Almost 4000 out-of-pocket Lombard investors will still get only "peanuts" after the failed finance firm's receivers reached a $10 million settlement with its directors.

The FMA has dropped civil proceedings against four Lombard directors as the failed finance company's receivers have reached a $10 million settlement with the men, their insurers and an unnamed "third party".

While 2013 will be remembered as a watershed year for New Zealand's capital markets, this year is also shaping up as being an important one.

The world's key economies have agreed on a plan to accelerate the pace of global growth by more than 2 per cent over the next five years.

The Reserve Bank has told the insurance industry to expect a tougher stance on corporate governance as it beds in new rules for the industry.

Banks' flow of money to borrowers with small deposits has all but dried up in the past three months - but the tide may be about to turn.

The Kiwi weakened after Fed minutes of its January meeting showed some officials raised the possibility of rate rises "relatively soon".

Kiwi spouses of US citizens in this country would not have their financial records passed to American tax authorities under rules that take effect this year

The dollar was the weakest performer overnight, after comments by Bill English that the kiwi may be 20% overvalued.

A retirement policy expert has hit back at a warning by a KiwiSaver provider that New Zealanders face the prospect of a retirement income that meets only basic needs.

Auckland property developer Malcolm Mayer has been sent to jail for 6 years for a $47m mortgage fraud.

Heartland New Zealand, which gained a banking licence just over a year ago, has agreed to buy a reverse mortgage business for $87 million.

Campaigners are out to hit the fossil fuel industry where it hurts, by making it an unacceptable place to invest. Peter Huck reports

The banking sector is likely to face low credit losses but remains at risk from persistent house price inflation and a sharp property price correction.

ASB boss Barbara Chapman expects the bank's strong growth to continue into 2014.