fbpx
Skip to main content
Financial Assistance Hub

Industry guideline: Banks’ financial difficulty programs

26 October 2021

This industry guideline:

  • explains how the Commonwealth consumer protection laws and the Banking Code of Practice apply to banks’ financial difficulty programs.
  • provides practical guidance on what banks can do to meet these obligations when dealing with customers who may be experiencing financial difficulty.
  • outlines a framework for banks that balances the need for consistent, standardised access to financial difficulty assistance with the need for flexibility when responding to customers’ unique personal and financial circumstances.
  • promotes best practice across the banking industry.

This guideline reflects good industry practice, and the Australian Banking Association (ABA) encourages  members to use the principles in this guideline to put in place internal processes, procedures, and policies.

Download PDF

Latest news

1 / 3
Media Releases
Banks welcome more progress in scams war as losses fall
11 March 2025

Banks are continuing to play their part in the fight against scammers, as the ABA welcomes a new report showing scam losses fell by almost 26 per cent last year.   The ABA acknowledges the release of the 2024 Targeting Scams Report by the National Anti-Scam Centre showing combined reported scam losses fell by $700 million… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
Banks here to support cyclone affected areas
6 March 2025

Banks are on standby to assist customers across Queensland and Northern NSW who might be impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred in the coming days. ABA CEO Anna Bligh said banks are closely monitoring the developing situation along the east coast and are putting in place arrangements to support customers in affected areas. “This is a… Read more »

Read more
Transcript
ABA CEO Anna Bligh interview on FiveAA Adelaide
3 March 2025

Graeme Goodings (Host): Hardly a day goes by that we don’t talk about scams. I mean, we’re ever alert, but the scammers seem to be one step ahead, half a step ahead, best, and all we can do is put out warnings to you on a regular basis. Joining me now is CEO of the… Read more »

Read more