Bank conduct report release clashes with Westpac result

A report on New Zealand's bank conduct is due on the same day as the Westpac full year result. Photo/Michael Cunningham.

A major report into the conduct of New Zealand's banks is due to be released on the same day as Westpac's full year result - putting the bank in an uncomfortable position.

The Financial Markets Authority and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's joint report on the conduct and culture of New Zealand's banks is set to be made public on Monday, November 5.

The report was initiated in May on the back of damning revelations from Australia's Royal Commission into misconduct in the financial sector.

It was initially due at the end of October but has slipped under its tight timeframe into early November.

But the timing has now run smack into Westpac's full year financial result which is due out on the Australian stock exchange around 10am New Zealand time on the same day.

There is speculation that Westpac New Zealand has asked regulators for the report release date to be shifted.

But neither party would confirm that.

A spokesman for the Financial Markets Authority said: "We won't comment on our dialogue with the banks."

"We intend to issue our report on 5th November."

A Westpac spokesman said it was entirely up to the regulators when the report came out.

"It is entirely up to the FMA and RBNZ when they publish the bank conduct and culture report and we are happy to work with whatever time and date they choose."

Westpac's result in the last of the four majors to come out. ANZ's is set down for October 31 and BNZ's for November 1.

ASB's full year result, which runs to a different financial year, came out in early August.

Rob Everett, FMA chief executive said in a newsletter this week that the conduct and culture report would cover general themes relevant to the industry as a whole.

"Findings that relate to individual banks will be provided directly to the banks involved and they will be required to deliver a plan to address any risks identified."

Everett said since June it had completed on-site monitoring visits with 11 banks, conducted about 400 interviews, received more than 1000 documents and visited 13 towns and cities around NZ.

"Our review was based on interviews with bank staff and directors, and documents supplied to us by the banks."

Unlike the Australian Royal Commission Everett said it had not undertaken an audit of individual files or accounts or a detailed inquiry.

"We have relied on the information and insights provided to us directly by banks, consumer and industry bodies, and other external stakeholders."

Everett said it expected the banks to take its recommendations seriously and devote sufficient focus and resources to making any necessary meaningful improvements.