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.
The ABA plays an active role in the public dialogue on banking and financial services, providing commentary on broader industry issues and facilitating access to other sources of information.
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The Alliance of Industry Associations described measures in the Federal Budget as positive first steps on productivity reform, while calling for further action to deliver sustained cost of living relief for households and businesses. The Alliance, representing around 30 industry groups from a broad cross-section of Australia’s economy, has previously called for a significant package… Read more »
The ABA says the 2026 Federal Budget lays the groundwork for reforms that enhance productivity across the financial services sector and the broader economy. Projected improvements to the overall Budget position through lower deficits and a more sustainable fiscal trajectory are also welcome. Ongoing fiscal discipline, including spending restraint, will be key to placing… Read more »
Customers facing financial stress from ongoing cost pressures and higher loan repayments are being urged to get in touch with their bank if they need support. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said banks have a range of practical measures they can put in place to help customers navigate the current economic environment. “Australian banks recognise that… Read more »
Australia’s banks contributed a record $16 billion in taxes and other levies in the 2025 financial year, enough to fund over 370 million bulk-billed GP appointments, according to a new report released today by the Australian Banking Association. The Contribution Gap: Tax and regulatory imbalances in the digital age, highlights the critical role banks play… Read more »
The ABA welcomes the release today of Treasury’s exposure draft legislation to regulate Australia’s cash-in-transit sector. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said this regulatory framework was an essential piece in the puzzle of ensuring cash remains available to Australians who still use it. “This is a welcome step and will be an important safety net in… Read more »
Nearly 30 groups representing small, medium and large businesses, and universities, that employ millions of Australians, are calling on all governments to cut regulatory costs by 25 per cent to help consumers and businesses amid surging costs caused by the Middle East war. The Alliance of Industry Associations, which represents every part of the Australian… Read more »
Australian banks are supporting the roll-out of zero interest loans under the National Reconstruction Fund’s $1 billion Economic Resilience Program, with applications now open. Banks will administer zero interest loans to businesses in identified priority sectors with an annual turnover of $100 million or less seeking a loan of up to $5 million. ABA CEO… Read more »
The ABA welcomes government consultations on proposals to enhance consumer protections and reform the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) to ensure it is financially viable into the future. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said the current model was not operating as originally intended and banks supported steps to reduce investment losses and redesign CSLR to… Read more »
Australian banks are stepping up to help customers struggling with loan repayments and higher cost of living challenges. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said banks stand ready with practical support measures to help customers and businesses get through this tough time. “Banks know many of their customers are making tough financial decisions right now as… Read more »
Today’s decision by the RBA to slash the funding that maintains Australia’s payments system will undermine Australia’s sovereign capabilities and advantage foreign multinationals over local companies. “The RBA’s decision will see foreign multinationals extract an increasing share of revenue from the payments system to the long-term detriment of Australia,” ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said. “Australian… Read more »
The ABA welcomes the appointment of David Lacey to lead the Australian Financial Complaints Authority’s new external scams dispute resolution service. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham congratulated Mr Lacey on his appointment to this important new role within AFCA. “Mr Lacey brings extensive experience in law enforcement, in fighting financial crime as well as liaising directly… Read more »
Leading Australian business, industry, investment and peak body organisations welcome the conclusion of the Australia–European Union Free Trade Agreement, the establishment of the Australia–EU Security and Defence Partnership, and the decision to fast-track negotiations for Australia’s association with Horizon Europe. These outcomes provide much-needed clarity and confidence at a time when businesses, investors, and researchers… Read more »
The ABA acknowledges APRA’s proposed capital and liquidity changes. Australian banks share APRA’s commitment to maintaining a strong and resilient banking system. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said banks will work with APRA to ensure any enacted changes lead to real benefits for the economy and Australians. “Banks will carefully review the liquidity proposals and will… Read more »
Australians have now used Confirmation of Payee over 100 million times since the service was launched in July 2025, marking a major milestone in the banking industry’s efforts to protect consumers and businesses from scams and mistaken payments. Part of the banking sector’s Scam-Safe Accord, Confirmation of Payee adds another layer of protection by allowing… Read more »
Banks are urging Australians to side-step fake or dodgy tickets this footy season, as scammers set their sights on fans across all football codes. More than $36 million was lost to buying and selling scams last year, including fake ticket sales, with criminals looking to cash in on the excitement and passion of footy fans…. Read more »
Over 640 000 homeowners refinanced their mortgage last year, according to new data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. New lending indicators data shows 640 137 mortgages were refinanced throughout 2025, a 20 per cent jump from the previous year as more borrowers than ever before renegotiated or switched their home loans. ABA… Read more »
With Valentine’s Day approaching, banks are warning people to be on high alert for romance scams as criminals increasingly deploy AI to steal more than just your heart. AI romance scam red flags: ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said further advances in AI were making it incredibly difficult for people to distinguish between a romance scam… Read more »
The ABA congratulates Sarah Court on her appointment as the new Chair of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). ABA CEO Simon Birmingham described this as a significant appointment and a landmark moment for Ms Court and Australia’s corporate regulator. “Sarah is an experienced regulator, having held numerous senior legal and regulatory enforcement positions… Read more »
Australia’s banks and finance firms are joining forces with Australia’s leading financial safety by design expert, to prevent financial abuse, with the launch of the Financial Safety Alliance. The Financial Safety Alliance, founded by social enterprise Flequity Ventures, brings together the Australian Banking Association, the Australian Finance Industry Association, the Customer Owned Banking Association and Arca. The Alliance will provide lenders with the… Read more »
In conjunction with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), the ABA is pleased to announce the appointment of former ASIC Commissioner Mr Sean Hughes as the next Chair of the Banking Code Compliance Committee (BCCC). Mr Hughes served as a Commissioner at ASIC from 2018 to 2023 and brings deep expertise in financial services… Read more »