Skip to main content
Financial Assistance Hub

ABA welcomes further clarity on treatment of HELP debts

12 February 2025

The ABA welcomes the Federal Government’s move to have ASIC and APRA further clarify lending rules in relation to the treatment of HELP debts.

ABA CEO Anna Bligh said this was a constructive step and the potential to unlock more credit for prospective homebuyers could assist them in realising the dream of home ownership.

“Our industry welcomes this move and the clarity it will provide for banks when they are making lending assessments,” Ms Bligh said.

“Banks support responsible lending rules to protect borrowers and ensure they can repay their loans. However, there is always merit in carefully considered updates to regulatory guidance that may help some Australians safely access more credit.

“Whilst the challenges of reducing barriers to home ownership won’t be solved by one single factor, these clarifications should assist in unlocking more credit for some of those looking to enter the property market.

“We also welcome the clarification from APRA on lending rules in relation to pre-sold apartments. The ABA and our members stand ready to work with regulators on these updates.”

Latest news

1 / 3
Media Releases
Banks strengthen support for customers facing financial difficulty
8 July 2025

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has released an updated industry guideline setting out best practice for banks when assisting customers experiencing financial difficulty. The updated guideline reflects the industry’s ongoing commitment to support customers when they need it most. ABA CEO Anna Bligh said this guideline builds on the existing obligations as well as the… Read more »

Read more
Transcript
Launch of Confirmation of Payee
2 July 2025

ABA CEO Anna Bligh: Well, here we are on the front line of the fight against scams. This is one of Australia’s largest banks, and the team of people here talking with customers, trying to protect customers and fight against scammers. Today, here we are launching a new piece of technology called Confirmation of Payee…. Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
​Australian banks launch new defence in battle against scammers
2 July 2025

Australian banks have today unveiled their latest scam fighting technology, with the launch of Confirmation of Payee – a new name-matching service designed to help protect customers from being tricked into sending money to criminals. Banks have invested $100 million in this new technology which is a key initiative of the sector’s Scam-Safe Accord –… Read more »

Read more