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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.

For media inquiries contact [email protected] or 0475 741 007.


Media Releases
Early signs of success in war against scammers 
15 March 2024

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 »

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Media Releases
Banks welcome Federal Government’s commitment to a regulatory roadmap 
11 March 2024

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 »

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Transcript
ABA CEO Anna Bligh interview with Andy Park ABC RN
4 March 2024

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 »

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Don’t fall for a fake cupid this Valentine’s Day  
13 February 2024

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 »

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Banks hardship teams on standby to help cyclone-impacted communities in Queensland 
31 January 2024

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 »

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Media Releases
Banks stand ready to support cyclone-impacted communities in Far North Queensland 
18 December 2023

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 »

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Media Releases
The ABA welcomes ACCC deposit inquiry report  
15 December 2023

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 »

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Media Releases
Stay safe from scammers this Christmas 
14 December 2023

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 »

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Media Releases
ABA Council appoints Ross McEwan as new Chair 
8 December 2023

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 »

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Media Releases
Banks update principles supporting customers with a disability  
8 December 2023

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 »

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Media Releases
Sensible financial advice reforms to be made available to millions of Australians
7 December 2023

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 »

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Media Releases
Australian banks act to protect customers from financial abuse
7 December 2023

“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 »

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Media Releases
Banks welcome online gambling credit card ban 
7 December 2023

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 »

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Media Releases
Banks act to keep cash convenient  
6 December 2023

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 »

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Media Releases
A nationwide Digital ID is Australia’s first line of defence against cybercrime
1 December 2023

“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 »

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Transcript
Anna Bligh interviewed by 6PR about the Scam-Safe Accord and the future of banking 
30 November 2023

Oliver Peterson: Joining me in the studios today is the CEO of the Australian Banking Association, Anna Bligh. It’s lovely to meet you.  Anna Bligh: Great to be here, Oliver.  Oliver Peterson: What brings you to Perth?  Anna Bligh: Well, I’ve got a few things to do with work here, and I was very keen… Read more »

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Transcript
Press conference: Scam-Safe Accord launch 
24 November 2023

Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh:   Today Australia’s banking system is coming together to launch the most comprehensive set of new anti-scam reforms.   With a level of unprecedented cooperation, banks, commercial banks, building societies, credit unions, and mutual banks have joined together to commit to a set of anti-scam reforms to keep Australians and their… Read more »

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Media Releases
Banks unite to declare war on scammers  
24 November 2023

Australian banks have joined forces to launch a new Scam-Safe Accord to deliver a higher standard of protection for customers and put scammers out of business in Australia.   This Accord, between Australia’s community owned banks, building societies, credit unions and commercial banks is a comprehensive set of anti-scam measures across the entire industry.  “This Scam-Safe… Read more »

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Media Releases
Banks step up to fund financial counselling services  
21 November 2023

Banks will contribute $19 million over three years to the Government’s voluntary financial counselling model announced today by Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth.   “Banks large and small are proud to be funding the lions share of this initiative.” said ABA CEO Anna Bligh.   This funding will help increase the availability of free, independent counselling… Read more »

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Transcript
Anna Bligh speaks to Sky News Business Editor Ross Greenwood about the launch of ABA’s new financial hardship campaign  
30 October 2023

Ross Greenwood: Well, one industry that does have an effective ombudsman scheme is banking, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, but as rates rise and pressure on households and businesses, managing customers and their debts is again back on the bank’s radar. Today, the Australian Banking Association launched a campaign called ‘Don’t tough it out on… Read more »

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