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Financial Services Federation executive director Kirk Hope to take helm of the New Zealand Bankers' Association in March

Financial Services Federation executive director Kirk Hope to take helm of the New Zealand Bankers' Association in March

Financial Services Federation executive director Kirk Hope has been named new chief executive of the New Zealand Bankers’ Association (NZBA).

Hope will take up the role at the end of March replacing acting chief executive Martin Philipsen who, in turn, replaced Sarah Mehrtens in December.

Hope is a Wellington-based banking professional with more than a decade of experience in the New Zealand financial services sector, and a former head of regulatory affairs and government relations at Westpac. He has spent two years as executive director of the Financial Services Federation, which represents 36 local finance companies and building societies.

“Kirk has the full spectrum of experience required to manage this portfolio with comprehensive understanding of legal, regulatory and industry processes, hands on experience in banking and at the NZBA, and is well versed in managing multiple stakeholders," said NZBA Council chairman Andrew Thorburn.

“With the NZBA providing a vital platform for the 13 member banks to work together on non-competitive industry issues, the role of the chief executive is crucial to both the industry and the wider economic well-being of the country. Kirk’s leadership here will play a key part in helping shape policies that contribute to a safe and successful banking system.”

The NZBA represents 13 member banks and has been operating as the banking industry body since 1891. The governing body of the Association is the Council, comprising the chief executive of each member bank.

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