New NZBA leadership underlines stability, regulation, and support for borrowers
Mortgage advisers can expect a continued focus on financial stability, competition, and access to credit as ANZ Bank New Zealand chief executive Antonia Watson (pictured) steps into the role of chair of the New Zealand Banking Association (NZBA).
Drawing on more than 25 years’ experience in professional and financial services across New Zealand and overseas, Watson brings a deep retail banking and risk background to the role. Before becoming CEO in 2019, she held senior roles including managing director, retail and business banking at ANZ NZ, after earlier posts at Morgan Stanley and KPMG.
Watson, who recently took up the position for a two-year term, said “The New Zealand banking system is well-run, well-capitalised, well-funded and well-regulated, which enables Kiwis to get into homes, start and grow businesses, and trade with the world, as well as weather local and international crises and financial storms.”
Global volatility keeps resilience on the agenda
Watson noted that “Events in the Middle East are a reminder of how quickly a global shock ripples through our economy, and the role banks play supporting customers as they navigate global challenges.”
Her comments echo the Reserve Bank’s November 2025 Financial Stability Report, which found the banking system remains resilient, with strong capital, funding and liquidity, even as financial stability risks are elevated by global uncertainty and a softer domestic economy – a backdrop that shapes how lenders approach credit appetite and pricing for borrowers.
Watson added that “The industry is committed to supporting economic recovery and growth, working with regulators and stakeholders, and playing its part on the issues that matter to New Zealanders – improving security, competition, and financial inclusion, while ensuring customers can access the banking services they rely on.”
NZBA’s role in shaping the broker operating environment
Watson succeeds BNZ chief executive Dan Huggins, who has completed a two-year term as NZBA chair.
NZBA chief executive Roger Beaumont thanked Huggins for his contribution and welcomed Watson to the role, alongside Westpac NZ chief executive Catherine McGrath as deputy chair.
Read the announcement on the NZBA website.
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