4 April 2017
Sydney, 4 April 2017: Ahead of the Treasurer’s imminent release of the Productivity Commission’s final report into Data Availability and Use, the Australian Bankers’ Association is today hosting a symposium to share views on how to get the right outcomes for customers.
Representatives from Australia’s leading banks, fintech community, consumer organisations, regulators and digital and privacy experts will discuss the benefits and risks of open data, and hear about the United Kingdom’s experience from Open Data Institute expert David Beardmore.
ABA Chief Economist and Executive Director – Industry Policy, Tony Pearson, said the banking industry supported expanding access to customer data as long as there were adequate privacy and security safeguards.
“Designed properly, expanding data access will give customers valuable information to find better deals with their financial products and services. The most important thing is ensuring customers’ privacy is protected and their data is secure.
“It will take a shared effort between banks, governments and others in the financial services community to get this right,” he said.
“Today’s event will help identify how to ensure customer protections are in place, and help customers understand the benefits of data sharing.
“The banking industry looks forward to working with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to ensure that any changes to make data more readily available for customers are done in ways that maintain customer privacy and security.”
Mr Pearson said Australia should use the opportunity to learn from the international experience.
“For example, banks in the UK have been working with their government for some years now on data sharing, so there are lessons to learn about the challenges they have faced, and issues which are yet to be resolved,” he said.
The full program for the symposium is attached.
ENDSContact: Stephanie Arena 0477 470 677 or Jamin Smith 0478 333 316
Latest news
The ABA welcomes APRA’s proposals to make the internal ratings-based (IRB) accreditation process simpler and more transparent, giving mid-sized banks a competitive boost. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said the changes would support competition and deliver better outcomes for customers. “This is a practical and sensible pro‑competition step from APRA,” Mr Birmingham said. “When fully implemented,… Read more »
E&OEInterview on Sky News with Cheng Lei Cheng Lei: Australian banks closed 155 branches over the last year, but the rate of closures has slowed. For the implications, let’s bring in Australian Banking Association Chief Executive and former Liberal Minister Simon Birmingham. Mr Birmingham, welcome to the show – great to talk to you in… Read more »
Australian banks welcome the Federal Government’s release of an updated Regulatory Initiatives Grid, helping to ensure there is more transparency and coordination when new financial rules are introduced. The ABA particularly welcomes new principles that streamline coordination between regulators, reducing duplication and regulatory burden across the industry. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said the Grid was… Read more »