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RBNZ proposing banks operating in NZ as branches of overseas banks will have to quit retail banking

Banking / news
RBNZ proposing banks operating in NZ as branches of overseas banks will have to quit retail banking

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11 Comments

hmm, weird , no comments , is it not what everyone wanted ? Ok , so govt buys Kiwibank , and forbids non-kiwi banks to operate on NZ in retail banking , does it mean the govt will fully control mortgage market :) ? smells with "you will own nothing and be happy" :) 

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Paywalled, but I assume this won’t affect foreign banks that own NZ brands.

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If you become a supporter do you get access to this article? 

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This is how you get access; - https://www.interest.co.nz/paid-newsletter/37138

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Correct. The 4 major banks here are established here, but owned by Aussie parents and also listed. Westpac and ANZ are listed in NZX also. CBA and NAB can be bought in Aussie Exchange.
This rule is aimed at Overseas Banks which have been given licence to open branches here. Like Bank of Baroda (from India) and may be some Chinese Banks.

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It's about operating as a branch versus operating as a distinct NZ incorporated legal company, not closing down operations as retail banks.  RBNZ forced Westpac and others to become companies and not operate as a branch, as they previously did, of their overseas parent.  The reasons are to do with avoiding shifting of assets between jurisdictions in the event of bail-in/out and stand-alone survivability. 

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Thanks.  This feels like a good move to ensure local customers financial security...time will tell of course.

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Can't have foreign banks stealing Australian banks profits.

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There is more profit in wholesale banking than retail banking. Less expenses too, I think.

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Great initiative if it happens. Good way to stop the CCP from trying to control NZ through the back door.

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Now all we need is for councils to spin up local banks to fill the void as savings and loans banks providing mortgages and small business loans, like the municipal banks do in Germany. Push the big 4 banks into only working in commercial/investment banking.

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