The Australian Banking Association (ABA) is the information source for the news media on the Australian banking industry, providing information, analysis and context on industry issues.
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Competition between banks remains strong, with millions of Australians switching banks for home loans, credit cards and transaction accounts last year, according to a newly-released report by Deloitte Access Economics commissioned by the Australian Banking Association. While a strong majority of customers are satisfied with their financial products, the Deloitte report showed 2.8 million customers switched to new banks or financial providers for… Read more »
Banks welcome today’s release of the Sylvan Review, which charts a path forward to strengthen Australia’s financial counselling sector. The Review highlights the importance of financial counsellors in helping Australians who are struggling to repay their debts, manage their household budgets and provide for their families in a difficult environment. Banks actively participated in the… Read more »
The Australian Banking Association has today partnered with Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce to brief the local business community and stakeholders on the new rule book for banks, the new Banking Code of Practice, and the ‘financing your small business’ website. In force since July 1 this year, the new ASIC approved Banking Code of Practice… Read more »
The new Banking Code of Practice, came into operation on 1 July 2019. On the 22nd May, the ABA applied for authorisation from the ACCC to further amend the Code by adopting the recommendations from the Royal Commission. These recommendations relate to default fees on farm properties during natural disasters, prevention of informal overdrafts… Read more »
Australians affected by the bushfires in NSW and QLD are encouraged to contact their bank to access a wide range of assistance available. CEO of the Australian Banking Association (ABA) Anna Bligh said that banks stand ready to assist customers affected by bushfires, offering a range of services including deferred loan repayments, waiving fees and… Read more »
South Australian small businesses, or those looking to start one, are being encouraged not to hold back in seeking finance, with research by the Australian Banking Association (ABA) revealing a 94% loan approval rate from member banks and a new online resource now available with all the tips and tools needed to apply. The ABA… Read more »
For the first time the Australian Banking Association (ABA) Council of CEOs, its governing body, has held its quarterly meeting in a regional centre. The Council met with local community leaders and groups, including Bendigo Mayor Margaret O’Rourke, local business chamber Be.Bendigo, the Salvation Army and Rural Financial Counsellors. ABA Chair and ANZ CEO… Read more »
If you’ve ever dreamed of throwing in the towel at work and starting your own business, you’re not alone. In fact, more than nine million Australian’s dream of being their own boss. Research commissioned by the Australian Banking Association, found that while millions of people have dreamed of working for themselves and starting a business,… Read more »
Australia’s banks have welcomed the Government’s timetable for legislative change following the Hayne Royal Commission and will work with the Commonwealth to continue implementing the Commission’s recommendations. While the forward agenda for the required legislative changes was announced this morning, banks are well down the track of implementing recommendations for which they are responsible to… Read more »
The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has today announced it is joining forces with Bauer Media to expand its campaign to tackle elder financial abuse. The campaign, Stop Elder Financial Abuse, launches today in Sydney as newly released research reveals almost 6 in 10 Australians are worried that someone they know will be the victim of… Read more »
Today’s passage of the Consumer Data Right legislation charts the way forward for a more innovative and customer focussed banking industry that will deliver better deals for Australians. CEO of the Australian Banking Association Anna Bligh said today’s passage of the Consumer Data Right legislation through the Parliament would create the legal foundation for Open… Read more »
The announcement today by the Government of the introduction of legislation for the Consumer Data Right is an important step to making the Open Banking reforms a reality for Australian bank customers. Open Banking will allow customers, at their request, to share their personal information with accredited institutions, including other banks, to allow them… Read more »
Australia’s banks will comply with a strong new code of practice that significantly increases and enshrines customer protections and introduces tough new penalties for breaches from tomorrow. The ASIC-approved Banking Code of Practice represents the most significant increase to customer protections under a code in the industry’s history. From 1 July, under the new Banking… Read more »
While the cost of living for Australian families continues to rise, bank fees charged to households have dropped by 6.5% over the last 12 months, the largest fall since 2010, according to the latest RBA data. While the cost of living for Australian families continues to rise, bank fees charged to households have dropped by… Read more »
The Australian Banking Association welcomes the reappointment of Treasurer the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP and the new appointments of the Hon Michael Sukkar MP as Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Housing and Senator Jane Hume as Assistant Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and Financial Technology. The industry is committed to earning back the trust… Read more »
Today’s announcement of a Social Impact Investing Taskforce and three trial sites is a welcome step by the Federal Government and answers the banking industry’s call for a clear direction on this innovative solution to tackling entrenched disadvantage. CEO of the Australian Banking Association Anna Bligh said banks welcome the announcement by the Treasurer, Minister… Read more »
Customers at risk of elder financial abuse, those exiting a violent relationship and someone experiencing an unexpected long-term illness are among the focus of new ‘vulnerable customer guidelines’, on which public consultation opens today. The consultation, open to the public, will result in a new industry guideline on supporting vulnerable customers, to complement the new… Read more »
Today’s release of a consultation paper about further enforcement of industry codes is welcomed by Australia’s banks, who look forward to working with regulators and the Treasury to identify what more can be done to further enforce its new Banking Code of Practice.
The banking industry welcomes a new independent report by former Public Service Commissioner Mr Stephen Sedgwick AO, released today, which has found that banks are on track to meet their 2020 deadline to overhaul staff pay, a critical issue highlighted by the Royal Commission, while also noting there is more work to be done to ensure full implementation.
Farmers, small business owners, customers living in remote areas or with limited English and Australians with basic bank accounts will receive new protections under a revamped Banking Code of Practice in response to the Final Report of the Royal Commission.