NZ First's anti 'woke banking' bill drawn from the ballot

Andy Foster's banking bill has been drawn from the biscuit tin. (Image: Office of the Clerk)

Thu, 20 Feb 2025

A New Zealand First private members bill that targets what the party calls “woke” bank lending practices has been drawn from the ballot.If enacted, the Financial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment (Duty to Provide Financial Services) Amendment Bill would prohibit banks from denying banking services to businesses for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reasons.Banks could be fined up to $500,000 for each breach and an individual could be imprisoned for up to three months or fined $50,000.The bill is sponsored by list...

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