- ANZ's Nuno Matos Takes Helm at Australian Banking Association
In a significant leadership transition within Australia's banking sector, Nuno Matos, Chief Executive Officer of ANZ Group, has been appointed as the new chair of the Australian Banking Association (ABA) council.
- LMG's Asset Finance Exchange Hits $80 Million Milestone
Loan Market Group's Asset Finance Exchange (AFX) has reported a remarkable achievement, settling approximately $80 million in its inaugural year. This milestone underscores the burgeoning growth of Australia's asset finance sector and highlights the platform's effectiveness in connecting brokers with asset finance specialists.
- Valiant Finance Sees 20% Growth in Commercial Finance Settlements
Valiant Finance has reported a significant 20% increase in commercial finance settlements during the second quarter of 2025, highlighting a robust expansion in Australia's small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) lending landscape.
- Australian Home Prices Set to Climb: What Buyers and Investors Should Expect
Recent analyses indicate that Australian home prices are expected to rise by approximately 6.9% in 2026, an upward revision from earlier projections of 5.6%. This forecast is based on a Reuters poll of 15 property analysts conducted between November 13 and 26, 2025.
- RBA's Decision to Hold Cash Rate: Implications for Borrowers and Investors
In its November 2025 meeting, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) decided to keep the official cash rate unchanged at 3.60%. This decision reflects the central bank's cautious approach in balancing inflation control with economic stability.
- APRA's New Cap on High DTI Home Loans: What Borrowers Need to Know
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will implement a cap restricting banks from issuing more than 20% of new home loans to borrowers with debt-to-income (DTI) ratios of six times or higher.
- Commonwealth Bank Highlights Risks of Surging Home Loan Demand
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest lender, has expressed concerns over the current surge in home loan demand, suggesting it may be contributing to escalating property prices and posing risks to long-term financial stability.
- Australian Consumer Confidence Rebounds to Optimism After Nearly Four Years
In a notable shift, Australian consumer sentiment has turned optimistic in November 2025, marking the first positive outlook since early 2022. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute survey revealed a 12.8% surge in the consumer sentiment index, reaching 103.8.
- Cyclone Fina Brings Severe Weather to Northern Territory's Top End
In November 2025, Tropical Cyclone Fina developed in the Arafura Sea, intensifying as it approached Australia's Northern Territory. The cyclone brought destructive winds and heavy rainfall to the Tiwi Islands and the Greater Darwin region, leading to widespread disruptions.
- Regulators Eye Non-Bank Lenders as Market Share Expands
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) have intensified their oversight of non-bank lenders, responding to the sector's significant growth and its potential impact on financial stability.
- Macquarie Bank Halts Trust and Company Lending in Residential Property
Macquarie Bank has announced a pause on trust and company lending within the residential property sector, a decision welcomed by the Property Investors Council of Australia (PICA). This move aims to mitigate the risk of residential properties becoming speculative assets and to encourage responsible investment practices.
- Westpac's Annual Profit Declines Amidst Mortgage Market Competition
Westpac Banking Corporation has reported a slight decrease in its annual profit, recording A$6.99 billion for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, down from A$7.11 billion the previous year. Despite this decline, the result surpassed analysts' expectations of A$6.83 billion.
- RBA's October 2025 Review Affirms Australia's Economic Resilience
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released its October 2025 Financial Stability Review, providing a comprehensive assessment of the nation's financial system. The report highlights that Australia's financial infrastructure remains robust, even as global economic uncertainties persist.
- RBA Reports Easing Financial Conditions Post-2025 Rate Cuts
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has observed early signs of loosening financial conditions following three interest rate cuts in 2025, which have brought the cash rate down to 3.6%. According to RBA Assistant Governor Christopher Kent, these adjustments have led to improved credit availability for both households and businesses.
- Australian Business Lending Experiences Significant Growth in June 2025
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released data indicating a substantial 9.2% year-on-year increase in business lending as of June 2025. This growth suggests a renewed appetite for corporate borrowing, reflecting confidence in the economic outlook.
- Unemployment Climbs to 4.5% in September 2025
In September 2025, Australia's unemployment rate rose to 4.5%, marking the highest level since November 2021. This increase has sparked discussions about potential interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).
- RBA Reports Easing Financial Conditions After Rate Reductions
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has observed initial signs of loosening financial conditions following three interest rate cuts in 2025, which have brought the cash rate down to 3.6%. Assistant Governor Christopher Kent highlighted that credit availability for both households and businesses has improved as a result.
