Not all of these banks operate full retail banking businesses, with a number operating in niche wholesale banking sectors. Buying and selling of shares is done through registered sharebrokers. In certain situations, securities of overseas issuers which are listed on a recognised overseas stock exchange can be listed on the NZSE without complying with a number of these requirements. As such, movements are often influenced by international trends. The New Zealand Stock Exchange is the first of the world's bourses to open each day, due to New Zealand's proximity to the International Date Line.
Options are available relating to shares, futures contracts and some physical stocks.
Dealing in futures and options contracts is restricted to members of authorised futures exchanges by the New Zealand Securities Commission. There are no restrictions on the buying and selling of foreign currencies. The New Zealand banking system offers a full range of foreign exchange services including spot, forward, futures, options and the more sophisticated derivative products. Raising finance New Zealand operates a very open regime. Borrowers may raise finance both on and off-shore and in the currency of choice.