Our story
It all started in 1869 when one of our founders, James Walker Bain, battled his way on foot across 204km of wilderness from Dunedin to Invercargill. James was determined to help the people of Southland safely save their shillings, florins and pounds, and provide a way to borrow for their first home.
His passion was to build a financial institution offering good rates and low fees, because it was owned by the people who used its services. That's exactly what he built, and what we still are today.
Now we're a mutual bank, still owned by our customers (who we call members) and here for all New Zealanders. We have branches, people and 24/7 banking right across New Zealand. After over 155 years we're stronger than ever, thanks to sticking to our belief that banking is all about putting people first.
Our purpose
Our purpose is simple: Helping Kiwis find a place to call home.
That includes saving and investing, as well as providing home loans.
We have a strong focus on first home buyers. We were the only bank to win Canstar's five-star rating in 2024, just as we were in 2023 and in 2022.
As a member-owned New Zealand bank, we're also very much in the heart of our communities.
Sponsorships
At SBS we are proud to support a wide range of groups and clubs in our local communities.
As a member-owned bank, we want to do the right thing for our community every single day. That's why we support our community's organisations, sport and arts.
Our sponsorships
Sustainability
We have both the duty and the desire to do the right thing for our communities and for the environment.
We believe sustainability is simple: ensuring that we don't exhaust the resources we need to operate effectively. That includes our environment's water, air and carbon levels, and the goodwill and trust of our members and our communities.
We're committed to our sustainability and partnership programmes, and to support the people and organisations doing good things in our communities.
Sustainability
Keeping your banking secure
When you're with SBS, you're placing your trust in us. Together, we can keep your money and your personal information safe. That's a partnership we take very seriously.
Staying secure
News, stories and updates
Want to know the latest about us? Our Media Centre has all the news about our business, our community relations and our public notices.
You can also follow us on social media.
Visit the Media Centre
SBS people and careers
There’s something a little bit different about our people. We’re all part of a genuine Kiwi story with a proud heritage and an exciting future, helping our fellow Kiwis get ahead.
Meet our leadership team and board, and check our career opportunities on our careers page.
The SBS Group
We have subsidiaries that make up the SBS Group. From personal loans, to wealth management, personal insurance and KiwiSaver, the SBS Group provides a large range of specialised financial services.
Finance Now
You never know when you might need a helping hand to get something you really want. It might be a new car, a fabulous holiday, new furniture, home renovations, or consolidating all your bills into one simple loan. Finance Now can help you, just as they've already helped over 530,000 other Kiwis. They also provide finance facilities to over 1,500 retail stores, business finance retailers and over 400 motor vehicle dealers.
For a free no-obligation quote, call on 0800 299 399 or visit Finance Now online.
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SBS Insurance
SBS Insurance offers policies for your things – like your house, contents, and car – as well as for you, with life and income protection.
They can talk to you about your options so you can make sure you have the cover you need to look after the people and things you love. Give the friendly team at SBS Insurance a call on 0800 002 002, email them at advisers@sbsinsurance.co.nz, or visit their website for advice and a free quote.
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SBS Wealth
SBS Wealth is a goals-based financial advice provider and fund manager. They've been helping Kiwis meet their long-term financial goals for nearly two decades, and manage over $1.4 billion for more than 20,000 New Zealanders. They provide a Private Wealth service, the SBS Wealth KiwiSaver Scheme and the SBS Wealth Investment Funds.
If you're looking for a KiwiSaver scheme or have money you'd like to invest, find out how SBS Wealth can help. Call them on 0800 727 2265 or visit them online.
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Annual reports and disclosures
You can find all our current and past Annual Reports and Disclosure documents here.