. “Today’s announcement provides our banks with certainty on the amount and type of capital they will need to hold in future, and brings an end to a robust consultation,” says New Zealand Bankers’... Read more »
- A unique partnership of six New Zealand banks will trial a new approach to providing banking services in small regional communities. Banking Hubs will be trialled in four small towns for 12 months, with the first starting by early 2020. The hubs will feature a Smart ATM, support staff and online and technology support. During... Read more »
- The New Zealand Bankers’ Association today welcomed the government’s announcement to introduce a new regime for financial service providers to ensure fairer treatment for customers. “Banks want to treat their customers fairly. It’s good for customers and good for business. We welcome further steps to help ensure we’re doing that. We will work closely... Read more »
- The banking industry will provide hands-on skills to support the School Leavers’ Toolkit by making staff available to teach the financial literacy component, as required. The New Zealand Bankers’ Association has been involved in the development of the toolkit since it began, providing ideas, specialist expertise and content approval for the financial literacy component. Banks... Read more »
- The New Zealand Bankers’ Association today welcomed the government’s announcement that it will introduce a bill to set up a farm debt mediation scheme. “Banks are responsible lenders that take a long-term view to the rural sector. They know the vital role farmers play in the economy and that it’s important they succeed,” says New... Read more »
- The New Zealand Bankers’ Association has called on the Reserve Bank to reconsider its proposals to almost double capital requirements for New Zealand’s banks, and take into account an independent review by former Treasury Secretary Dr Graham Scott. “Independent analysis by former Treasury Secretary Dr Graham Scott shows the Reserve Bank should rethink its proposals to avoid putting a handbrake on our economy,” says New Zealand Bankers’ Association... Read more »
- Minister for Disability Issues Hon Carmel Sepuloni today launched the New Zealand Bankers’ Association’s revised guidelines to help banks meet the needs of older and disabled customers. “We’ve come a long way since these guidelines were first launched back in 2009. Back then they were voluntary for our banks. All of our retail members have... Read more »
- All 11 banks involved in the Bank Conduct and Culture review by the Financial Markets Authority and the Reserve Bank have responded with individual work plans. “While I cannot disclose the information in each work plan, I can confirm that all banks with sales incentives have committed to remove or address them for frontline salespeople... Read more »
- The banking industry has today contributed $1 million to the Christchurch Foundation’s Our People, Our City Fund to meet the long and short term needs of the families most affected by Friday’s terror attacks. New Zealand Bankers’ Association chair David McLean said the industry shared the sense of shock of all New Zealanders and wants... Read more »