Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Video | Agriculture | Confidence | Economy | Energy | Employment | Finance | Media | Property | RBNZ | Science | SOEs | Tax | Technology | Telecoms | Tourism | Transport | Search

 

RBNZ seeking views on proposal to increase bank capital

Just three weeks remain for people to share their thoughts about proposals to increase minimum bank capital levels and make the banking system safer.

The Reserve Bank is consulting on proposals to increase the amount of capital banks must have, to ensure they can withstand financial and economic shocks. This change would make bank failures less likely and ensure that bank shareholders have a meaningful stake in their bank, so that they absorb a greater share of losses their bank might face.

“The soundness and efficiency of our banking system is one of the most critical factors in ensuring New Zealand’s sustainable economic wellbeing,” said Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr.

“This is an important policy and we welcome views from all quarters. We are open-minded to all the information we receive, and will follow a thorough and transparent process in making final decisions.”

This is the fourth public consultation opportunity in the Reserve Bank’s ongoing review of bank capital adequacy, and closes on 3 May 2019.

Mr Orr said: “Banks have been discussing the proposals with us, sharing their views and engaging positively. Submissions from the banking industry are expected to help us assess issues around the feasibility of the proposals, while submissions from wider stakeholders provide greater insight into what matters for New Zealanders. We are really interested in hearing views from all parties.”

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

To date the Reserve Bank has received 19 submissions. To make it easier for people to share their views, the Reserve Bank is providing a simple online form that anyone can use to share their thoughts about the proposals. Feedback will be made public after consultation closes.

“These proposals would affect us all as New Zealanders. We want to hear views from everyone – from banks and businesses, to people from all walks of life. Whether you agree or disagree with our proposals, or would like to contribute to the discussion, we want to hear from you.”

The Reserve Bank will also continue its programme of engagement with stakeholders, encouraging them to consider the proposals and share their views.

“We held a forum with the banking industry in February to discuss the analytical framework supporting the proposals and there have also been a number of bilateral meetings with individual banks to discuss aspects of the proposals. We have a standing offer to engage further bilaterally with banks, and we welcome opportunities to engage with other interested parties,” Mr Orr said.

Submission form
Click here to share your thoughts

Simple summaries:
Safer banks = safer society
Video: What is capital adequacy?
Non-technical summary: How much capital is enough? (PDF 1.45MB)

Technical information:
Consultation paper: How much capital is enough? (PDF 1.17MB)
Capital Review web pages

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Business Headlines | Sci-Tech Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.