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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The ABA welcomes the Federal Government’s move to have ASIC and APRA further clarify lending rules in relation to the treatment of HELP debts. ABA CEO Anna Bligh said this was a constructive step and the potential to unlock more credit for prospective homebuyers could assist them in realising the dream of home ownership. “Our… Read more »
Australian banks continue to back customers in the bush, committing to keeping more branches open and securing the availability of services at Bank@Post. Despite branch interactions falling by 50 per cent in recent years as customers switch to digital channels, Australian banks still maintain a higher branch density than the OECD average. This commitment today… Read more »
The Australian Banking Association (ABA) is urging customers in North Queensland affected by the floods to get in touch with their bank if they are in need of financial relief. ABA CEO Anna Bligh said banks are on standby to assist households and businesses who have been impacted by these severe floods. “My message to… Read more »
Cassandra Hough (Host): Now staying with the drought, and off the back of all this drought concerns and frost events, there are a lot of producers facing financial distress, and as we heard on the program yesterday, they’ve been asking for banks to be flexible and provide some tailored support for farmers going forward. But what… Read more »
Banks stand ready to support Far West NSW communities hit by recent storms and ongoing power outages. ABA CEO Anna Bligh acknowledged that many households and businesses in the Far West were still feeling the effect of this severe weather event. “My message to customers in these communities, is please reach out to your bank… Read more »
Journalist: The question I have is, are these regulations actually necessary, because my understanding is that a lot of banks already disclose this information? Anna Bligh: These changes will mean more consistency for customers. Many banks are already doing a number of these things to make it easier for customers to get information. If these… 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 »
Jenny Marchant Your biggest cost is probably your rent or your mortgage, and they’re probably also the bills you’ll move heaven and earth to pay if you have to, because we all need somewhere to live. But the number of mortgage holders struggling with payments is increasing. If you find yourself in that position in… Read more »
Tom Connell Those people with a home loan who have had a fixed rate are getting a shock as they come off that fixed rate. Often as low as two percent and onto the new variable rate that can be as high as six or even seven percent. So how is that affecting people out… Read more »
Australians facing difficult financial decisions are being reminded to get in touch with their bank and get the support they need to keep repayments on track. The Australian Banking Association (ABA) is extending its ‘don’t tough it out on your own’ campaign which was launched last year, with a further round of advertisements to run… Read more »
Banks have dedicated hardship teams on standby to help those impacted by Tropical Cyclone Kirrily and the Australian Banking Association has urged those in need of financial assistance to reach out. “With the second major cyclone in as many months followed by torrential rain, people in Queensland have been dealt yet another serious blow. I… Read more »
“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.”
“these factsheets are just one tool in Australian banks’ toolkit of offerings to help customers to get back on track”
Anna Bligh spoke to ABC Radio North Coast on how banks can help those impacted by floods in the Lismore region.
options to defer loan repayments for up to 3 months for those customers affected by the flood disasters
“it’s heartening to see the need for assistance declining as many States and Territories come out of lockdown”
More than 57,000 customers have received hardship assistance during recent lockdowns across Australia.
these options do give people you know, a breather, that’s what they’re designed to do, just take the load off for three months, while you get through everything else that you need to get through.”
“customers can rest assured that their bank will have their back”
Banks across Australia are ready and willing to assist customers affected by the COVID-19 lockdowns.