The Government is introducing further legislation to tighten the rules for non-bank deposit takers (NBDTs) in an attempt to lift investor confidence in financial institutions.

The primary purpose of the Non-Bank Deposit Takers Bill is to implement the final components of the new regime for the prudential regulation of non-bank deposit takers (NBDTs).The bill introduces licensing requirements and strengthens the Reserve Bank's powers and will be introduced to Parliament next week.

The bill will impose additional requirements including licensing, suitability assessments of directors and senior officers, and restrictions on changes in ownership. It will give the Reserve Bank increased powers to detect and manage NBDT distress and failure.

"This is part of a suite of measures designed to lift investor confidence in our finance sector and capital markets - we've established the Financial Markets Authority, put in place a new regime for financial advisers, required licensing of trustees and auditors and strengthened disclosure requirements," Finance Minister Bill English says.

"We've also outlined our plans to extend the mixed ownership model to some state-owned enterprises to further lift confidence and invigorate our markets by providing fresh opportunities for Kiwi investors," Mr English says.

The bill is expected to become fully effective on 1 June 2013, after a one-year transition period to enable existing NBDTs to meet the new licensing rules.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.