Skip to main content
Financial Assistance Hub

Response to Productivity Commission final report

3 August 2018

Australian banks welcome competition and compete not only through price, but through constant innovations to product features and experiences. Banks are constantly working to ensure customer satisfaction and the availability of quality products.

The Productivity Commission’s report highlights that competition among financial providers is increasing, noting the presence of new market entrants, the positive impact of mortgage broking and the improvement of technology.

Mortgage lending products are highly competitive, with 141 authorised financial providers (ADIs) offering products to suit varied consumer needs. Banks also offer Australian households innovative features and services at competitive prices.

That competition has seen one in five of us switch accounts over the past year.

The ABA believes strongly that competition will improve further with the introduction of Open Banking, Comprehensive Credit Reporting and regulatory reforms to further reduce barriers to new entrants.

In addition, the new ASIC approved Banking Code of Practice has specific requirements regarding transparency and providing information to consumers to help them be better informed.

The Australian Banking Association and its members look forward to considering the Productivity Commission’s report and findings in full.

ENDS
Contact: Kelly Stevens 0475 741 007

Latest news

1 / 3
Media Releases
Australian banks support card surcharging ban, urge alternative on interchange fees
9 September 2025

Australian banks strongly support the RBA’s proposed ban on debit and credit card surcharges, while overwhelmingly calling for an alternative pathway forward on interchange fees.  The ABA has made the following calls in a submission to the RBA’s current consultation on the Review of Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging:  ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
New payments system rules welcomed by banks
4 September 2025

Australia’s banks welcome the passing through the Senate of new legislation to ensure payments laws are up-to-date and reflect today’s digital economy. The new laws will bring digital wallets, cash distribution services, buy now, pay later schemes and other emerging payment methods within regulatory oversight, significantly enhancing protections for customers. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
Banks welcome passage of Payments System Modernisation Bill through the House
3 September 2025

The ABA welcomes the passage through the House of critical legislation to ensure Australia’s payments regulatory framework is brought up-to-date and urges the Senate to quickly pass this overdue legislation too. The proposed legislation will bring digital wallets, cash distribution services, buy now, pay later schemes and other emerging payment methods within regulatory oversight, significantly… Read more »

Read more