News

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 »

Today’s decision by the Council of Attorneys General in Adelaide to set baseline minimum standards for Powers of Attorney and create a mandatory national online register is a big leap forward to combating elder financial abuse. The coalition to fight elder financial abuse, backed by Bauer Media, includes the Australian Banking Association, the Seniors Rights… Read more »

Australia’s banks along with older persons advocacy groups are calling on state and federal governments to agree to establish a national online register of Powers of Attorney at tomorrow’s Council of Attorneys General meeting in Adelaide. The renewed call comes as banks release a new guide designed to help older people avoid abuse, scams and… Read more »

We know that people over the age of 50 are at risk of financial abuse, scams and fraud. This is often called elder financial abuse. Elder financial abuse can take many forms and happen to anyone. It is a mistake to think it couldn’t happen to you or those you love. Even though it’s hard… Read more »

Today’s authorisation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) of changes to the Banking Code of Practice, as recommended by Commissioner Hayne in his final report, is an important step in further strengthening protections for customers. Changes recommended, and now authorised by the ACCC, include:   Banning charging default interest on distressed agricultural loans  Providing inclusive and accessible banking services to… Read more »

New guidelines to be applied by Australia’s banks to debt collection agencies have been released today, providing a major step up in safeguards to ensure vulnerable customers are protected. The new guidelines outline the process banks must follow before they sell any debt and also what happens once that debt is sold. This includes: Proactively… Read more »

Australians facing financial difficulties as a result of fires raging across New South Wales and Queensland are being encouraged to contact their bank for assistance when they are able to do so. CEO of the Australian Banking Association Anna Bligh said that banks have hardship teams ready to assist customers affected by the fires.  … Read more »

On 17 October the ABA and a coalition of eight advocacy organisations held the Parliamentary Launch of the #StopElderFinancialAbuse campaign. The ongoing campaign has been run together with our partners Bauer Media, publisher of well known magazines such as the Australian Women’s Weekly.