Financial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment (Duty to Provide Financial Services) Amendment Bill
This bill would make it illegal for banks and other financial institutions to refuse or withdraw services from a person or business based on that person's political views, their industry, or environmental and social values held by the bank. Banks could still refuse services for genuine financial or legal reasons — such as a poor credit history or legal requirements. Breaking this rule could result in fines of up to $500,000 for companies, or up to three months' jail or a $50,000 fine for individuals.
What this affects
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Banks would be required to keep providing services to businesses and people as long as there is no genuine financial or legal reason to refuse.
a financial institution must not treat any consumer less favourably in the provision of financial services… for any direct or indirect environmental, social, or governance consideration
the industry within which the consumer operates
a financial institution may withdraw or refuse to provide services to a consumer… for a valid and verifiable commercial reason
Progress through Parliament
Have your say
This bill is open for public submissions to the Finance and Expenditure Committee. Anyone can tell the committee what they think, and you don’t need to be an expert. Submissions close 22 May 2025.
Bill text sourced from legislation.govt.nz (Parliamentary Counsel Office). Arapono’s summary and breakdown are drafted with AI grounded in that official text and reviewed by an Arapono editor for accuracy and neutrality before publishing. Arapono is non-partisan and takes no position on this bill.