2026-09-13
Added · Updated
The guidance clarifies obligations for licensed deposit takers under the Depositor Compensation Scheme Standard 2027, which comes into force on 1 December 2028 and protects deposits up to $100,000 per eligible depositor. It mandates that deposit takers provide a DCS information sheet upon opening a protected deposit or upon request, and requires account software to contain a DCS depositor page that collects account and contact details from authorized individuals. The document specifies that deposit takers must use designated DCS logos on product pages and ensure the page remains accessible, while outlining an alternate model option and annual testing requirements for compliance.
RBNZ published 19 documents in the last 30 days — get each new one by email the day it lands.
Ref #23165119 v1.3
IN CONFIDENCE
IN CONFIDENCE
Guidance Note Depositor Compensation Scheme
Standard [September 2026]
Depositor Compensation Scheme
Standard
Guidance Note
GN XX.1
Guidance Note DCS Standard 2
Guidance Note version history
October 2025 Consultation draft for exposure draft of the DCS Standard Relates to DCS Standard exposure draft version released on 30 October 2025 September 2026 ‘Near final’ draft for information ahead of issuance Relates to DCS Standard exposure draft version released on 14 September 2026 [Day Month] 20XX First issue date Relates to DCS Standard version dated [2028] Disclaimer We produce a variety of publications and research about monetary policy, financial stability and related economic and financial issues. Most are available without charge as part of our public information service. We have made every effort to ensure that information published in this paper is accurate and up to date. However, we take no responsibility and accept no liability arising from:
Guidance Note DCS Standard 3
Contents
Part A: About this Standard 6
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................... 6
Context and purpose of the DCS Standard ................................................................................................... 6
Part B: Guidance on the DCS Standard 7
Preliminary provisions ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Commencement (Clause 2) 7
Interpretation (Clause 3) 7
Part 1 - Information about depositor compensation scheme .................................................................... 8
Product page (Clause 7) 8
Logo use (Clauses 8 and 9) 8
Deposit taker must provide DCS information sheet (Clause 10) 9
Part 2 - DCS depositor page ............................................................................................................................. 9
Account software must contain DCS depositor page or means of getting to page (Clause 11) 9 DCS depositor page must collect depositor information (Clause 12) 10 DCS depositor page must collect depositor information only from authorised individuals (Clause 13) 11 DCS depositor page must collect depositor information in respect of depositor (Clause 14) 11 DCS depositor page must confirm receipt and display certain information (Clauses 15 and 16) 12 Deposit taker must be able to activate DCS depositor page at all times (Clause 17) 13 Activating DCS depositor page and deactivating account software (Clause 18) 13 Activated DCS depositor page must remain readily accessible (Clause 19) 13 Deposit taker must deactivate DCS depositor page if directed by Bank (Clause 20) 14 Security, performance, and information storage (Clause 21) 14
Part 3 – Alternate model to DCS depositor page ........................................................................................ 14
Deposit taker may use alternate model instead of DCS depositor page (Clause 22) 14 Deposit taker ceasing to meet requirements of alternate model (Clause 23) 15 Deposit taker must notify Bank before starting to use alternate model (Clause 24 and
Schedule 1) 15
Deposit taker using alternate model must hold depositor information (Clause 25) 15 Deposit taker using alternate model must comply with other requirements (Clause 26) 15 Deposit taker must notify Bank before ceasing to use alternate model (Clause 28) 16
Part 4 – Depositor information file.................................................................................................................. 16
Deposit taker must be able to produce depositor information file (Clause 29) 16
Part 5 – Single depositor view ......................................................................................................................... 16
Deposit taker must produce and provide single depositor view if specified event notice issued (Clause 30) and deposit taker must be able to produce single depositor view (Clause 31) 16 Deposit taker not required to obtain information for single depositor view (Clause 32) 19
Part 6 – Annual testing and assurance report ............................................................................................. 20
Guidance Note DCS Standard 4
Annual testing requirements (Clause 33) 20
Assurance report (Clause 34) 21
Appendix 1. Variable list for the depositor information file (DIF) ............................................................. 23
Appendix 2. Single Depositor View (SDV) variable list ............................................................................... 25
Guidance Note DCS Standard 5
Use and status of the Guidance
The purpose of this Guidance is to assist licensed deposit takers (or deposit takers) to interpret and comply with the Deposit Takers (Depositor Compensation Scheme) Standard 2027 (the Standard or the DCS Standard). This recognises that the Standard deals with technical subject matter and there may be no case law or other external reference points to assist with its interpretation. Guidance will assist individual deposit takers with their own compliance and support a more consistent approach across the industry. The Guidance assists by:
Guidance Note DCS Standard 6
Part A: About this Standard
Overview
Guidance Note DCS Standard 7
Part B: Guidance on the DCS Standard
Preliminary provisions
Commencement (Clause 2)
9. When the DCS Standard comes into force on 1 December 2028 it will replace the Transitional
Standard. Revocation of the Transitional Standard is provided for in clause 3 of the Transitional Standard, and so revocation is not included in the DCS Standard. Interpretation (Clause 3)
10. Consistent with section 20 of the Legislation Act 2019, words or expressions used in the DCS
Standard have the same meaning as in the Deposit Takers Act 2023 (DTA). For example, the definition of ‘debt security’ can be found in section 6 of the DTA (which in turn refers to section 8(1) of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013). Authorised individuals
11. Authorised individual is defined in clause 3 as any individual who has authority, in relation to a
deposit, to do either or both of the following:
Guidance Note DCS Standard 8
The reason for this difference is these overseas licensed deposit takers do not offer DCSprotected deposits so do not need to follow this Standard. This is reflected in the application provision in clause 4.
