Skip to main content
Financial Assistance Hub

ABA welcomes release of review into small and medium banks

7 August 2025

The ABA welcomes the release of the Council of Financial Regulators’ (CFR) review
into small and medium-sized banks.

ABA CEO Anna Bligh said the review findings and recommendations would help
ensure there is a more level playing field for Australia’s small and mid-tier banks.

“This is an important step forward in ensuring Australia maintains a strong and
competitive banking sector,” Ms Bligh said.

“Having a diverse range of banks ultimately means more competition in the market and
that delivers more choice and better outcomes for customers.

“There are positive steps in this review to ensure the regulatory settings allow small
and medium-sized banks to compete and succeed.

“In particular, we welcome moves to formalise more proportionate regulation, support
lower funding costs and reduce unnecessary regulatory reporting.

“Our industry thanks the Council of Financial Regulators for their engagement
throughout the review and stands ready to assist in the effective implementation of
these recommendations.”

Contact: Benn Ayre | [email protected] | 0428 342 325

Latest news

1 / 3
Transcript
Anna Bligh interview with ABC Perth on credit card access
1 August 2025

EO&E Nadia: Banks has been a big topic of discussion on the show this week because, of course, we’ve just been talking about behavioural security that the bank is bringing in. Earlier, I was telling you during the week that older women can’t get a credit card in their own name. They’re secondary card holders… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
Joint Group of Industry Organisations statement in response to Productivity Commission report
1 August 2025

The Productivity Commission proposal to tax business cash flow is an experimental change that hasn’t been tried anywhere else in the world. This tax increase risks putting more pressure on all Australians still struggling under cost-of-living pressures. While some businesses may benefit under this proposal, it risks all Australian consumers and businesses paying more for… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
Banks welcome APRA commitments to support more competition in Australia’s banking system
24 July 2025

The ABA welcomes APRA’s commitment to boosting competition for Australia’s mid-tier and international banks. In a speech today to the ABA’s Banking 2025 Conference, Chair John Lonsdale announced that APRA would: ABA CEO Anna Bligh said it was customers who would ultimately benefit from a strong and competitive banking system. “Today’s announcements from APRA will… Read more »

Read more