RBNZ's final bank capital decisions will have far-reaching impact

RBNZ's final bank capital decisions will have far-reaching impact
Jenny Ruth
In its most far-reaching decision this year, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand will be unveiling new capital rules for banks on Thursday that even it admits will reduce economic growth.They will also make it harder to borrow for key sectors, such as farmers, construction companies and small businesses, according to many critics.The central bank has proposed near doubling the minimum amount of equity the four major Australian-owned banks have to hold on their balance sheets from 8.5 percent of risk-weighted assets to 16 percent, and to 15 percent...

More Finance

Economic hedges help ANZ NZ lift annual profit
Finance

Economic hedges help ANZ NZ lift annual profit

ANZ NZ styles its full-year results as solid as net-interest margin nudges higher.

BNZ looks to economic uptick supporting its full year 2026 outturn
Finance

BNZ looks to economic uptick supporting its full year 2026 outturn

BNZ is the latest bank to cautiously spruik GDP growth in 2026.

Andy Macdonald 07 Nov 2025
BNZ profit dips as economic return proves sluggish
Finance

BNZ profit dips as economic return proves sluggish

Net-interest margin tiptoes higher but total operating income slips. 

Andy Macdonald 06 Nov 2025
NZ's financial stability risks higher than in recent years
Finance

NZ's financial stability risks higher than in recent years

The RBNZ says global uncertainty and underperformance are key factors.

Staff reporters 05 Nov 2025