Governments from both sides of the political equation have failed to recognise residential landlording as a business - but it is, argues Auckland Property Investors Association vice president Peter Lewis.

The FMA and Reserve Bank report into banking conduct and culture has raised concerns about the relationship between banks and intermediaries, in a warning sign for mortgage advisers.

More work is needed to ensure banks are comfortable with the quality of conversations and advice being given by advisers, the Financial Markets Authority and Reserve Bank say.

New Zealand’s banks are not guilty of widespread misconduct or poor culture issues, an FMA and Reserve Bank review has found, but lenders have been criticised for “significant weaknesses” in the way they handle staff conduct risks.

Westpac has lifted its full-year cash earnings, growing both deposits and lending against the backdrop of a strong economy and changing banking environment.

Government should level the tax playing field for all savings and savings-related investment vehicles, not allow the PIE regime to provide unnecessary incentives for high-earners, two researchers say.

SuperRatings has released its top rated KiwiSaver schemes for 2019, and an analysis of the schemes that provide the highest value on a net benefit basis.

Instead of reflecting back on the week, it seems all eyes are on next week. On Monday, at 2pm, the Financial Markets Authority and Reserve Bank will release their joint report into the conduct of banks in New Zealand.

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and Reserve Bank will be releasing their report into bank conduct and culture in New Zealand banks on Monday.

Once again, no OCR changes are expected during next week’s MPS announcement. Yet economists are divided on how rising inflation will impact OCR forecasts and the governor's tone.

AMP shareholders will reap the benefit of the sale of its trans-Tasman insurance business, which the financial services provider says it quit out of fears of declining profitability.

AMP Capital says its new Global Companies Fund reflects growing demand for global equity exposure from New Zealand investors.

Southern Cross has cut the range of benefits available on its health policies.