Applying to register as a bank

Applying to the Reserve Bank for registration

All banks operating in New Zealand must register with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.

Applying to register as a bank

To apply for registration as a bank, you need to show that you meet requirements under Section 70 of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act 1989.

Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act 1989 — Section 70 New Zealand Legislation

The Reserve Bank's role

The business of banks mainly consists of borrowing or lending money, although they usually provide other financial services as well. The Reserve Bank oversees New Zealand's banking system, including the registration and supervision of banks.

Overview of the banking oversight regime Reserve Bank

Banks Reserve Bank

The Reserve Bank also administers government requirements that banks may have to meet before and after they're licensed. These are intended to protect New Zealand's banking system.

Key prudential requirements Reserve Bank

The Reserve bank is also responsible for maintaining a public register of registered banks.

Register of registered banks in New Zealand Reserve Bank

After a bank is registered

Every provider registered on the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR) must file an annual confirmation and pay the associated fee. At the same time you pay a levy to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). The amount you pay depends on your bank's total assets and the other financial services you provide.

How to file an annual confirmation

As a registered bank, the FMA levies you pay come under Class 2 of the Financial Markets Authority (Levies) Amendment Regulations 2012.

Schedule of fees and levies

All help topics

Using the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR) 5 guides

Get help to search the FSPR, upload documents, set up your online services account and find out what to do if you forget your RealMe® username or password.

Registering a financial service provider (FSP) 11 guides

You can apply online to be a registered FSP. The process depends on what kind of FSP you are — an individual, an entity already registered with the Companies Office, or another entity or body.

Dispute Resolution Schemes (DRSs) 2 guides

If you provide financial services to retail clients, you must join a DRS within 10 working days of registering and keep your membership details up to date on the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR).

Paying fees and levies 3 guides

If you're a financial service provider (FSP), you pay fees for some transactions, including registration. You also pay levies to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). There are several ways to pay.

Applying to provide licensed services 6 guides

You can apply to become an authorised financial adviser (AFA) or Qualifying Financial Entity (QFE), or be licensed to provide other financial services. Find out who to apply to.

Filing an annual confirmation 3 guides

To remain registered as a financial service provider (FSP), every year you must confirm your FSP's details and services. Find out how to file your confirmation online or change the month you do it.

Managing your registration as a financial service provider (FSP) 6 guides

All FSPs must keep their details up to date. We may deregister your FSP if you don't comply, but you can reregister in some circumstances. You can also deregister voluntarily.

Managing your online services account 6 guides

Your FSPR online services account allows you to keep your FSP's contact and payment details up to date. From your account dashboard you can view and manage outstanding applications and tasks.