Financial Markets - Graduate Programme (Feb 2026)

Here at BNZ, it's about more than just banking. We work together in an agile, energising environment to create innovative solutions through our promise "If you can imagine a better future, let's find a way."

We support wellbeing, flexible working and have a generous leave offering. There is the opportunity for growth, learning and career development. No two days are the same.

Mō te Tūranga | About the Role

Have you finished your degree or starting your final year of study? Do you have a passion for financial markets?  If so, we'd love to hear from you!

As a Financial Markets Graduate, you'll receive an immediate introduction to domestic and global financial markets. You'll gain exposure to a range of financial products, and, being based in one of our dealing rooms, Auckland or Wellington, you'll see the close interaction between our sales, trading and research teams. From day one, you'll be helping BNZ, and its clients manage their market risk and supporting their funding and investment needs.

We have opportunities available in Auckland and Wellington, please let us know your preferred location in your Cover Letter. (NB – The Quantitative Graduate role will be Wellington based).

We spoke with some of our Leaders from Financial Markets, who let us know the following about the roles:

What is the team culture and environment like?

Supportive and inclusive, we come to work each day to help our customers and colleagues achieve their best outcomes. We're inquisitive and enjoy the variety of interactions that financial markets provide where every opinion is valued. We love that our work makes a real difference to the New Zealand economy.

What skills or attributes will this person have in order to be successful?

We don't mind what you've studied as our graduates come from a wide range of disciplines, the only essential requirement is a strong interest in financial markets!

We're looking for people who are effective communicators, who love problem-solving, have excellent attention to detail and enjoy building relationships.

Additionally, this year we have an interest for a graduate with a Quantitative Analytics focus or background. If you have a post-graduate qualification in quantitative finance, mathematics, computer science, physics, or a strong programming background we’d be especially interested in hearing from you.

What's the most exciting thing about this opportunity?

We offer stimulating and challenging career opportunities where you'll be supported to learn and develop. You'll get to work with a group of highly motivated and talented people, receive excellent training and be a part of the BNZ community.

The Financial Markets programme sets graduates up for fulfilling careers both domestically and internationally. Many grads have transferred to NAB globally or gained overseas experience and returned back to BNZ Markets.

What does the programme look like?

Our Graduates have the opportunity to learn and participate across the full spectrum of markets services and work with a highly motivated team to help deliver excellence for customers be it in financial risk management, fixed income investment, debt origination, research, trading, technology and more.

• No day is the same in financial markets which makes for a stimulating and challenging environment for new starters and veterans alike.
• Time on the dealing room floor is crucial in first six months of any role in markets, learning the jargon, listening to different conversations and views, and absorbing the environment.
• Training starts on day 1 and will continue throughout your markets career under the guidance of experienced markets professionals.
• Your days will be packed with learning the intricacies of financial markets and products, the interconnectedness of global macro and micro economic drivers and how they impact our customer's financial risk profiles.
• Sales grads sit within one of our Business & Corporate Sales or CIB Sales teams, getting to know the clients and building relationships. Gain the chance to explore and master the technical aspects of the product types they’re selling and make prices and transact deals with clients.
• Whilst on the program there is the flexibility to move to different teams once you’ve learned where your interests lie.

What should the candidate include in their application?

• A cover letter - to help us to get to know you, which covers your motivation for working at BNZ and in Financial Markets in particular.
• Your interests outside the classroom - this could include sports, the arts, clubs and community involvement or work experience.
• A strong academic transcript.

What are some of the benefits at BNZ?

• Good pay! We'll pay you right from the outset and as your skills grow, we’ll make regular changes to make sure you're paid competitively.
• 6 weeks annual leave
• Staff banking, insurance, & retail discounts
• Online courses, regular training, & career development
• Industry memberships, events, & conferences (INFINZ, ASF, KangaNews to name a few)
• NZFMA Accreditation – we will pay for and support you to gain this in your first year

Please take note of the following important dates: (*subject to change)

Applications Close: 31 March 2025

Testing & Online Interviews:  from 25 March 2025

Face to Face Interviews:  Mid April 2025*

Role Commences: early February 2026

Nau Mai ki te Pēke o Aotearoa | Come to the Bank of New Zealand

This is an exciting opportunity to join us!  We're bold thinkers who are taking brave steps to create a company that people want to work for, and customers want to bank with. If you're ready to join a fun organisation where we are proud of our culture and how we are helping New Zealander's to 'Find their way', then show your interest by submitting your application - we can't wait to read it. 

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini" - Success is not the work of an individual, but the work of many.”