Interest.co.nz
Bank lobby group says government proposal for its members to pay $23m of annual AML levies isn’t equitable or proportionate
15/04/2026
“We do not support the allocation of 85% of the levy to registered banks. This approach does not reflect the significant level of investment banks already make in AML/CFT compliance, and fails to equitably account for the risks posed by other reporting entities.”
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NZ Herald
Reserve Bank looks like backing down from dramatic ATM proposal amid backlash
10/04/2026
“We’re encouraged to hear the Reserve Bank now thinks this matter can be addressed on a voluntary basis, rather than through the unexpected proposal that was previously announced. The proposed standard is extreme and does not reflect cash use in New Zealand, and we look forward to submitting on this in due course.”
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NZ Adviser
ANZ boss Antonia Watson to lead NZBA in turbulent market
02/04/2026
Watson, who recently took up the position for a two-year term, said “The New Zealand banking system is well-run, well-capitalised, well-funded and well-regulated, which enables Kiwis to get into homes, start and grow businesses, and trade with the world, as well as weather local and international crises and financial storms.”
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NBR
ANZ boss to chair banking lobby group
01/04/2026
The New Zealand banking system was “well-run, well-capitalised, well-funded and well-regulated”, she said. “Events in the Middle East are a reminder of how quickly a global shock ripples through our economy, and the role banks play supporting customers as they navigate global challenges.”
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Business Desk
ANZ NZ’s Antonia Watson elected NZ Banking Association chair
01/04/2026
“As chair, I look forward to representing the industry and supporting a banking system that remains strong, competitive and focused on the needs of New Zealanders,” Watson said in an NZ Banking Association statement.
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ANZ to chair New Zealand Banking Association
01/04/2026
ANZ NZ chief executive Antonia Watson has been elected chair of the New Zealand Banking Association and took up the role today. Westpac NZ chief executive Catherine McGrath was elected deputy chair. The chair and deputy chair take on their respective roles for two years. Antonia Watson says: “The New Zealand banking system is well-run, well-capitalised,...
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Business Desk
Reserve Bank extends cash-consultation deadline
26/03/2026
At the time of its issue in late February, NZ Banking Association chief executive Roger Beaumont penned the consultation as “extreme” and a “back to the future solution.
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NZ Herald
Banks win draft approval to negotiate collectively with Armourguard for cash services
26/03/2026
Roger Beaumont, NZBA chief executive, called the decision, “a step in the right direction towards a more sustainable resilient cash system”. He said it was “disappointing” that banks were not allowed to start negotiating collectively in November, which he called a critical time for individual negotiations.
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NBR
ComCom gives initial thumbs up to banks’ request on cash services
26/03/2026
While it was disappointing banks were not allowed to start negotiating collectively in November at a critical time in some individual negotiations, they would continue to work with the Commission through the final stage of this authorisation process, with the aim of ensuring efficient continuity of critical cash services.
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Reuters
New Zealand central bank’s cash proposal sees opposition from lenders
13/03/2026
He said it had come as a “huge surprise,” adding that banks had been working on ways to ensure customers who still used cash could access it even as demand declines and were working with members to respond to the consultation.
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