Part 1 - Information about depositor compensation scheme
Product page (Clause 7)
17. A product page for a protected deposit must display at least 1 DCS logo in accordance with
clause 9. A deposit taker is not required to create a product page for a protected deposit solely to display a DCS logo. A product page for a captive cash PIE (as that term is defined in the Deposit Takers Regulations 2025) that is a protected deposit must also display at least 1 DCS logo.
18. A deposit taker can choose whether to use a DCS logo on a product page in relation to
revolving credit contracts but only where it is made clear that DCS protection only applies to positive balances. Logo use (Clauses 8 and 9)
19. The term ‘DCS logo’ is defined in clause 3 as “a logo made available by the Bank for the
purpose of helping the public to identify a protected deposit”. The use of the term DCS logo does not merely refer to the DCS weave symbol. The DCS logo options are contained in the DCS brand use guidelines that have been provided to deposit takers by the Reserve Bank. We prefer that the DCS logo that includes the words “Depositor Compensation Scheme” (identified as the Primary Logo in the brand use guidelines 1 ) is used where permissible, to aid in public understanding of the DCS. The Primary Logo is shown below,
20. Unlike clause 7 which requires the use of a logo on the main product page, clause 8 allows a
deposit taker to choose whether to apply the DCS logo in other visual communications. For example, a deposit taker may choose to use the DCS logo on its main website or a banner advertisement provided it was clear why the DCS logo was there. An example that clause 8 is ____________ 1 The Secondary Logo which includes the weave symbol and the ‘DCS’ acronym is also preferable to using the DCS ‘weave’ symbol without any accompanying lettering (which may risk confusing a member of the public who is unfamiliar with the DCS).
Guidance Note DCS Standard 9 intended to prevent is an employee of a deposit taker including the DCS logo in their email signature where that signature did not provide any context as to why the DCS logo was there – even if that deposit taker offered, or only offered, protected deposits but that was not explained in the same signature.
21. Clause 9 generally sets out how the DCS logo must be used. Clause 9(2) requires that deposit
takers display the DCS logo “clearly and prominently”. Deposit takers are expected to follow Reserve Bank-issued DCS brand use guidelines. For instance, we expect deposit takers to take care as to use of sizing, dimensions, and colour.
22. Clause 9(3) and 9(4) is intended to make it easy for the public to access Reserve Bank
information about the DCS when the DCS logo is used in electronic form. We expect deposit takers to make it easy for customers to access information on the deposit taker website and/or the Reserve Bank website about what the DCS is.
23. A deposit taker may choose, under clause 8, to use the DCS logo on a visual communication
that is about a protected deposit. If the visual communication is not in electronic form (for example, a poster) then the effect of clause 9(3) is to remove the requirement in clause 9(4) for the DCS logo to be accompanied by a link to the Reserve Bank information page or a DCS
page maintained by the deposit taker — although the deposit taker could still choose to do so
(for example, by using a QR code).
Deposit taker must provide DCS information sheet (Clause 10)
24. A deposit taker must make a DCS information sheet available where:
Guidance Note DCS Standard 10 depositor page. A deposit taker could choose for a mobile application login, once authenticated, to redirect the authorised individual to a DCS depositor page accessed through a browser rather than directly in the application. See also paragraph 34 of this document for credentials for authentication. DCS depositor page must collect depositor information (Clause 12)
27. Under clause 12, the minimum information that the DCS depositor page must collect is the
account name and account number of the alternate account – collectively referred to as account details. Deposit takers must also collect contact details for the authorised individual providing the account details. To assist authorised individuals, a deposit taker could choose to show the contact details they already have recorded but there is no obligation to do so. The information collected through the DCS depositor page is collectively referred to as depositor information.
28. The account details the authorised individual puts into the DCS depositor page could be for a
person who is not the depositor. For example, it may be an account of a trusted family member or friend at the option of the authorised individual. If an authorised individual provides an account number through a DCS depositor page that is with the same deposit taker this is likely to delay any compensation payment while we request an account with another deposit taker. However, to minimise build costs on deposit takers, there are no restrictions on a DCS depositor page accepting an account with the same deposit taker.
29. Where different contact details are provided by the authorised individual than those stored by
the deposit taker in its SDV, we will use the email address first provided through the DCS depositor page as our primary contact.
30. The DCS depositor page is required to accept New Zealand account numbers. Where a
depositor is entitled to compensation but does not have a New Zealand bank account, they will likely need to deal directly with the Reserve Bank to receive their entitled compensation. Updates to details
31. An authorised individual may access the DCS depositor page without having all the
information to complete the form. For example, they might not yet have their alternate account details. They should be able to leave the DCS depositor page and access it again later. However, they will be expected to reauthenticate themselves each time they access the page.
32. If an account has more than one authorised individual, they may have different understandings
of what the preferred account details and contact details are.2 While it is our preference that any difference is resolved prior to completing the DCS depositor page, we acknowledge that this is not within the deposit taker’s control. Alternatively, a single authorised individual may attempt to submit depositor information more than once, for example to correct a previous error. If more than one submission of depositor information is provided to the deposit taker and subsequently to the Reserve Bank for the same account, the Reserve Bank will update the account details to reflect the most recent submission, unless the claim has already progressed to payment processing. This is the reason clause 14 requires the DCS depositor page to capture and record a timestamp for each submission.
33. The DCS Standard does not impose a requirement on whether a DCS depositor page must, or
must not, accept subsequent depositor information submissions. Likewise, the DCS Standard ____________ 2The DCS depositor page can be designed to accept more than one set of contact information, but this is not a requirement.