- CBA Confirms CEO Matt Comyn's Leadership Through 2028
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has announced that CEO Matt Comyn will continue to lead the nation's largest lender until at least 2028. This extension ensures leadership stability as the bank navigates ongoing economic shifts.
- ANZ Bank Ceases Share Buyback to Fund Strategic Overhaul
ANZ Group has announced the cessation of its remaining A$800 million share buyback program, opting to conserve capital for a comprehensive strategic overhaul. This decision aligns with the bank's commitment to strengthening its market position and addressing recent regulatory challenges.
- RBNZ Announces Formation of Financial Policy Committee
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has unveiled plans to establish a new Financial Policy Committee (FPC) by early 2026. This initiative is designed to enhance the central bank's authority in setting prudential regulations for banks and making informed decisions regarding mortgage lending ratios.
- Australian Consumer Sentiment Falls Amid Inflation Concerns
In October 2025, Australian consumer sentiment experienced a 3.5% decline, marking the second consecutive month of reduced optimism. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute survey reported a sentiment index drop to 92.1, following a 3.1% fall in September. This trend indicates a predominance of pessimism over optimism among consumers.
- Westpac's Strategic Expansion in Business Lending
Westpac Banking Corporation is embarking on a significant expansion of its business banking division, aiming to hire 350 new bankers over the next two years. This initiative is part of Westpac's strategy to reclaim its leadership position in Australia's business lending sector.
- CBA Achieves Record Profit Through Robust Lending Growth
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has announced a record full-year cash profit of A$10.25 billion for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. This achievement surpasses analyst expectations and marks an increase from the previous year's profit of A$9.84 billion.
- NAB's Third-Quarter Earnings Reflect Steady Growth
National Australia Bank (NAB) has reported a marginal increase in third-quarter cash earnings, reaching A$1.77 billion, up from A$1.75 billion in the same period last year. This growth is supported by improved net interest margins and increased lending volumes.
- Australia's M&A Landscape: Navigating Regulatory Challenges and Valuation Mismatches
In 2025, Australia's mergers and acquisitions (M&A) landscape experienced a significant downturn, with nearly $40 billion worth of major deals collapsing—the highest in 15 years. This decline is primarily attributed to increasing regulatory challenges and valuation mismatches between parties.
- Australia's Green Bank Achieves Record Investments in Clean Energy and Grid Infrastructure
Australia's Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), the nation's green bank, has reported a record A$3.5 billion (US$2.29 billion) investment in clean energy and grid infrastructure during the 2024-25 financial year.
- National Australia Bank Announces Inder Singh as New Chief Financial Officer
National Australia Bank (NAB) has announced the appointment of Inder Singh as its new Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective March 2026.
- RBA Governor Highlights Australia's Economic Strength Amid Global Challenges
Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Michele Bullock has affirmed that Australia's economy remains in a strong position, supported by slowing inflation and a resilient labor market. Speaking to lawmakers, Bullock noted that recent interest rate cuts are expected to bolster household and business spending, although global uncertainties persist.
- Australia's Inflation Climbs to 3.0% in August, Impacting Rate Cut Prospects
In August 2025, Australia's annual inflation rate increased to 3.0%, up from 2.8% in July, marking the highest level in a year. This rise, reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, was slightly above the anticipated 2.9% and was primarily driven by escalating prices in the services sector.
- ANZ Bank to Pay Record A$240 Million Fine for Regulatory Violations
ANZ Group, Australia's fourth-largest bank, has agreed to pay a record-breaking A$240 million fine following investigations by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) into major misconduct. This penalty underscores the critical importance of compliance and transparency within the financial sector.
- Afterpay Users Advised to Close Accounts to Secure Mortgages
In a recent revelation, Australia's leading buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) provider, Afterpay, disclosed that over 10% of its surveyed users were advised to close their BNPL accounts to qualify for a mortgage.
- DBS Bank Targets A$20 Billion in Australian Lending by 2030
DBS Group, Singapore's leading bank, has announced ambitious plans to double its Australian lending book from A$11 billion to A$20 billion within the next five years. This strategic move aims to capitalize on strengthening trade ties between Australia and Southeast Asian nations, including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
- ANZ Bank Faces Record A$240 Million Fine for Regulatory Breaches
In a significant development within the Australian banking sector, ANZ Bank has agreed to pay a record-breaking A$240 million fine following a series of serious regulatory breaches. This penalty, imposed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), underscores the importance of compliance and transparency in financial operations.
