The New Zealand dollar held its gains of last week against the greenback before public statements by Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen amid speculation she may clarify the central bank's view on the start of any interest rate hikes in the US.

ASB customers will soon be able to ditch their wallets and pay for small purchases with their phone by attaching a sticker.

The Kiwi dollar extended its decline against its trans-Tasman counterpart after figures showed Australian unemployment unexpectedly fell last month.

The world is still rebuilding after the global financial crisis, but it will take time before public confidence in the banking and finance sector is fully restored.

The Commerce Commission has offered immunity from prosecution to a financial markets participant as part of an investigation.

The damage inflicted on US households by the collapse of the housing market and recession wasn't evenly distributed.

The city is showing worrying signs of being at the centre of the next financial crisis.

IDFC and Bandhan Financial Services have won the first licenses awarded in a decade to set up banks in Asia's third-largest economy.

Our big, Australian-owned banks are making more money out of New Zealand customers than those across the ditch - raising questions about whether Kiwi customers are being treated fairly.

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

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.

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 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.

Homeowners could save more than $90,000 over the life of their mortgages by shopping around, according to an analysis of 95 floating home loans.

The Commerce Commission has deferred its call on whether to lay proceedings against three banks involved in its interest rate swaps investigation as it is assessing new information in the cases.

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.