Guidance Note DCS Standard 11 does not impose a requirement for a DCS depositor page to identify to an authorised individual that depositor information has already been submitted. If an authorised individual wants to update depositor information and cannot, or does not want to, provide this through the DCS depositor page they should contact the Reserve Bank directly. DCS depositor page must collect depositor information only from authorised individuals (Clause 13)
34. The effect of clause 13 is that an authorised individual must verify their identity and their status
as an authorised individual before providing information to a DCS depositor page. They do this by using the same electronic credentials (which could include a biometric authentication) they were able to use to access the deposit taker’s account software immediately before a specified event notice was issued to the deposit taker.
35. An authorised individual must be able to use the same electronic credentials that they used to
access the deposit taker's account software immediately before the specified event notice was issued. For example, a person who normally accesses their account through a mobile application should not be required to log in again using different credentials for internet banking in order to access the DCS depositor page. However, it would be acceptable for the authorised individual to be redirected from a mobile application to a web-based DCS depositor page, provided access to that page continues to be authenticated using the same credentials used for the mobile application.
36. An eligible depositor often will have more than one account with a deposit taker, and a person
may be an authorised individual for some but not all accounts. As DCS compensation is calculated at a depositor level, alternate account information is also collected at a depositor level. This means that a person who is an authorised individual for any of an eligible depositor’s accounts will be able to access the DCS depositor page and provide alternate account details for that depositor, even if they are not an authorised individual for all or most of that depositor’s accounts. By collecting information about the authorised individual who provided the information under clause 14, we will be able to identify which authorised individual provided the account details to which any DCS compensation was paid. DCS depositor page must collect depositor information in respect of depositor (Clause 14)
37. An authorised individual may need to provide different account details for different depositors.
For example, an authorised individual may have authority in the following contexts:
Guidance Note DCS Standard 12
39. DCS compensation to an eligible depositor is calculated from all protected deposits held by
the depositor and will be made only to a single alternate account. The DCS depositor page therefore should not collect depositor information at an individual account level for a single depositor.
40. When information is provided to a DCS depositor page the deposit taker must store this
information alongside the timestamp that was captured when it was submitted and information that was recorded to identify which unique authorised individual made the submission. The identity of the authorised individual can, at the option of the deposit taker, be:
Guidance Note DCS Standard 13
Deposit taker must be able to activate DCS depositor page at all times (Clause 17)
45. Deposit takers must, at all times, be able to activate the DCS depositor page upon receipt of a
specified event notice and a direction to activate its DCS depositor page from the Reserve Bank. Activating DCS depositor page and deactivating account software (Clause 18)
46. Upon being directed to activate its DCS depositor page, the deposit taker must be able to:
Guidance Note DCS Standard 14
53. The deposit taker is not required to maintain a facility to onboard existing authorised
individuals that do not use account software or where the person becomes or would have become an authorised individual after the account software was deactivated – for example, a person becoming an executor of an estate or a power of attorney. Those authorised individuals can provide their depositor information direct to the Reserve Bank, if required. Deposit taker must deactivate DCS depositor page if directed by Bank (Clause 20)
54. When directed in writing to deactivate the DCS depositor page by the Reserve Bank, the
deposit taker must, under clause 20, do so as soon as practicable but no later than 8 am on the day after receiving the direction. As with activating the DCS depositor page this may be required to be done on a non-business day or outside of business hours. Security, performance, and information storage (Clause 21)
55. The number of people accessing a DCS depositor page may result in a greater capacity
requirement faced by the deposit taker than during its usual course of business. To reduce the build cost for an unlikely event, the DCS Standard does not require the deposit taker to build website capacity to handle this increase in expected demand. However, the effect of clause 21(c) is that a deposit taker should maintain the capacity they had for the maximum number of people who could reasonably be expected to access the account software simultaneously in their usual course of business prior to the failure. A deposit taker cannot reduce costs by reducing its website capacity in the lead up to a failure event unless this capacity could be restored upon the deposit taker’s receipt of a specified event notice.
Part 3 – Alternate model to DCS depositor page
Deposit taker may use alternate model instead of DCS depositor page (Clause 22)
56. An alternate model to hold depositor information is available for a limited number of deposit
takers where a DCS depositor page may not be the most efficient way to collect alternate account details. The alternate model is expected to be used by some smaller deposit takers.
57. The alternate model is available in two circumstances:
Guidance Note DCS Standard 15 implementation time of the DCS Standard, compared to the Transitional Standard, has sufficiently reduced the need for an alternate model to be offered for larger deposit takers. Deposit taker ceasing to meet requirements of alternate model (Clause 23)
59. The use of an alternate model is not intended to create a disincentive for a deposit taker to
introduce transactional accounts or account software. Furthermore, where a deposit taker establishes account software for the first time, it can be expected that only a low proportion of depositors will initially have access set up. In those circumstances, continuing the alternate model for a period may provide more accurate and comprehensive depositor information.
