How secure is my money with WBS?

Security and stability are a major consideration at WBS

We have a strict liquidity policy for investing our depositor funds across banks with strong and stable credit ratings.
For lending, we work in partnership with our borrowers and follow a stringent lending process to ensure loans are secured and payments are met.

WBS is part of the Depositor Compensation Scheme (DCS), which comes into effect in New Zealand on 1 July 2025.
The DCS is an insurance scheme that covers investor deposits for up to $100,000 in the unlikely event that a licenced financial institution fails.
DCS insurance cover is per person per entity.

WBS is a non-bank deposit taker licensed by RBNZ, whose role is to maintain financial stability. We are also monitored by a Supervisor who reports to the RBNZ on a monthly basis.
We are guided by an experienced Leadership Team and governed by an experienced Board with monthly Board meetings.
WBS has a stable BB+ (Stable) rating from the credit rating agency, Fitch. We’ve maintained this rating for more than 16 years (including through the Global Financial Crisis of 2008).
Based on our lending and investment book size, BB+ (Stable) is the highest rating WBS is likely to achieve.
Like all other licensed financial institutions, we operate under strict regulations listed within the Acts of parliament listed below.