Latest from Banking and finance

SFO probes SC Finance loans
The Serious Fraud Office is investigating five related party loans involving South Canterbury Finance made between 2005 and 2009.

SFO probes Sth Canterbury Finance
The Serious Fraud Office has just announced it has launched an investigation into South Canterbury Finance.

Ngai Tahu, Superfund wanted to buy SC Finance
The New Zealand Superfund and Ngai Tahu were part of a consortium of investors whose bid for South Canterbury Finance was rejected last month, says opposition finance spokesman David Cunliffe.

Guilty pleas from former National Finance accountant
The former accountant for failed finance company National Finance 2000 has pleaded guilty to SFO charges.

<i>Andrew Hooker:</i> How insurers accuse customers of dishonesty
You might be surprised how often insurance companies call their customers liars, fraudsters or criminals, and the flimsy basis on which they sometimes do so.

<i>Bernard Hickey: </i> Five ways to control the NZ$ and capital flows
The version of the free market we had wasn't really free or perfect.

NZ wool prices hit 14-year high
New Zealand wool prices surged to a 14-year high amid renewed demand for the fibre in the Middle East and Europe.

Gold medallist smooths path to glory
Olympian Hamish Carter and his wife are helping young athletes find corporate backers, reports Suzanne McFadden.

NZ firms to gain from aussie dollar surge
New Zealand tourism businesses and manufacturers that export to Australia are expected to be the winners from a strengthening Australian dollar.

Watson left sleeping with the enemy
When Eric Watson boarded an Air New Zealand flight in Los Angeles on September 17, 2008, en route to New Zealand from London, he had a lot on his mind.

Trouble in Eric's empire
After the Hanover debacle, Eric Watson might have hoped for a big win with his latest venture in the US. So far, it isn't working out that way, reports Denise McNabb.

Ombudsman probes regulator over Botherway conflict
Hubbard supporters say the Chief Ombudsman is investigating the role of the Securities Commission and a perceived conflict of interest of member Simon Botherway.