Top tier firm joins ‘the voice of the banking industry’

One of the oldest established law practices in New Zealand has joined the New Zealand Bankers’ Association (NZBA) as an affiliate member.

The New Zealand Bankers’ Association (NZBA) announced this month Russell McVeagh has joined MasterCard and Buddle Findlay in affiliate membership.
 
Speaking to NZLawyer, NZBA chief executive Kirk Hope said the move demonstrated the firm’s commitment to the banking industry in New Zealand.
 
“We are very pleased to have Russell McVeagh, one of New Zealand’s leading commercial firms, join us as an affiliate member.”
 
The membership formalised a longstanding relationship with NZBA and its members, Russell McVeagh finance partner Deemple Budhia said.

“We're very pleased to join the voice of the banking industry in New Zealand as an affiliate member, and look forward to supporting its objectives for a strong and stable banking system that benefits New Zealanders and the economy.

“We look forward to being an active contributor to this highly regarded organisation.”
 
NZBA’s affiliate membership was about ensuring the banking industry and the businesses that provide services to the industry are more closely connected, Hope said.
 
“This happens in three ways – through networking, through strengthening and building relationships and through information services.”
 
Businesses that are service providers to the industry could make an application to the association to become an affiliate member; which would then be reviewed by the association’s Council - comprised of chief executives of all member banks.
 
“The type of business that will be interested in an affiliate membership is one who will have had a long association with either the Bankers’ Association itself, by providing services to us, or to our members,” Hope told NZLawyer.
 
Member banks of the association include ASB, Westpac, ANZ, Bank of China (NZ), BNZ, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Citibank, The Cooperative Bank, Heartland Bank, HSBC, JP Morgan, Kiwibank, SBS and TSB.
 
Buddle Findlay became an affiliate member of the NZBA on March 31 this year.
 
Buddle Findlay partner Adam Jackson said the firm was delighted to join.
 
“The arrangement strengthens our already close relationship with the banking sector and helps build on our commitment to providing a range of legal services and advice to New Zealand banks.” 

Established in 1891, the New Zealand Bankers’ Association provides a forum for members to work together on non-competitive industry issues. The Association now has 15 member banks and three affiliate members.

NZBA recently introduced an affiliate membership category to allow the Association to formalise relationships it has with a range of complementary organisations involved with the New Zealand banking industry.

The association is still taking applications from firms interested in affiliate membership, Hope said.
 
 
 

Recent articles & video

New District Court judges appointed to accident compensation appeal jurisdiction

How to tackle tough HR issues with confidence

Contact Energy taps Bell Gully for advice on Manawa Energy pickup

Anthony Harper expands partnership with corporate vet Lance Jones

Cabinet greenlights progression of Treaty Principles Bill

Brothers sue US firm Bradley Arant for alleged mishandling of an arbitration

Most Read Articles

New senior associates strengthen Simpson Grierson in Auckland

Rules of Court undergo changes

In-house lawyers at NZGIF, Transpower advise on inking of $78m solar farm deal

GC returns to Lane Neave, makes partner