Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
The New Zealand Bankers’ Association (NZBA) is delighted to announce that Karen Scott-Howman has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive.
Media Release29 January 2016 New Zealand Bankers’ Association announces new Chief ExecutiveThe New Zealand Bankers’ Association (NZBA) is delighted to announce that Karen Scott-Howman has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive.Currently the Chief Executive at the Broadcasting Standards Authority, Karen brings considerable professional experience from both private and public sector roles. She has extensive experience as an advocate on regulatory and policy matters affecting the banking industry from her previously held positions as Deputy Chief Executive and Head of Advocacy at the New Zealand Bankers’ Association, and as Regulatory Director when she joined the NZBA in 2009.
Karen also has broad commercial, public and media law experience and a deep understanding of policy development, administrative and regulatory processes. She graduated with a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from Victoria University of Wellington, and was a commercial lawyer at Chapman Tripp in Wellington, and worked in leading law firms in Australia and Canada.
NZBA Council Chairman and Chief Executive of Bank of New Zealand, Anthony Healy, welcomes the appointment of Karen to this crucial leadership role within New Zealand’s banking industry.
“We are delighted to welcome Karen back to the NZBA. Karen brings an excellent understanding of the legal, regulatory and policy issues affecting the banking sector. Her previous advocacy experience working closely with member banks and other financial sector organisations will be invaluable to the industry,” said Anthony Healy.
“The NZBA provides a critical forum for our 15 member banks to work together on non-competitive industry issues, and plays a significant role in shaping policies that contribute to a safe and successful banking system for New Zealand. Karen’s industry experience and leadership will be vital to the Association’s role as an advocate for the banking sector and how it contributes to the wider-economic benefit of the country,” Healy added.
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South Island farmers facing continued drought conditions are encouraged to talk with their bank said the New Zealand Bankers’ Association (NZBA).
“Banks recognise how important the agri-sector is to our economy. We encourage any farmers facing hardship due to ongoing dry conditions to contact their bank to discuss options for assistance and how they can work together through these challenging circumstances,” said New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Kirk Hope.
The NZBA has produced an information sheet on how banks can support and advise farmers facing financial challenges
“Banks work in partnership with farmers to support their businesses. Rural bank managers work closely with their farming clients to understand individual situations and needs. Farmers who find themselves in financial difficulty as a result of the drought should speak with their bank as early as possible,” Hope added.
In addition to talking with their banks, farmers can also seek advice about managing through drought conditions from Rural Support Trusts, DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
Financial Markets Authority
Financial Markets Authority
The New Zealand Bankers’ Association is urging people to be vigilant as we head into the holiday season.
More about Tis the season to be careful
The New Zealand Bankers’ Association is urging people to be vigilant as we head into the holiday season.
“It’s that time of the year when people have a lot on their plate preparing for summer’s festivities. At this busy time it pays to be extra vigilant with your cards and be weary of phishing and other online scams,” says New Zealand Bankers’ Association Chief Executive Kirk Hope.
“Fraudsters know we are often distracted at this time of year and will look for any opportunity to take advantage of people’s busy lives and increase in social activities.”
So whether you’re using an EFTPOS terminal to buy gifts, shopping online, or buying a round at your local pub, here are some tips on how to keep yourself safe this festive season:
- Guard your card. Treat it like cash. Don’t leave it lying around. Make sure you know where your card is at all times.
- Shop with trusted retailers. Before you provide personal information make sure they will protect that information
- Check you have a secure connection, which is shown by a padlock symbol somewhere on the page, and that the website address starts with ‘https://’. The ‘s’ stands for ‘secure’.
- Don’t reply to, click on any links, or open any files in spam emails or text messages.
- Check your statements. Advise your bank immediately of any unauthorised transactions.
“It’s important to remember that your bank will reimburse any losses if you’re the genuine victim of fraud. However, that promise doesn’t override your responsibility to protect access to your accounts.”
“Banks will be working hard this holiday season to protect you from financial crime. But we all have to play our part. By following these simple steps you too can help.” reminds Hope.
The New Zealand Bankers’ Association today welcomed Bell Gully as its latest affiliate member.
“We are very pleased to have Bell Gully, one of New Zealand’s oldest established law firms, join us as an affiliate member,” said New Zealand Bankers’ Association Chief Executive Kirk Hope.
“Their support demonstrates just how deeply embedded in New Zealand business Bell Gully is, particularly in the banking sector.”
Bell Gully partner David Craig said, “We are pleased to join as an affiliate member, and look forward to working with the NZBA as it continues its great work fostering a strong and stable banking system in New Zealand.”
“Over the years, Bell Gully has worked closely with the NZBA and its members, and we look forward to strengthening this relationship through formal affiliation.”
Established in 1891, the New Zealand Bankers’ Association provides a forum for members to work together on non-competitive industry issues. The Association now has 15 member banks and seven affiliate members.
NZBA recently introduced an affiliate membership category to allow the Association to formalise relationships it has with a range of complementary organisations involved with the New Zealand banking industry.
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Reserve Bank of New Zealand
Financial Markets Authority
The New Zealand Bankers’ Association today welcomed the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s report Preparing New Zealand for rising seas: Certainty and Uncertainty.
“I commend Dr Wright in her collaborative approach to this serious issue,” said New Zealand Bankers’ Association Chief Executive Kirk Hope.
“We look forward to having a role to play should the Government accept the Commissioner’s recommendation to establish a Working Group to assess and prepare for the economic and fiscal implications of sea level rise.”
“Rising sea levels are an important issue confronting many New Zealand communities, and the issue deserves a collaborative and engaged response.” said Mr Hope.
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For further information please contact Richard Bicknell on 04 802 3350 or 027 342 2536.