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Steve Austin Well as you know, the Commonwealth Government has made it clear they consider access to cash a priority for the Australian economy and the country’s largest banks, as well as Coles, Woolworths, companies like Wesfarmers and Australia Post have been trying to put together a short term lifeline for Armaguard, who’s the company… Read more »
Natalie Barr And to the cash emergency hitting our country. Emergency talks are being held this week, with our top banks preparing for a potential cash crash. It comes as Australia’s key money supplier Armaguard fights to stay afloat. Spearheaded by the Australian Banking Association, the banks are now pulling together a contingency plan to… Read more »
The Australian Banking Association acknowledges Linfox Armaguard (LFA)’s statement that they won’t be taking up the offer of financial support from a collective of banks, retailers and supermarkets. We welcome Armaguard’s commitment that they will continue to operate and have secured funds from their parent company to maintain their full suite of services. Australia’s largest… Read more »
The Australian Banking Association (ABA) welcomes legislation passing through the Senate to expand Australia’s digital identity system. Importantly, this legislation will allow banks to apply to join the nationwide framework within two years of commencement. ABA CEO Anna Bligh said a voluntary nationwide Digital ID would be another important tool for banks to help protect… Read more »
The Australian Banking Association welcomes the release today of a new report from the National Anti-Scam Centre showing that industry and government measures to tackle scams are protecting more Australians. The latest quarterly report shows that overall scam losses in the 2023 December quarter were down by 43% compared to the same quarter last year. … Read more »
The Australian Banking Association welcomes the Federal Government’s decision to introduce a financial sector regulatory initiatives grid. ABA CEO Anna Bligh said providing a clearer picture of the future regulatory landscape would allow the Government to implement policy initiatives whilst at the same time reducing the compliance burden on industry. “Banks recognise that regulation is vitally important… Read more »
This International Women’s Day, the Australian Banking Association has reaffirmed the sector’s unwavering commitment to protecting women’s financial safety and security. In Australia, one in six women will experience financial abuse over the course of their lifetime. The 2024 IWD theme “Count Her In” is an opportunity to talk about the types of financial abuse… Read more »
Andy Park The Reserve Bank is now calling on banks to do more to reduce the impact of these surcharges on businesses and customers. Anna Bligh, is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Banking Association, she joins me now. Anna, a billion dollars in card fees, this is having a pretty significant impact on… Read more »
Love is in the air, but so are scammers looking to exploit the season of hearts and flowers. As Valentine’s Day approaches, the Australian Banking Association (ABA) urges everyone to be extra cautious and scam-proof their heart from romance scams and other fraudulent schemes. “Scammers play the part and prey on people’s emotions,” ABA CEO… Read more »
Banks have dedicated hardship teams on standby to help those impacted by Tropical Cyclone Kirrily and the Australian Banking Association has urged those in need of financial assistance to reach out. “With the second major cyclone in as many months followed by torrential rain, people in Queensland have been dealt yet another serious blow. I… Read more »
Today the Australian Banking Association has told Queenslanders impacted by major flooding as a result of cyclone Jasper that banks have teams on standby to help those in need. “The ABA urges anyone in need of financial assistance to reach out to their bank, and to do so as early as possible. Dedicated hardship teams… Read more »
The ABA welcomes the release of the ACCC’s retail deposits inquiry final report today, saying competition in the Australian banking sector is critical to good customer outcomes and the Report shows that it is strong in the Australian context. “2023 has seen highly competitive market forces at work in banking from which consumers are the… Read more »
With the festive season underway, the Australian Banking Association (ABA) is urging Australians to be vigilant against scams this Christmas. “Scammers will try their very best to exploit the increased shopping activity and generosity in the lead up to Christmas, preying on unsuspecting individuals,” said ABA CEO Anna Bligh. “While many Australians get ready to… Read more »
The Australian Banking Association Council has today appointed National Australia Bank Chief Executive Officer Ross McEwan as Chair of the ABA. At its Annual General Meeting, the ABA also confirmed Marnie Baker, CEO of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, will remain in the role of Deputy Chair. Mr McEwan thanked outgoing Chair Peter King for his… Read more »
Every Australian deserves equitable access to banking services. That’s why the Australian Banking Association (ABA) has broadened the scope of its accessibility framework to ensure the banking sector remains inclusive in a fast-changing digital landscape. “Updating and strengthening these principles is about making sure no one is left behind in a rapidly changing and increasingly… Read more »
The Australian Banking Association (ABA) welcomes the Albanese Government’s significant financial advice reform package announced today by Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones. “In recent years, too many Australians seeking simple financial advice have not been able to receive it in a cost-effective manner,” said ABA CEO Anna Bligh. “While previous reforms were well-intentioned, the result has… Read more »
“Seeing the banks make these changes means I feel a sense of safety, security and support; that I matter and that the horrible experience I’ve been through can somehow be useful to help make changes to prevent the misuse and manipulation of gaps in banking systems and processes.” – Victim-survivor of financial abuse A new… Read more »
New laws banning the use of credit cards for online gambling are set to be rolled out nationwide following the passing of the Federal Government’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001 Bill yesterday evening. The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has welcomed this milestone saying the new laws will make it illegal for an online gambling company to… Read more »
Today the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has authorised the main users of cash including banks, retailer providers and Australia Post to undertake industry discussions ensuring cash remains readily available to all Australians. Customers’ usage of cash has plunged from 70% in 2007 to 13% in 2022. The cash spiral is showing no signs… Read more »
“The Australian Banking Association applauds action from the Government to legislate a voluntary Digital ID as the nation’s first line of defence against cybercrime,” ABA CEO Anna Bligh said. A Digital ID means Australian companies won’t need to store copies of your personal information, reducing the risk of data theft. It also means people can… Read more »