A Queenstown bank worker has been charged over allegations of a long-running $400,000 fraud in which money was paid into fictitious accounts.

NZ resident and former British banker Darrell Read faces more criminal proceedings, from Britain's Serious Fraud Office, for his part in an alleged international rates-rigging scheme.

A "financial coaching" company which can avoid new mortgage-lending limits placed on banks is offering 100 per cent finance to families wanting to buy their first home.

The Bank of New Zealand has again proven to be something of a springboard, propelling its current chief executive, Andrew Thorburn, to the role of chief executive of the parent company, National Australia Bank, in Melbourne.

The kiwi was the worst performing currency tracked by Reuters overnight, falling as low 85.45 US cents after rising as high as 87 cents earlier this week.

Australian business groups are urging the Reserve Bank to exercise caution before considering raising interest rates, given improving signs in the economy are not yet widespread.

The New Zealand dollar is overvalued by between 5 and 15 per cent, the International Monetary Fund reckons.

Kiwibank customers have until tonight to sign up to class-action style litigation over allegedly "unfair penalty" fees.

Commerce Minister Craig Foss has beefed up the number of KiwiSaver default providers that members are automatically enrolled into when they sign up.

Branches like cosy libraries? More friendly ATM's? Visiting banking technology expert Cyrus Daruwala talks to the Herald's Chris Daniels.

Secure safes at teller stations to increase security, a new intelligent ATM and a "live wall" of 15 55-inch television screens showing a digital panorama for waiting customers are some of the features of the ANZ's biggest branch makeover.