fbpx
Skip to main content
Get step-by-step help: Financial Assistance Hub

ABA welcomes Farrell Report into Open Banking

9 February 2018

Banks are excited to enter the Open Banking age that will spark new innovations and deliver cutting edge products, with customers the big winner.

The Farrell Report into Open Banking released by the Treasurer today recognises both the opportunities and challenges that data sharing will bring. While the Australian Bankers’ Association has some concerns surrounding the implementation, the report lays out a broadly sensible path to Open Banking. Mr Farrell’s report should be commended for its focus on customers and its commitment to work with stakeholders to design a safe and secure data sharing framework.

Giving customers greater access to their own data will boost choice in banking and further simplify the application process for a financial product.

Australians have one of the most innovative and technologically advanced banking systems in the world. Examples of this is 24-hour banking, payWave and the soon to be launched PayID and New Payments Platform.

As the Productivity Commission affirmed this week, Australian banks are at the forefront of global innovation which has delivered a superior customer experience. Investments in how banks use data are already leading to new innovations that are improving the customer experience and this is set to continue under Open Banking.

A reform as large as Open Banking must be carefully considered and properly implemented.

Research shows that Australians trust their banks with personal information, more than online retailers, social media companies and even governments. It’s important that banks maintain this trust and ensure that the open data reforms don’t place personal information at risk.

Banks will continue to work with stakeholders like consumer groups, FinTech’s, regulators and government to get this right so it is a good model for all industries and customers are protected.

The ABA looks forward to carefully analysing Mr Farrell’s report and working with members and stakeholders to address any challenges to ensure its success. Banks would also like to thank Mr Farrell for his thorough and thoughtful inquiry.

ENDS

Contact: Rory Grant 0475 741 007 

Latest news

1 / 3
Transcript
Transcript – Anna Bligh interview with ABC RN’s Patricia Karvelas on bank regulations in Australia and financial hardship
30 March 2023

“Australian banks are certainly better equipped now than they were in the GFC. They’ve got 2 to 2.5 times the capital reserves put aside for a rainy day than they had in the GFC”

Read more
Media Releases
Statement from Australian Banking Association (ABA) regarding the agreement reached on the safeguard mechanism reforms: 
27 March 2023

“The Australian Banking Association (ABA) welcomes the agreement reached today on the proposed safeguard mechanism reforms, given it paves the way for the passing of a critical piece of legislation for Australia.

Read more
Media Releases
Accessible and inclusive banking: Consultation set to begin for accessibility standards review
16 March 2023

“This is about engaging with the entire banking ecosystem in order to ensure the accessibility of the sector’s services are best serving our diverse community now, and into the future.”

Read more