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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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 »
Good afternoon and thank you to the Trans-Tasman Business Circle for the invitation to speak today. I want to welcome you all here today for this event and the critically important subject I will be talking about, the emerging contribution gap between Australia’s domestically domiciled company and the rise of big tech. It is a timely moment to take stock. In… Read more »
Speakers: Australian Retail Council (ARC) Chief Executive Officer Chris RodwellBusiness Council of Australia (BCA) Chief Executive Bran BlackCouncil of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) Director Wes LambertNational Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Chief Executive Officer Mike GuerinAustralian Banking Association (ABA) Chief Executive Officer Simon Birmingham E&OE Bran Black, BCA: Well, I’m here with colleagues from farming, from small business,… 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 »
Jim Chalmers: Thanks for joining us. I’m here with the Small Business Minister, Anne Aly, Bran Black, the head of the BCA, Skye Cappuccio from COSBOA, Simon Birmingham, from the ABA as well. We’ve got a bit to run through today to give you a sense of the work that we are doing together. But… Read more »
E&OETV InterviewSky News Afternoon Agenda1 April 2026. Topics: hardship support from banks; RBA decision on surcharging and interchange. Laura Jayes: I want to bring it back to the situation we find ourselves in economically now. A lot of you are hurting. Petrol prices are pushing up really the cost of everything. Joining me now is… 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 »
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 »
E&OERadio InterviewABC Melbourne5 February 2026. Topics: Interest rates; Customers ahead on mortgage repayments Ali Moore (Host): I want to look next, though, at the interest rate increase. The argument is that, yes, it’s a blunt instrument, but it is the only instrument the Reserve Bank has. And right now, they say that inflation that prices… 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 »
The ABA acknowledges the release of the 2025-26 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook. The Government’s forecasted $8.4 billion reduction in the deficit over the forward estimates including a $5.4 billion reduction for year’s deficit is welcome. Lower deficits and claimed savings of $20 billion over the next four years is a beginning towards ensuring our national finances are on a more sustainable footing. While this Budget update contains lower forecasts of spending as a share of GDP, the ABA notes the importance of ongoing spending restraint to help reduce inflationary and interest rate pressures. Banks… Read more »
Banks are on standby to support customers across the Mid-North Coast and Hunter regions impacted by the current severe weather and flooding. ABA CEO Anna Bligh said with torrential rain and flooding taking place, banks were activating financial assistance and relief to support their customers. “Banks recognise that this is a very challenging weather event… Read more »
The ABA is reminding customers across North and Far North Queensland that they don’t have to tough it out on their own, as they continue to recover from February’s severe flooding event. ABA CEO Anna Bligh recently met with Queensland’s State Recovery Coordinator Andrew Cripps to discuss how banks can assist customers facing financial difficulty… Read more »
The Chief Executive of the Australian Banking Association (ABA) and former Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh AC, will retire in mid-2025 once a replacement is appointed. ABA Chair and National Australia Bank CEO Andrew Irvine today announced that Ms Bligh had advised him that she had decided to retire after more than eight years in the… Read more »
Gary Hardgrave (Host): To the story, Christine Rose and her husband, David, they fell victim to a vicious, really vicious scam. It’s robbed them of $40,000 the money was the house deposit for their first property purchased together. It’s all gone because a cyber-criminal impersonated their solicitor. Christine Rose (clip from previous interview): It’s affected… Read more »
Oliver Peterson (Host): Extra protections from the banks to shield you from scams are going to be front and centre of a new campaign, which has been launched today by the Australian Banking Association. Joining me on the line is its CEO, Anna Bligh, good afternoon. Anna Bligh (Guest): Good afternoon. How are you? Oliver… Read more »
Andy Park Many homeowners and indeed renters would have breathed a sigh of relief yesterday when the RBA decided to keep the cash rate on hold but with the RBA Governor saying it’s too soon to declare victory, the question is not if but when there will be another interest rate hike. Perhaps certainly before… Read more »
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.
Banks have reaffirmed their commitment to Australia’s agriculture sector as it faces into an increasingly unpredictable economic landscape.