The Reserve Bank believes its capital adequacy proposals will only have a "minor impact" on borrowing rates, amid fears they will cause rates to increase significantly.

Non-bank lender Avanti has promised more support for the adviser channel following the appointment of a new BDM, as it expands its range of products.

The Financial Services Legislation Amendment Bill has passed its final hurdle, clearing the way for a new legislative regime for all financial advisers.

The Financial Services Legislation Amendment Bill may have passed its third reading without opposition – but the members of parliament who spoke in support of it showed some confusion about what the bill actually contains.

Advisers still have an important role to play in filling in client understanding of some of the basics of insurance cover, the Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman says.

AIA is to offer the HealthScreen service provided by Sovereign to its customers, too.

The Financial Services Legislation Amendment Bill has passed its final hurdle, clearing the way for a new legislative regime for all financial advisers.

Homeloan rates continue to fall in the wake of the Reserve Bank's OCR comments and weak business confidence numbers this week. ASB has slashed its three, four, and five year interest rates, joining rivals in a competitive race for borrowers.

Rental property upgrades required by the Healthy Homes minimum standards will make the area of tax deductibility even more thorny, writes Auckland Property Investors Association vice president Peter Lewis…

The Financial Services Legislation Amendment Bill is waiting in the wings to become law.

Parliament has begun the third reading of the Financial Services Legislation Amendment Bill, a key step as the law moves closer for financial advisers.

Morningstar's former man in New Zealand is developing a service that will help financial advisers construct portfolios from the range of managed funds available in New Zealand.