Hardship customers protected in new credit regime

Australia’s four major banks have reached an agreement to protect vulnerable customers from being unfairly treated in the new mandatory Comprehensive Credit Regime.

The four major banks, who will be required to report the credit history of 50% of customers by the end of September, will not include customers who have reached agreement on hardship arrangements with their bank. This will continue for the first 12 months of the regime while the Attorney-General is conducting a review into this issue.

CEO of the Australian Banking Association Anna Bligh said this was a critical issue for Australia’s major banks who were united behind this arrangement to ensure all customers are treated fairly in what will be an important change in credit history reporting.

“Australia’s banks have been working closely with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to ensure we get this major reform right, without unfairly treating some customers, and implemented without delay,” Ms Bligh.

“Australia’s banks are fully behind this new regime and see the great benefit it can bring in helping customers quickly and easily get a great deal on their personal loans, home loans and credits cards. The four major banks are committed to meeting the start date of 30 September in accordance with the CCR regime.

“Currently if you have a great credit history, the only organisation who knows this is your bank.

“This new regime takes that powerful information and places it into the hands of customers who can ensure they get the best deal possible from a financial institution.

“As with all major reforms in banking it’s important we don’t leave people behind.

Those who have experienced hardship through no fault of their own such as losing a job, sickness, natural disasters or relationship breakdown need to be protected in this new regime.

“Unexpected events happen in life, which banks understand, therefore it’s important that we can discreetly show this on credit histories to make sure customers don’t have further difficulty in the future,” she said.

ENDS
Contact: Rory Grant 0475 741 007