There's been a big push in recent years to deliver greater levels of competition across our banking sector, and greater value for customers. But Squirrel's Dave Tyrer reckons we're missing a key part of the solution, and it's not about customers paying less—it's about the banks paying more.
Government has today pushed through changes to the Responsible Lending Code to unwind problematic CCCFA laws—introduced in 2021—which made it much harder to Kiwi to get a loan. Here's our take on the changes.
As New Zealand holds its collective breath, waiting for interest rates to start falling again, here are the key OCR announcement dates you need in your diary for 2024 and 2025.
For the first time in a long time, NZ's main banks have opened their books to like-for-like refinances - a.k.a. refinances from non-bank lenders. If you're with a non-bank, and heading for a refix sometime soon, it could be an opportunity to save big on interest rates.
The Reserve Bank has a tradition of being too slow to hike and cut and is likely to continue this tradition because of its poor forecasting and lack of understanding of what is going on at the coalface of the economy. The market, however, is usually quicker to respond — will it be the one to lead a fall in interest rates this year?
Not all savings accounts are created equal, and it's worth knowing what all your options are so you can get set up with the one that best suits your savings goals. Here, we've pulled together a wrap-up of the different savings accounts available across New Zealand's main retail banks.
Later this year, a new set of lending restrictions - DTIs - will come into effect in New Zealand, setting rules for how much people can borrow to buy a home based on a multiple of their income. Here's what you need to know.
The Reserve Bank recently asked for feedback on a new set of lending restrictions - DTIs - it's looking to introduce later this year. Here's what the team at Squirrel had to say as part of our submission.
How do you define "fair" in the world of banking? Well, some new legislation - launching in 2025 - is about to lay down the ground rules. Here, Squirrel COO, Dave Tyrer, talks through the changes and what they could mean for banks and bank customers.
Over the life of your mortgage, you'll fork out at tens - probably hundreds - of thousands in interest payments. But there are tricks to help you get your home loan paid off faster, and save a packet.
Read our response to Payments NZ's recent application to the Commerce Commission, seeking an extension of its remit to oversee the development of a further framework to guide the delivery of open banking services in New Zealand.
Competition means it can really pay to shop around — and it’s the same deal when it comes to getting the best interest rate on your savings.