14 July 2016
Sydney, 14 July 2016: The Australian Bankers’ Association has today welcomed the release of Mr Ian McPhee’s first quarterly report on how the industry is progressing with new initiatives to protect customer interests.
“Since the initiatives were announced in April, banks have been working hard to ensure the reform process started off on the right foot,” ABA Chief Executive Steven Münchenberg said.
“Mr McPhee’s role has been to independently assess the progress we have made and to advise on appropriate timeframes to implement reforms.
“We are pleased that Mr McPhee has noted the genuine commitment by the industry to address issues, and our recognition that strong industry leadership is needed for us to meet our objectives,” he said.
The report highlights key milestones which have been met, including the start of independent reviews into the Code of Banking Practice and into commissions and payments in retail banking.
Former Executive General Manager of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, Mr Phil Khoury, is reviewing the Code of Banking Practice, which sets standards of good conduct for banks.
Former Australian Public Service Commissioner, Mr Stephen Sedgwick AO, is reviewing product sales commissions and product based payments that could lead to poor customer outcomes.
The report also provides an overview of targeted implementation dates to enhance whistleblower protections, establish customer advocates in banks to help with resolving complaints, and create an industry register of employees with records of poor conduct.
Mr Münchenberg said the ABA welcomed Mr McPhee’s remarks about the significance of the initiatives as it recognised the industry’s efforts to bring about meaningful change.
“Banks will work hard to accelerate the implementation of the initiatives, while at the same time ensure it is done in the right way with appropriate consultation with regulators and other stakeholders.
“We expect the industry and individual banks will deliver on many of the initiatives ahead of schedule. For example, one bank has already announced its new customer advocate,” he said.
ENDS
Contact: Stephanie Arena 0477 470 677 or Nic Frankham 0435 963 913
Latest news
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 »
The ABA welcomes government consultations on proposals to enhance consumer protections and reform the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) to ensure it is financially viable into the future. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said the current model was not operating as originally intended and banks supported steps to reduce investment losses and redesign CSLR to… Read more »