60. A deposit taker who uses an alternate model and is considering offering account software
and/or transaction accounts, can seek the Reserve Bank’s approval to continue to use the alternate model for an agreed period after they would otherwise cease to qualify. The Reserve Bank would consider the matters specified in the Clause 23(4) and determine the time period. Deposit taker must notify Bank before starting to use alternate model (Clause 24 and Schedule 1)
61. Clause 24 requires a deposit taker to notify the Reserve Bank in writing before starting to use
an alternate model. The transitional provision in Schedule 1 allows a deposit taker to notify the Reserve Bank that it intends to use an alternate model in advance of the DCS Standard applying so that it can use an alternate model from when the DCS Standard commences. Deposit taker using alternate model must hold depositor information (Clause 25)
62. Under clause 25, a deposit taker using an alternate model is to take all reasonable steps to
collect and maintain depositor information from all eligible depositors at all times. This information will be provided to the Reserve Bank if requested. Some deposit takers that are eligible to use an alternate model do not offer transactional accounts. As a result, many of them are likely already collecting a version of this information. For example, they may collect it when term deposits mature and are not rolled-over, or to comply with an alternate model under the Transitional Standard. Deposit taker using alternate model must comply with other requirements (Clause 26)
63. Once collected, the deposit taker is required, under clause 26, to maintain up-to-date
depositor information by providing authorised individuals with the ability to update this information. This includes providing this depositor information in significant correspondence with the depositor so that the depositor can respond if this information has changed.
64. As depositor information will often remain unchanged, it is not necessary for an authorised
individual to confirm this regularly, for example, annually. It would be sufficient for the purpose of this clause for the deposit taker to advise the depositor of their current depositor information and an authorised individual to not respond to advise that it should be changed.
65. However, as some depositors may not pay close attention to their depositor information, the
deposit taker is also required to record when the depositor information was last provided, updated or confirmed. Recording the date on which the information was last provided, updated or confirmed also aligns with the timestamp requirements for a DCS depositor page under clause 14(1)(c). The deposit taker is not required to actively seek reconfirmation over any time period.
Guidance Note DCS Standard 16
66. For deposit takers using an alternate model, there is no requirement to collect information
about which authorised individual provided the depositor information. This is because, unlike a DCS depositor page, the alternate model does not rely on an authorised individual actively providing the information. Deposit taker must notify Bank before ceasing to use alternate model (Clause 28)
67. A deposit taker must notify the Reserve Bank in writing before it ceases using an alternate
model. Once any transitional period under clause 23 has ended, a deposit taker that ceases using an alternate model, including because they are no longer eligible to use an alternate model, must comply with Part 2 of the DCS Standard to have a DCS depositor page.
Part 4 – Depositor information file
Deposit taker must be able to produce depositor information file (Clause 29)
68. Clause 29 sets out that a deposit taker must be able to produce a depositor information file
(DIF) in the manner specified in the clause. It is a capacity and capability requirement.
69. The format in Appendix 1, together with the DCS Data Provision Requirements 3
, is made available as the depositor information file format in accordance with clause 3 of the standard. The format sets out how depositor information must be provided and specifies information that is depositor information. Under the Standard, a DIF must comply with this format.
70. After the Reserve Bank issues a specified event notice in relation to a deposit taker, it will issue
an information-gathering notice under section 99 of the DTA requiring the deposit taker to provide a DIF. The section 99 notice may specify that the DIF comply with the depositor information file format, requiring the deposit taker to provide information in the specified format and to provide information specified as depositor information.
71. From time to time, the Reserve Bank may issue an information-gathering notice under section
99 of the DTA for testing purposes and require a DIF or SDV to be provided. Separately, where a specified event is anticipated, the Reserve Bank may require these files to assess the deposit taker’s preparedness. The information-gathering notice may specify how the data must be prepared for testing, including any requirements to de-identify personal information, where applicable.
Part 5 – Single depositor view
Deposit taker must produce and provide single depositor view if specified event notice issued (Clause 30) and deposit taker must be able to produce single depositor view (Clause 31)
72. Clauses 30 and 31 serve different purposes.
73. Clause 30 applies if the Reserve Bank issues a specified event notice to a deposit taker. It
requires a deposit taker to produce and provide a single depositor view (SDV) to the Reserve Bank within 24 hours, containing the SDV information known by the deposit taker at the quantification time.
74. Clause 31 is an ongoing requirement. It requires a deposit taker to maintain the capacity and
capability, at all times, to be able to produce within 24 hours a SDV containing all SDV ____________ 3 The Data Provision Requirements [Add link here]
Guidance Note DCS Standard 17 information known by the deposit taker. Clause 31 is intended to ensure that a deposit taker is prepared to comply with clause 30 if a specified event notice is issued and is able to provide SDV information for another purpose, such as testing at a time when a specified event is anticipated (i.e., a deposit taker appears likely to fail).
75. Clause 30 requires a deposit taker to generate an SDV and provide it to the Reserve Bank
within 24 hours if a specified event notice is issued. A deposit taker may generate the SDV at any time after the quantification time, provided it can demonstrate that the information in the SDV matches the information at the quantification time and can provide the SDV to the Reserve Bank within 24 hours.
76. The information contained in the SDV should exactly match the account balances and
transactions recorded in the account system at the quantification time and that are, or would be, displayed to depositors through the view-only data required to be maintained under clause 18(2)(b)(i).
77. If the deposit taker has received a specified event notice, the account balances and other
information in the SDV provided to the Reserve Bank must match the information at the quantification time which may be other than at the end of a business day. Upon receipt of a specified event notice no further transactions will have been made on deposits after the quantification time therefore an SDV that was generated after the quantification time but on the same day would be expected to provide the correct information.
78. From time to time, the Reserve Bank may issue an information-gathering notice under section
99 of the DTA for testing purposes and require a SDV or DIF to be provided. Separately, where a specified event is anticipated, the Reserve Bank may also require the files to assess the deposit taker’s preparedness. The information-gathering notice may specify how the data must be prepared for testing, including any requirements to de-identify personal information, where applicable. Further information on Schedule 2 and SDV electric file format
79. Schedule 2 specifies SDV information which splits information into four categories:
Guidance Note DCS Standard 18 format sets out how the SDV information must be provided and specifies information that is SDV information. Under the Standard, an SDV must comply with this format.
