New Zealand business confidence rose a tad in December, led by an upbeat construction sector although tighter credit conditions continued to weigh.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has a rigorous approach to stress testing banks, with some devastating scenarios put to bankers.

The BusinessNZ-BNZ performance of services index rose 1.3 points to 57.9 in November, still above the long-term average of 54.1.

Christmas spending is shaping up to be strong across the country.

The bank will admit to violating state and federal securities laws by failing to address technical problems.

From karate to detailed policy issues, Bankers' Association head likes a challenge, writes Tamsyn Parker.

Net profit rose to $2.4 million, or 3.35 cents per share, in the six months ended September 30 from $1.5m, or 2.18 cents, a year earlier.

A new website that compares mortgage rates across banks in an instant was founded by two Aucklanders struggling to get their first home.

UDC Finance's deposits shrank in the latest financial year.

Heartland Bank's trading halt has been lifted after the bank raised $20 million from institutional investors at $1.46 per share.

New Zealanders are spending up more this Christmas compared with last year, as shopping ramps up in the first week of December.

Heartland Bank wants to raise up to $30 million through a placement and share purchase plan to maintain its capital ratio.

Kiwis blame investors, migration, and foreigners for the housing crisis the BNZ Financial Futures survey revealed.

Italy is set to finalise a state-backed rescue for lender Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena as soon as this weekend.

Westpac bank has admitted breaching a condition of its registration relating to how it measures capital adequacy.

ANZ Bank New Zealand's UDC finance unit has posted a record annual profit, driven by booming car sales and strong growth in forestry, transport and construction.

The Financial Markets Authority says it is "particularly concerned" about continued low levels of reporting by New Zealand financial services firms.

A bank customer who was careless with her account pin received an early Christmas present, when her stolen $5000 was deposited back in her account.

All eyes are on Italy as its Brexit/Trump moment arrives in what could plunge the country into financial crisis.

Christmas lunch - it's a costly affair.

The FMA says it wants to encourage investors into the sharemarket and business conduct will be important in improving confidence.

People are being urged to set up electronic payments for the day after they get paid as banks adopt hourly clearance of payments.

From Goldman Sachs to 'Suicide Squad': Meet Steven Mnuchin, Donald Trump's pick for Treasury secretary.

New Zealand business confidence fell in November as pessimistic manufacturers offset upbeat farmers, construction firms and service companies.

The amount of money being borrowed to buy houses at five and six times a person's income has grown significantly in the last two years

High farm debt and inflated house prices remain a risk to New Zealand's financial system.

Nearly 450 homeowners lost their properties in mortgagee sales during the past 12 months when banks foreclosed on unpaid loans.

Banks have increased term deposit rates in a bid to attract customers and fund further mortgage lending.

An Auckland housing developer has complained how new banking lending restrictions are further restricting supply.

Getting a home loan may get more difficult and more expensive in the next year, says ANZ CEO David Hisco.