Light-handed Regulation in New Zealand Banking and Financial Services: Has it worked?

Abstract

This paper reviews banking regulation in New Zealand from the deregulation of the 1980s through to the present day. It focuses on the effects of light-handed regulation that was introduced as part of the deregulatory process and examines its effectiveness for protecting depositors and at preventing the (potential) looting of New Zealand banks by their foreign owners. It notes the extent of reregulation now being undertaken.

Keywords

• Banking regulation
• New Zealand
• bank failure management