New Zealand Budget 2026 & banking regulation: The government introduced a prudential levy on banks, non-bank deposit takers, insurers and financial market infrastructure providers to fund the Reserve Bank’s regulatory work, estimated to recover about NZ$209m over four years. AML enforcement: The Reserve Bank filed High Court proceedings against The Co-operative Bank over multiple AML/CFT monitoring and record-keeping breaches, with a jointly recommended penalty of $1.425m. Monetary policy focus: RBNZ Governor Anna Breman said the bank is fully focused on the inflation target, keeping the OCR at 2.25% while supply disruptions and fuel costs keep price pressures elevated. Budget 2026 rail spending: New Zealand’s rail minister backed a five-year rail renewal plan, while Greater Wellington warned that piecemeal funding won’t restore reliability or public trust. Corporate deals & capital markets: VTB will hold an additional share issue to raise capital, while VTB and MTS Bank pushed new services for customers and entrepreneurs. M&A in banking: Raiffeisen Bank International is edging toward a takeover of Addiko Bank, with management backing the offer it sees as more likely to close. Japan investment flows: Foreign investors bought Japanese stocks for an eighth straight week as oil eased and AI-linked demand improved sentiment. Tech & finance products: Monzo launched a mobile phone plan that gets cheaper the longer customers stay, aiming to intensify UK telecom competition. Health & cyber: ProCare welcomed Budget 2026 funding for cyber security in primary care, arguing stronger protections are essential for patient trust.