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Financial Assistance Hub

Financial Abuse Industry Guideline

22 May 2021

This industry guideline:

  • Explains what financial abuse can look like and how it can impact customers and a bank’s relationship with their customers; and
  • Outlines a framework for banks to raise awareness and promote consistent arrangements to deal with suspected cases of financial abuse

This guideline reflects good industry practice, and the ABA encourages members to use the principles in this guideline to put in place internal processes, procedures, and policies.

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Australian banks strongly support the RBA’s proposed ban on debit and credit card surcharges, while overwhelmingly calling for an alternative pathway forward on interchange fees.  The ABA has made the following calls in a submission to the RBA’s current consultation on the Review of Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging:  ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said… Read more »

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Media Releases
New payments system rules welcomed by banks
4 September 2025

Australia’s banks welcome the passing through the Senate of new legislation to ensure payments laws are up-to-date and reflect today’s digital economy. The new laws will bring digital wallets, cash distribution services, buy now, pay later schemes and other emerging payment methods within regulatory oversight, significantly enhancing protections for customers. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said… Read more »

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Media Releases
Banks welcome passage of Payments System Modernisation Bill through the House
3 September 2025

The ABA welcomes the passage through the House of critical legislation to ensure Australia’s payments regulatory framework is brought up-to-date and urges the Senate to quickly pass this overdue legislation too. The proposed legislation will bring digital wallets, cash distribution services, buy now, pay later schemes and other emerging payment methods within regulatory oversight, significantly… Read more »

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