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.
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Banks will contribute $19 million over three years to the Government’s voluntary financial counselling model announced today by Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth. “Banks large and small are proud to be funding the lions share of this initiative.” said ABA CEO Anna Bligh. This funding will help increase the availability of free, independent counselling… Read more »
Ross Greenwood: Well, one industry that does have an effective ombudsman scheme is banking, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, but as rates rise and pressure on households and businesses, managing customers and their debts is again back on the bank’s radar. Today, the Australian Banking Association launched a campaign called ‘Don’t tough it out on… Read more »
Today the Australian Banking Association has launched a campaign encouraging Australians struggling with loan repayments to contact their bank, titled ‘Don’t tough it out on your own.’ “Banks know many of their customers are making difficult financial decisions right now as the country navigates challenging economic conditions,” said ABA CEO Anna Bligh. “Banks stood by… 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.
The ABA supports the Federal Government’s resolute action to regulate crypto exchanges, saying it is a “very welcome step in the fight against scams”.
Mel Rush: What does it mean if you’ve got uncashed cheques in your wallet? Will they continue to be honored over time? Anna Bligh is CEO of the Australian Banking Association. Anna Bligh good morning. Anna Bligh: Good morning. How are you? Mel Rush: Very well, thanks, Anna. Look, this latest news is a little… Read more »
Hamish MacDonald: A Senate inquiry is examining a wave of bank closures that have hit regional Australia particularly hard. More than 1600 bank branches have closed nationally in the past six years, including 309 in the last financial year. Like post offices and milk bars, bank branches form part of the architecture of regional communities… Read more »
New laws banning the use of credit cards for online gambling are one step closer with the introduction of the Federal Government’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001 Bill to Parliament. The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has welcomed this milestone saying the new laws will make it illegal for an online gambling company to accept a credit… Read more »
The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has welcomed the introduction of new legislation to boost the security of identity verification services.
In a major step to strengthen customer protections and maintain trust in the banking sector, the Australian Banking Assocation (ABA) has submitted a proposed new Banking Code to ASIC for industry consultation.
Research released by the ABA today shows total credit outstanding to SMEs at the end of last financial year had reached $588 billion – a 28% increase from the year prior.
Australians are under attack from scams, part of a worsening global scams scourge, and all sectors need to ramp up the fight against these criminals, including government, law enforcement, banks, telcos, social media and crypto platforms and individuals.
The ABA welcomes the appointment of Michele Bullock as the new Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor.
The ABA acknowledges RBA Governor Phillip Lowe’s strong leadership of the central bank during one of Australia’s most turbulent periods, the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has welcomed the launch of the Federal Government’s National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC), a key government and regulator initiative to help fight the scams scourge.
It’s World Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Day today, which highlights the importance of the Australian small business sector as the engine of the country’s economy.
“…we anticipate seeing branches as a part of Australia’s banking system for a very long time. It’s not about closing all branches, but we do expect from time to time, there will be some branches closing as more and more Australians choose to bank differently.”
The ABA has developed a new Branch Closure Support Protocol to improve transparency, ensure better communication, and provide improved customer support when banks close branches.
With one in six older Australians experiencing some form of abuse, today’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an important reminder to look out for the warning signs.
“There’s no doubt there’s a lot of stress and that’s one of the reasons people are talking to those hardship teams in banks. And I encourage people to do that.”