Giving someone else authority to operate your bank accounts

An Authority to Operate is typically used when an ASB customer gives someone authority to operate their accounts in their absence.

So if this was you, you could authorise another person to operate your account on your behalf if, for example, you were overseas for a long period of time.

Check out the simple process below.

Giving Authority to Operate

The first thing you’ll need to do is complete an Authority to Operate form.

Once you’ve completed this form, it’s best to make an appointment at your local ASB branch with the person you are authorising, and we will:

• Verify your ID according to our policy
• Validate that you want to set up an Authority with that person (we need to be sure you are providing the Authority to Operate freely).
  
• Verify that person’s ID. They will need to bring their photo ID (such as a driver's licence or passport as well as some proof of address, such as a utility bill).

We might also need an example of their signature to keep on file. That way, we can ensure whenever they transact on your account, it is that person who is doing so.

Here’s a full list of acceptable ID.

You or your agent can cancel an Authority to Operate at any time. You can notify us in person, by signed letter, or over the phone by calling 0800 803 804.

There are other reasons an Authority to Operate might be cancelled, such as the death of the original account holder.

Please contact us with any questions.

Standard Power of Attorney

Type:

• Can be general or specific.

Use:

• If you are going overseas or have interests in a country where you don’t normally live.

Cancellation:

• This Power of Attorney is immediately revoked if you die or become incapable of making decisions.
  

Enduring Power of Attorney

An Enduring Power of Attorney continues despite you becoming mentally incapacitated and unable to make decisions. A Standard Power of Attorney doesn’t continue in these circumstances. Enduring Powers of Attorney might be used as per the Standard Power of Attorney, but also by elderly customers wanting to give their children or loved ones the ability to deal with their property or finances if they become incapable of doing so.

Types:

• Enduring Power of Attorney for Personal Care and Welfare.
• Enduring Power of Attorney for Property.

Application:

• You can structure an Enduring Power of Attorney to take effect immediately or in the event you become incapable of making decisions.

1. Make an appointment at your local ASB branch

It's a good idea for both you and your attorney to come into a branch together. If you're unable to come because you're incapacitated, then your attorney can come on their own. You can make an appointment at your local ASB branch by giving us a call on 0800 803 804.

We need to see an original or certified copy (certified by a solicitor or Notary Public) of the Power of Attorney document. Please also bring with you any other supporting documents.

2. Lodge the non-revocation certificate signed by your attorney

If you already have a signed certificate of non-revocation (a document declaring that the appointment of the Power of Attorney has not been revoked), lodge that too. Or we can provide one for your attorney to sign at the branch.

There may be other requirements, depending on your situation, but we can tell you about these at the time.

3. We'll need to verify your attorney's identification

We need to verify your attorney's ID whether or not they're an ASB customer. At the appointment, your attorney will need to show us acceptable ID (such as a driver's licence or passport) as well as proof of their current address (such as a utility bill with their name on it).

Cancelling a Power of Attorney

You can remove a Power of Attorney at any time in person, in writing or over the phone on 0800 803 804. If you choose to remove a Power of Attorney over the phone, we will also need written confirmation.

There are other reasons a Power of Attorney might be cancelled, such as the death of either party or bankruptcy of an attorney. Please contact us if you have any questions.