Use of the word ‘bank’ under the DTA

Closes 24 Nov 2025

Opened 30 Sep 2025

Overview

This consultation paper sets out our proposal for which entities should be able to use restricted words in their name or title once the Deposit Takers Act 2023 (DTA) is fully in force (currently expected on 1 December 2028). 

There are restrictions on the use of the words 'bank', 'banker' and 'banking' (“restricted words”) under our prudential legislation. 

The paper seeks feedback on: 

  • a proposal to authorise the use of the term ‘bank’ by all licensed deposit takers under the DTA 
  • continuing our current approach to authorising the use of the word ‘bank’ in New Zealand for overseas banks not licensed by the Reserve Bank.

Read the consultation paper

Restrictions on use of the word ‘bank’ under the Deposit Takers Act (DTA) consultation paper (PDF, 500KB)

How to have your say

  • Complete your submission online, or
  • Email your submission to dta@rbnz.govt.nz

Submissions will close at 5pm on 24 November 2025.

About online submissions

You can choose to submit your response online, by answering each individual question or by uploading a PDF of your written submission.

If you would like to partially complete your response and finish it later, make sure you click Save and come back later... and enter your email address. You'll receive an email from Citizen Space with a link to complete your submission.

Please read - consultation on proposed regulations under the DTA

We are consulting on proposed regulations under the DTA concurrently.

This companion paper seeks feedback on proposed regulations under the DTA relating to the regulatory perimeter and other matters requiring regulations prior to the DTA licensing period. 

We encourage submitters to read and consider both consultation papers side by side, even if you only intend to submit on one. 

Second tranche of Deposit Takers Regulations under the DTA