82. In relation to clause 1(b) of schedule 2 (depositor ineligibility reason, field 3 in the Appendix 2
SDV variable list), one reason for ineligibility is if a depositor is a government agency. We released an indicative list of government agencies in May 2025 which is available at:
Government agencies that are not eligible depositors for the Depositor Compensation Scheme. 5 Consistent with clause 32, deposit takers are not required to request confirmation from a depositor whether they are a government agency. A deposit taker is expected to take a best-efforts approach to identify whether a depositor is likely to be a government agency. This could include checking whether the depositor is on the list published above, would likely to have been on that list if it had existed or had that name when the list was published, or reviewing other details obtained through Know Your Customer checks.
83. Under clause 1(c) of schedule 2, deposits in a captive cash PIE should be recorded in the SDV
as attributed to the underlying depositor rather than being a single deposit by the captive cash PIE. Even though a captive cash PIE is a relevant arrangement, recording each depositor individually is consistent with regulation 14(3) of the Deposit Takers Regulations 2025 and will allow us to include deposits in captive cash PIEs within the appropriate place in the protected deposit hierarchy, i.e., principal amounts in a captive cash PIE ahead of all accrued interest in Tier 4 and all other relevant arrangements in Tier 5.
84. Under clause 1(d) of schedule 2 (Tax, fields 11 to 13 in the Appendix 2 SDV variable list), the
relevant information must be provided at the depositor level, which is necessary as, where DCS compensation is for accrued interest, this will be calculated as a single amount without being identified as being for individual accounts. For most depositors the deposit taker’s records are likely to show consistent information for these fields for all accounts. Where this is not the case, field 12 in the SDV variable list, for the withholding tax rate, should show the highest rate recorded. If a depositor only has a PIR rate this can be recorded in field 11. If no withholding tax rate is provided, and the depositor is not marked as exempt in field 13 in the SDV variable list, we will withhold tax at the rate required under Schedule 1, Part D, Table 2, of the Income Tax Act 2007. If a depositor has more than one IRD number recorded the deposit taker can choose which one to include in field 11 in the SDV variable list.
85. Under clause 2(1)(a) of schedule 2, deposit takers are required to include the account number
(field 27 in the SDV variable list). If a deposit is a credit card, the deposit taker should not include the entire credit card number in the account number field of the SDV. Instead, it should provide a unique number, such as the last 8 digits or another number that it can identify back to a credit card of the depositor. Supplying the full number may be a breach of Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) Standards.
86. Under clause 2(2) of schedule 2, the SDV should include all revolving credit contracts such as
revolving credit mortgages and overdrafts. Where any of these accounts have a negative balance, this amount should be included at its negative amount rather than being converted to zero. An exception to this is for accounts operated for a credit card which should only be included in the SDV if they have a positive balance at the time the SDV is generated or the quantification time.
87. For the SDV (clauses 1(a) and 4(a) of schedule 2), contact details in fields 14 to 24 in the SDV
variable list are populated from the deposit taker’s systems. If an authorised individual provides ____________ 5 https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/-/media/project/sites/rbnz/files/dcs/government-agencies-that-are-not-eligible-depositors-for-the-depositor-compensation-scheme.pdf
Guidance Note DCS Standard 19 an email address through the DCS depositor page, we will use this instead of the address from the SDV. If a subsequent email address is provided, we will continue to use the first one received. We will continue to use the phone number from the SDV file in preference to any provided from a DCS depositor page.
88. Under clause 1(c) of schedule 2, ‘compensation amount’ in field 25 in the SDV variable list
represents an approximation to the amount the deposit taker will be eligible for, drawing on information that it is relatively easy for a deposit taker to obtain. Except where the amount reaches the $100,000 cap, it will usually be less than a depositor may actually be entitled to. This field has two purposes. We will use it as a cross-check against the compensation the RBNZ calculates within our own system. It should also assist deposit takers in preparing DCS aggregate reporting under the Reporting Standard.
89. The ‘compensation amount’ includes the principal of accounts within Tiers 1 to 3 of the
protected deposit hierarchy which also includes amounts in a captive cash PIE and each depositor’s share of any joint accounts. For an SDV produced following an event notice, the calculation should also include accrued interest on relevant accounts. However, we do not require calculation of accrued interest for testing purposes. In a testing context, the calculation can be carried out ignoring accrued interest (i.e., setting accrued interest at $0 on each account) and the field can be filled out accordingly. 6
90. While each of the amounts below are also potentially eligible for compensation, the SDV
compensation amount field does not include:
Guidance Note DCS Standard 20 may include in an SDV, and in some cases other legislation may require them to do so 7 , nor an authorised individual from voluntarily providing this information.
Part 6 – Annual testing and assurance report
94. The overarching intent of the testing and assurance requirements is to provide clear regulatory
expectations, including expectations for board oversight. The requirements are also designed, where appropriate, to align with the assurance framework established under other DTA Standards such as the Risk Management Standard. This approach aims to promote consistency across requirements while minimising unnecessary compliance costs.
95. The annual testing and assurance cycle is intended to ensure that a deposit taker’s capacity
and capability to comply with Parts 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the DCS Standard remain current and fit for purpose as its business evolves. This annual cycle begins when the Standard comes into force. Annual testing requirements (Clause 33)
96. Clause 33 requires a deposit taker to have a regular annual programme for assessing its
capacity and capability to comply with Parts 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the DCS standard.
97. Deposit takers are expected to verify their capacity and capability under different scenarios in a
simulated distress environment. These scenarios may include closure on any day of the week to ensure readiness at any point in time. 8
98. As part of testing for compliance with Part 4, a deposit taker must generate a DIF based either
on a suitable set of test data collected through the depositor page in non-production environments under Part 2 or on information it already holds if it uses an alternative model under Part 3.
