Byron Pepper appointed Deputy Chair of RBNZ Board

Mr Pepper has served as a Director on the RBNZ Board since July 2022 and currently chairs the Financial Policy Committee.

In his time with the central bank, he also chaired the former Financial Stability Oversight Committee.

Beyond his public sector roles, Pepper brings over 25 years of private sector expertise as an independent investment banking advisor, having counseled corporate and government clients across New Zealand, Australia, and international markets.

He holds degrees in law and finance from the University of Waikato.

RBNZ Chair Rodger Finlay highlighted Pepper's sustained contribution to the central bank's governance structure, specifically noting his instrumental leadership during the establishment of the Financial Policy Committee and his strategic oversight during the comprehensive review of bank capital regulations throughout 2025.

The formal appointment takes effect retroactively from 20 July 2026 and extends through 30 June 2030, aligning with the end of Pepper's current term on the board.

Alongside his new responsibilities as Deputy Chair, Pepper will retain his position as Chair of the Financial Policy Committee.

Finlay noted that Pepper's leadership will continue to add significant value to the Reserve Bank's ongoing oversight of the financial system, maintaining institutional stability during a period of key regulatory implementations.