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.
Today’s announcement by the Federal Government of a second stimulus package, which includes an SME Guarantee Scheme and direct cash grants, will help keep businesses open and save jobs, building on the measures already announced by banks on Friday. The SME Guarantee Scheme which allows for further funds to be injected into small business will… Read more »
Australian banks will defer loan repayments for small businesses affected by COVID-19 for six months.
Bank response to coronavirus stimulus package: “Australia’s banks are strong, stable and open for business, including for any company wanting to take advantage of initiatives in the Government’s stimulus package.”
Any business financially impacted by the effects of COVID-19 should contact their bank
March 1 marked the official implementation date of a new Banking Code of Practice, when the changes recommended by Commissioner Hayne in his Final Report come into effect.
Changes to the Banking Code of Practice as recommended by the Royal Commission will go live tomorrow.
““These changes to the Code are in addition to a number of actions already taken by banks as a direct result of the Royal Commission”, ABA CEO Anna Bligh.
The Australian Banking Association has today partnered with Illawarra Business Chamber to brief the local business community and stakeholders on the new Banking Code of Practice, the new Financing Your Small Business website and to hear firsthand from small businesses affected by the recent bushfires.
Help on offer for small businesses financially affected by coronavirus Australian small businesses financially impacted by the spread of the coronavirus are being urged to contact their bank to access assistance on offer which can include deferred loan payments, waiving fees and restructuring loans. Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh said any small business should not tough it out on their own… Read more »
“The BCCC plays a strategic function in monitoring the effectiveness of the new Banking Code of Practice and shaping good industry practice”
In force since July 1 last year, the new ASIC-approved Banking Code of Practice contains a big step up in protections for customers.
“The industry knows there is still much work to be done to earn back the trust of the Australian people and will continue to remain focussed on this task”
Australian banks have hardship teams ready to assist farmers, homeowners, small business owners and volunteers with financial arrangements, depending on circumstances.
Australians affected by the catastrophic bushfires across parts of Australia are encouraged to contact their bank to access a wide range of assistance available.
Senior bank representatives have today heard firsthand of worsening drought conditions from farmers affected at a roundtable convened by AgForce Queensland. The roundtable, held at the request of AgForce just outside Toowoomba in Nobby, brought together senior banking representatives responsible for agricultural lending as well as local farmers and community groups. CEO of the Australian… Read more »
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has given the final approval for a new version of the Banking Code of Practice 2019 that implements recommendations of the Royal Commission. The approval comes after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) gave authorisation in November this year for the Royal Commission changes to the Code… Read more »
Today’s release of ASIC’s updated RG 209 Credit Licensing: Responsible lending obligations is an important milestone in clarifying responsible lending obligations for banks. CEO of the Australian Banking Association Anna Bligh said that the updated RG 209 would provide clarity to banks on ASIC’s views on what responsible lending obligations require before offering credit to… Read more »
The ACCC has authorised changes to the Banking Code of Practice, in line with recommendations of the Royal Commission, and initiatives of the ABA.
The ABA is seeking community views on the use of credit cards for gambling. The consultation will assess community views about financial institutions allowing credit cards to be used for gambling and the role of banks in addressing these problems.
Today the Australian Banking Association has released a consultation paper on the use of credit cards for gambling. Banks have introduced a range of initiatives to help customers better manage their financial arrangements and mitigate harms related to problem gambling – technology solutions such as tools to help customers track their spending, customer directed blocks,… Read more »
Today the Australian Banking Association Council has appointed Matt Comyn, CEO of CBA, as Chair and Marnie Baker, Managing Director of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, as Deputy Chair at its Annual General Meeting. The Council thanked the outgoing Chair, Shayne Elliott, and Deputy Chair, David Carter for their leadership of the industry during their tenure…. Read more »