99. As part of assessing compliance with Part 5, a deposit taker must generate an SDV
incorporating all relevant information held by the deposit taker, apart from accrued interest in fields 25 and 35. 100.We understand that calculating accrued interest across all of a deposit takers’ deposits is likely to be highly demanding for systems capacity. We are therefore not asking for deposit takers to carry out this calculation in full as part of testing (see also paragraphs 82 to 83 and 88 above). However, deposit takers must be confident that they are able to do carry out this calculation if required and so might, for example, want to test procedures for producing a sample of accrued interest calculations or similar.
101. When assessing the deposit taker's capacity and capability to comply with Parts 2 and 3, a
deposit taker should verify the performance and reliability of the depositor page in nonproduction environments under Part 2 and, where an alternative model is used, the systems and controls in place to operate that model effectively under Part 3. 102.When assessing the completeness and reasonable accuracy of the information contained in the depositor information file and the single depositor view, deposit takers should review a sample of individual depositor records that is large enough and selected in a way that allows ____________ 7 For example, the requirement for a payer of passive income, such as a deposit taker, to keep records, including an IRD number, under section 22AAB(2) of the Tax Administration Act 1994. 8 For testing purposes, we do not expect deposit takers to generate an intra-day SDV (that is, an SDV at a specific point in time during a business day). It would be sufficient for a deposit taker to demonstrate that it can produce an SDV at the end of a business day. However, in an actual specified event, any delay in generating the SDV does not extend the requirement to provide the SDV to the Reserve Bank within 24 hours. As a result, delays in generating the SDV will reduce the time available for any other actions required before the SDV is provided to the Reserve Bank.
Guidance Note DCS Standard 21 reasonable conclusions to be drawn about the accuracy and completeness of the entire population of records, such as audit sampling test. For example, testing should verify that identification information held by the deposit taker for a depositor is included in, and matches, the information contained in the generated files. 103.When assessing whether the information in the SDV exactly matches the view-only data, deposit takers are expected to use non-production environments rather than deactivate their account software. Deposit takers should take a snapshot of account balances and compare the resulting data with the information contained in the SDV.
104. As part of testing, deposit takers are expected to assess whether their capacity and capability
remain appropriate in light of changes to their business, products, systems, operations or organisational structure, and to verify that they operate effectively in practice to comply with Parts 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the DCS standard. We expect deposit takers to have processes in place to review and update their capacity and capability, as their business evolves. For example, deposit takers should ensure that all relevant product changes are correctly identified and classified as protected or unprotected. 105.Testing should cover both the technical solution and business processes, including any manual arrangements. Tests may include assessments of staff preparedness and the effectiveness of processes. Assurance report (Clause 34) 106.Clause 34 requires a deposit taker to prepare an assurance report following the completion of each annual test. 107.A deposit taker’s internal audit function, or an independent person, is best practice for assurance. The internal audit function, or another independent person, is expected to use the test results to provide assurance on the extent to which the deposit taker has the capacity and capability to comply with Parts 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the DCS standard. This assurance activity may be incorporated into the deposit taker’s annual audit plan as a standard component of its audit programme. If there are significant changes to the deposit taker’s business, products, systems, operations or organisational structure, it may be appropriate for the deposit taker to undertake additional assurance activities between annual assurance reviews. 108.A deposit taker’s board is expected to play a key role in maintaining the deposit taker’s capacity and capability to gather and make available the information necessary for the Reserve Bank to quickly and accurately identify eligible depositors and protected deposits and provide entitlements to compensation. The board is responsible for overseeing the deposit taker’s arrangements to achieve this. The board is, however, not expected to be involved in the operational implementation and monitoring of those arrangements. 109.An assurance report must be provided to the board. In the report, a deposit taker is expected to be able to provide assurance to its board that appropriate testing has been conducted and that its capacity and capability to comply with Parts 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the DCS standard are effective and fit for purpose.
110. Where any errors or deficiencies are identified during testing, the assurance report should
include remediation and action plans to address those issues and ensure that test outcomes inform updates to the depositor page or alternative model, the DIF and the SDV.
Guidance Note DCS Standard 22
111. The Reserve Bank must receive the same assurance report that is provided to the board, rather
than a testing return.
112. From time to time, or where a specified event is anticipated, the Reserve Bank may also carry
out testing to assess a deposit taker’s preparedness. For these purposes, the Reserve Bank may issue an information-gathering notice under section 99 of the DTA and require the deposit taker to provide a depositor information file or a single depositor view. The notice may also specify requirements for preparing the data, including, where applicable, the de-identification of personal information.
Guidance Note DCS Standard 23
Appendix 1. Variable list for the depositor information file (DIF)
This appendix specifies variables as information that is depositor information, meaning that this is information that must be provided when a depositor information file is required to be provided. This appendix, together with the DCS Data Provision Requirements, is a depositor information file format made available according to clause 3 of the standard. It sets out the format that depositor information must be provided in and specifies depositor information. No. Field identifier Field descriptor Field attributes Clause reference 1 Unique identifier This identifier is used to uniquely identify and manage the depositor’s profile such as a customer number made up of numbers or letters. We will use this ID to link multiple files such as the SDV and DIF. It should not contain external IDs such as IRD number, or the entity’s business number pertaining to the depositor. String, max length = 100 12 2 Pay to account number Account number for a New Zealand account into which any compensation under the DCS may be paid. When entering a bank account number, use a hyphen (-) between each part:
the bank code, branch code, account number, and suffix.
