Bank capital rule changes another weapon aimed at housing market

Bank capital rule changes another weapon aimed at housing market
House prices are falling and tighter bank capital rules are contributing. (Image: NZME)
Jenny Ruth
In a few weeks, we'll get to see the impact of one of the Reserve Bank's more obscure changes to bank capital requirements, which could be delivering yet another kick to an already subsiding housing market.The change affects only the four major banks. Back in the mid-2000s, the RBNZ reluctantly agreed to allow the big four to use their own internal models for calculating how much capital they required, rather than the standardised models the smaller banks have to use.The reluctance was an understandable desire to have all banks obe...

More Finance

Scam protection at heart of Code of Banking Practice update
Finance

Scam protection at heart of Code of Banking Practice update

Compensation is on the cards if banks fail all five scam-protection commitments.

RBNZ staff thin on ground after asbestos reopen
Finance

RBNZ staff thin on ground after asbestos reopen

The finance minister understands the new flexible working policy for the RBNZ is near.

RBNZ data scotches Dosh claims of bank registration application
Finance

RBNZ data scotches Dosh claims of bank registration application

The regulator received no bank-registration applications in July 2024. 

Andy Macdonald 27 Nov 2025
Co-operative Bank, ComCom agree penalty fee
Finance

Co-operative Bank, ComCom agree penalty fee

The bank is silent on the penalty amount it and the Commerce Commission are aligned on.

Andy Macdonald 26 Nov 2025