ANZ chief executive Mike Smith says “politics isn't helping” the Australian economy and called for an end of point scoring to focus on the long-term challenges facing the nation.

His comments follow months of sustained political criticism of the banking sector, particularly over the pricing of mortgages in the face of rising funding costs.

ANZ's Mike Smith says it's time to focus on more pressing issues. Credit:Simon Alekna

Mr Smith also hit out at tough new bank rules that are being rolled out globally, saying they come at the worst possible time for the world economy.