String, max length =
25
12
3 Pay to account name
Account name for a New Zealand account into which any compensation under the DCS may be paid. String, max length = 255 12 4 Email address Email address of the authorised individual providing the account details. String, max length = 255 12 5 Phone number Phone number of the authorised individual providing the account details. String, max length = 20 12 6 Timestamp The date and time that were captured when the authorised individual submitted the depositor information, if the deposit taker uses a DCS depositor page, or The date that was recorded when the depositor information was most recently confirmed or updated, if a deposit taker uses an alternate model. Datetime, yyyy-mmddThh:mm:ss 14 and 27
Guidance Note DCS Standard 24
7 Username The identity of the authorised individual submitting the depositor information, if the deposit taker uses a DCS depositor page. No username is required if a deposit taker uses an alternate model. String, max length = 255 14
Guidance Note DCS Standard 25
Appendix 2. Single Depositor View (SDV) variable list
This appendix specifies variables as information that is SDV information, meaning that this information must be provided when a single depositor view is required to be provided. This
appendix, together with the DCS Data Provision Requirements and Guidelines, is a depositor
information file format made available according to clause 3 of the standard. It sets out the format that SDV information must be provided in and specifies SDV information. No. Field identifier Field descriptor Field attributes Clause refere nce (Sched ule 2) Depositor fields All depositors: depositor details 1 Unique identifier This identifier is used to uniquely identify and manage the depositor’s profile such as a customer number made up of numbers or letters. We will use this ID to link multiple files such as the SDV and DIF String, max length = 100 1(a) It should not contain external IDs such as IRD number, or the entity’s business number pertaining to the depositor. 2 Type of depositor Describe the type of depositor: for example, Individual, Trust, Partnership, Company, etc. Consistent with categories in deposit takers’ systems so could vary across deposit takers. Factor 1(a) 3 Depositor ineligibility reason Provide the reason for marking the depositor ineligible for the DCS. If the depositor is eligible, or the deposit taker does not know this information, it should be marked as eligible. Text, factor, Max length =255 1(b) Select one of the following (from section 191(1)(b) of the Deposit Takers Act 2023) that applies to the depositor:
Guidance Note DCS Standard 26
No. Field identifier Field descriptor Field attributes Clause refere nce (Sched ule 2) For Individuals 4 First name(s) of the depositor Provide the legal first name(s) of the depositor. String, max length = 255 1(a) If the deposit taker records first name and middle name(s) together in their system and is unable to separate the first and middle name(s), then report them using the First name field. 5 Middle name(s) Provide the legal middle name(s) of the depositor. String, max length = 255 1(a) 6 Surname Surname or single name of depositor. String, max length = 255 1(a) If the depositor has only a single name, use this field to report the single name. Do not report the single name in the First or Middle name fields. 7 Date of birth Date of birth of the depositor. Date, YYYYMM-DD 1(a) For non-individuals 8 Entity name The name of the entity. String, max length = 255 1(a) 9 New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) The NZBN is a unique identifier for businesses. Numeric, length = 13 1(a) 10 New Zealand Company Number Provide New Zealand Company Number if available. Numeric, length = 15 1(a) All depositors: contact information 11 IRD number Depositor’s IRD number. IRD numbers are only 9 digits but max length at 11 to include hyphens. A depositor’s share of a joint account should have the individual’s IRD number, even if the joint holder’s IRD number or tax rate was used by the deposit taker to withhold tax on that account. String max length = 11 1(d)
Guidance Note DCS Standard 27
No. Field identifier Field descriptor Field attributes Clause refere nce (Sched ule 2) 12 Withholding tax rate The tax rate deducted from interest earned for this depositor, including resident withholding tax (RWT) and non-resident withholding tax (NRWT). If more than one rate is held provide the highest rate. If the depositor is tax exempt, provide 0.00 in this field. Numeric, factor, Decimal:
e.g., 0.33 where the tax rate is
33%
1(d)
13 Withholding tax type
Whether tax should be withheld as resident withholding tax, non-resident withholding tax or exempt. Factor, RWT/NRWT /Exempt 1(d) 14 Preferred contact method Provide the depositor’s preferred method of contact. String 1(a) 15 Postal/ physical address 5 separate lines for mailing address including PO Boxes and RD addresses where relevant. String, max length = 40 x 5 1(a) 16 Address line 2 1(a)
Guidance Note DCS Standard 28
No. Field identifier Field descriptor Field attributes Clause refere nce (Sched ule 2) 17 Address line 3 1(a) 18 Address line 4 1(a) 19 Address line 5 1(a) 20 Post code Post code for the postal address. If overseas, then report ZIP number in this field. String, max length = 10 1(a) 21 Country This is the country for the postal address in ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code format. Default to NZ if blank/unknown. String, length = 2 1(a) 22 Email address Depositor’s primary email address. String, max length = 255 1(a) 23 Phone number 1 Depositor’s primary contact number. Provide the complete phone number with country code: for example, +64276115878. String, max length = 20 1(a) 24 Phone number 2 Depositor’s secondary contact number. Provide the complete phone number with country code: for example, +642XXXXXXX0. String, max length = 20 1(a) 25 Compensatio n amount This is the amount the depositor is entitled to under DCS for accounts that are not relevant arrangements but including amounts in a captive cash PIE and a temporary high balance (if any). Numeric, Decimal (12,2) This figure is either the aggregate balance plus aggregate 1(c) accrued interest before tax or $100,000, whichever is the lesser. For testing purposes, it is acceptable to calculate this amount exclusive of aggregate accrued interest before tax.
