This year Kiwibank will concentrate on supporting small enterprises, says Sam Knowles. Photo / Getty Images
Sam Knowles
Chief executive
Kiwibank
How would you describe last year for Kiwibank?
It's been a really great year because we've been able to capture a groundswell of support for Kiwi companies doing things for Kiwis and being successful.
What is Kiwibank's greatest achievement?
We've grown
more this year than in any other year. We're continuing to win the support of New Zealanders, they've continued to flock in and join us at a rate of 400 to 500 a day and there's more of them with more money.
And greatest disappointment?
The way interest rates have been going up, driven by lots of factors, means that our customers who have loans are hurting more. It's not good to be putting interest rates up, we'd much rather be bringing them down for our customers who are leveraged.
What do you think this year will bring for Kiwibank?
One of our successes this year has been the move into small business banking and that is one of the areas we'll be focusing on - supporting the growth of great small Kiwi enterprises.
What will be the major challenges for Kiwibank this year?
With the economy slowing a bit and the big banks starting to react to our success, that means it will be more competitive and we have to up our game.
What do you expect from the economy and how will that affect Kiwibank?
I think it will continue to be solid but it will come off a bit. The big uncertainty is what's happening in the housing market and through that what is the impact on interest rates.
What was the most interesting business story of last year?
The Trade Me sale was a great Kiwi business story.
Who was your mentor? What did they teach you?
I haven't had a particular mentor but certainly I take advice from a lot of different people. They probably encouraged me to go for it last year - to keep on taking the opportunities that come through the door.
Where are you going for the holidays?
I'm going to sit on the shores of Lake Taupo and do very little.
