- Hon Dr Duncan Webb
- New Buy Now Pay Later regulations
- Review of Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act
- Exemptions for targeted rates
- Extended exemptions for credit in emergency events
Increased protections for consumers using Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) credit contracts have been announced by Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Dr Duncan Webb.
"Striking a balance between reducing risk for vulnerable consumers and ensuring fit for purpose rules for the sector has been front of mind in considering BNPL regulations," Duncan Webb said.
"BNPL can be a convenient and low-cost form of credit for many people as they do not charge interest, however current rules have no protections for consumers who will struggle to make repayments," Duncan Webb said.
In October 2022, Cabinet agreed to bring BNPL within the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA). After consulting with the public in December, improvements to the proposed draft regulations have been announced today.
"We've recognised that some adjustments are necessary to make sure the regulations are workable and proportionate and consumers can continue to enjoy the benefit of these interest-free loans.
"Cabinet has accepted the need to exempt BNPL loans from affordability and suitability assessments - that would be too onerous for these short term, low value, interest-free loans.
"Instead, BNPL lenders will be required to complete comprehensive credit reporting when customers sign up or increase their credit limit.
"The details of these regulations will be announced soon. BNPL lenders will have a grace period to put in place systems and processes to meet the new requirements.
"Today, I'm also announcing a wider review of the CCCFA, and some additional exemptions for certain types of lending. It's important to keep the Act up to date to ensure it continues to strike the right balance between protecting vulnerable consumers and having a healthy and effective market for credit. Terms of reference will be announced in due course.
"We will be extending an exemption for voluntary targeted rate scheme loans (these low-cost loans are usually for sustainable home improvements like insulation) administered by local and regional councils.
"This will carve them out from the CCCFA and avoid unnecessary compliance costs. I expect regulations to give effect to this exemption to be made by the end of the year.
"And we will also be developing a permanent exemption from certain CCCFA obligations for people affected by emergency events.
"Based on an assessment of the temporary exemptions in place after the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle, we see a case for something more permanent, especially as these events are becoming more frequent.
"All the changes announced today are intended to protect Kiwis who need access to credit, while also ensuring an effective, competitive and responsive market for credit." Duncan Webb said.