Guidance Note DCS Standard 29
No. Field identifier Field descriptor Field attributes Clause refere nce (Sched ule 2) 26 Vulnerability Information identifying assistance or support required for communication with the depositor. This information is collected solely to facilitate appropriate communication when required and not to record the reason for the depositor's vulnerability. Reference could, but is not required to, be made to the CoFR Consumer Vulnerability Framework. This is not intended to capture any financial vulnerability of the depositor. If this is not recorded in your system, leave the field blank. Text, max length = 255 1(e) Deposit fields All depositors: deposit product information 27 Account number The unique account identification number linked to the account. When entering a bank account number, put a hyphen (-) between each part: the bank code, branch code, account number, and suffix. If the account is a credit card, please provide a unique number but not the entire credit card number. String, max length = 25 2(1)(a) 28 Number of account holders Report the number of account holders of an account (including any ineligible depositors). If the account has one owner/account holder, then “Account Holder Indicator” =
001. If the account has two owners/account holders, the
“Account Holder Indicator = 002”. Can accept variables in whatever format held, for example with or without 00. Integer, max length = 3 2(1)(c) and (d) 29 Product type The type of product the account is. This may also include credit facilities that are designed to hold a positive balance covered under the DCS. List of products is from Regulation 5(2)(a) of the Deposit Takers Regulations 2025. Factor 3 30 Product name Name of product. This is the generic product name offered by the deposit taker to depositors Factor 2(1)(b)
Guidance Note DCS Standard 30
No. Field identifier Field descriptor Field attributes Clause refere nce (Sched ule 2) 31 Protected deposit Confirm whether the product is a protected deposit using ‘TRUE’ or ‘FALSE’. A protected deposit is defined under regulation 5 of the Deposit Takers Regulations 2025 and published under section 193 of the Deposit Takers Act 2023. This variable field does not need to consider if the depositor is eligible or if the depositor has over $100,000 of protected deposits. Boolean, TRUE: true FALSE: false 2(1)(i) 32 Relevant arrangement Accounts that are expected or known to be relevant arrangements need to be identified. Deposits in a captive cash PIE should not be identified as a relevant arrangement. Boolean, TRUE: true FALSE: false 2(1)(e) 33 Trust account Protected deposits by or on behalf of 1 or more trustees that qualify under section 209210 of the Deposit Takers Act 2023 should be identified. Boolean, TRUE: true FALSE: false 2(1)(f) Balances 34 Account balance The account balance is the amount of funds in the depositor’s account at the time the single depositor view is produced and may include a negative balance. For joint accounts this should also be the full account balance. Any accrued fees are not to be subtracted from the account balance if these were not charged before the quantification time. Numeric, Decimal (12,2) 1(f) 35 Accrued interest amount The gross interest accrued but not credited to the account. If there is debt and/or credit interest these should be netted per account and only positive interest provided. The deposit taker is not expected to keep this field updated (See the paragraphs 82-83 and 88 of this Guidance). Numeric, Decimal (12,2) 1(f) Account authority (other than the account holder) 36 Authority on account Accounts that have legally authorised person(s) to act on behalf of the depositor, such as power of attorney (POA), legal guardian for a minor account etc. This does not include authorised individuals for a non-individual – for example, an employee of a company or an office holder of a club – who would be included with the contact details in fields 14-24. Boolean, TRUE: true FALSE: false 4(b) 37 Type of authority The type of authority, such as power of attorney (POA), legal guardian for a minor account. Factor 4(b) 38 First name(s) of the authority Provide the legal name(s) of the authority. String, max length = 255 4(a) If the deposit taker records first name and middle name(s) together in their system and are unable to separate the first and middle name(s), then report them using the First name field. Only one account authority per depositor needs to be identified.
Guidance Note DCS Standard 31
No. Field identifier Field descriptor Field attributes Clause refere nce (Sched ule 2) 39 Middle name(s) of the authority Provide the legal middle name(s) of the authority. String, max length = 255 4(a) 40 Surname of the authority Surname or single name of the authority. String, max length = 255 If the authority has only a single name, or is not an 4(a) individual, use this field to report the single name. Do not report the single name in the First or Middle name fields. Authority: contact information 41 Authority:
email address Authority's primary email address.
String, max length =
255
4(a)
42
Authority:
Phone number
Authority’s primary contact number. Provide the complete phone number with country code: for example, +64276115878. String, max length = 20 4(a) Payment hold 43 Payout hold status A deposit taker must identify if there is a hold on a depositor or a block on the depositor’s account, in which case the Reserve Bank may require further information before paying compensation. Definitions are as applied by deposit takers so may vary from deposit taker to deposit taker. The deposit taker can choose how much information to provide on the hold; however, where insufficient information is provided, we will likely seek further information from the deposit taker if required. Text, Factor 2(1)(h) Below is a list of the holds and blocks we have identified (but not limited to):
Sign in to read the rest — it's free
Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand — original document
Summary generated with machine assistance and reviewed before publication; the authoritative text is the regulator's original document. How RegAlert works
2026-09-14
Initial guidance for existing deposit takers on relicensing under the Deposit Takers Act 2023
2026-09-14
DTA near-final relicensing questions for existing deposit takers
2026-09-14
Non-bank deposit takers' transition to the DTA
2026-09-13
Guidance Note Liquidity Standard (September 2026)
2026-09-13
Deposit Takers (Liquidity) Standard 2027
2026-09-13
DCS Data Submission Guidelines
2026-09-13
Liquidity Standard guidance marked-up changes from exposure draft
2026-09-13
Deposit Takers (Incorporation outside New Zealand) Standard 2027
More like this from RBNZ
RBNZ published 19 documents in the last 30 days. We email you each new one the day it's published.