Overview
- The former Riksbank deputy becomes the first woman and first foreigner to lead New Zealand's central bank.
- She begins her tenure pledging to stay “laser focused” on inflation and to engage widely with communities and businesses.
- The official cash rate is at a three-year low of 2.25% after last week’s cut, with the next policy meeting set for Feb. 18.
- Breman must repair ties with Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Treasury and steer reviews of bank capital rules and a new financial policy committee.
- Immediate tasks include a parliamentary appearance on Tuesday, while operational strains persist from an asbestos-related HQ closure and staff cuts near 20%.