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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
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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Media Releases
Banks launch campaign telling Australians “Don’t tough it out on your own”  
30 October 2023

Today the Australian Banking Association has launched a campaign encouraging Australians struggling with loan repayments to contact their bank, titled ‘Don’t tough it out on your own.’  “Banks know many of their customers are making difficult financial decisions right now as the country navigates challenging economic conditions,” said ABA CEO Anna Bligh.  “Banks stood by… Read more »

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Media Releases
Banks shine a light on NSW small business month 
25 October 2023

As the NSW Government marks Small Business Month, the banking sector joins in celebrating the unwavering spirit and contributions of small businesses across the state. This initiative by the NSW Government is dedicated to recognising the pivotal role these enterprises play in driving economic growth, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and enriching our communities. 

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Media Releases
Banks supporting the agriculture sector to sow the seeds of success 
24 October 2023

Banks have reaffirmed their commitment to Australia’s agriculture sector as it faces into an increasingly unpredictable economic landscape. 

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Media Releases
Crypto regulation a step in the right direction in the fight against scams    
16 October 2023

The ABA supports the Federal Government’s resolute action to regulate crypto exchanges, saying it is a “very welcome step in the fight against scams”. 

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Transcript
Anna Bligh speaks to ABC Radio about how consumers are changing the way they pay and the gradual phase-out of cheques
12 October 2023

Mel Rush: What does it mean if you’ve got uncashed cheques in your wallet? Will they continue to be honored over time? Anna Bligh is CEO of the Australian Banking Association. Anna Bligh good morning.  Anna Bligh: Good morning. How are you?  Mel Rush: Very well, thanks, Anna. Look, this latest news is a little… Read more »

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Transcript
Anna Bligh interviewed by ABC RN’s Hamish McDonald on branches and changing customer trends
21 September 2023

Hamish MacDonald: A Senate inquiry is examining a wave of bank closures that have hit regional Australia particularly hard. More than 1600 bank branches have closed nationally in the past six years, including 309 in the last financial year. Like post offices and milk bars, bank branches form part of the architecture of regional communities… Read more »

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