Policy-related documents

These sections are related to current and potential banking oversight policies.

Find out more:

A description of key requirements imposed or administered by the Reserve Bank.

This page contains information on current, recent and future consultations and policy initiatives, and the timing of these.

Banking supervision handbook

This area contains the handbook documents and Orders in Council setting out the details of the policy framework and rules that apply to registered banks.

Banks news & updates

Nov 2021 Banks

We are reviewing our connected exposures policy for locally incorporated banks.

Review of the Connected Exposures Policy (BS8) for banks

Oct 2021 Banks

The new capital adequacy framework took effect on 1 October 2021.

See the Capital requirements for banks in New Zealand page for more information

Sep 2021 Banks

We have published our findings from a Thematic Review of banks’ compliance with our liquidity policy (BS13 and BS13A).

Read the liquidity thematic review report

May 2021 Banks

The Reserve Bank has published revised versions of its Banking Handbook documents BS13 and BS13A that set out the liquidity policy applying to registered banks.

More information can be found on the Banking Supervision Handbook page

Mar 2021 Banks

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has eased the dividend restrictions placed on retail banks at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes will allow banks to pay up to a maximum of 50% of their earnings as dividends to their shareholders.

Read the media release: Reserve Bank retains some dividend restrictions and expects banks to be prudent

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Contact details

Banking system information
Supervision
Reserve Bank of New Zealand
PO Box 2498
Wellington 6140

+64 4 472 3262
[email protected]