- Australian Borrowers Turn to Refinancing Amidst Rising Mortgage Arrears
Recent data indicates a notable increase in mortgage refinancing across Australia, driven by borrowers seeking improved loan terms in response to escalating arrears, particularly among substantial loans. This trend underscores the financial pressures many Australians are currently facing.
- Australia's Private Debt Market Hits $224 Billion Milestone
Australia's private debt market has experienced significant growth, with assets under management reaching A$224 billion—a 9% increase from the previous year. This milestone reflects a consistent shift in capital deployment within the Australian lending market, signaling a new chapter of innovation and flexibility.
- ASIC's Comprehensive Review Targets Debt Management and Credit Repair Firms
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has announced a thorough review of the debt management and credit repair sector, aiming to assess compliance with legal requirements and enhance consumer protection, particularly for individuals facing financial difficulties.
- APRA's New Cap on High Debt-to-Income 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 impose a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting such loans to 20% of new home lending.
- ASIC's Review of Debt Management Firms: Ensuring Consumer Protection
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has announced a comprehensive review of the debt management and credit repair sector, citing concerns about consumer protection, particularly for those facing financial difficulties.
- Australia's AAA Credit Rating: A Testament to Economic Resilience
Australia has successfully retained its AAA credit rating, as affirmed by global ratings agency Fitch. This decision underscores the nation's strong institutions, effective policy framework, sound medium-term growth prospects, and high income per capita, even amid prevailing global economic uncertainties.
- APRA Implements Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans
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 impose a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting such loans to 20% of new home lending.
- Commonwealth Bank Highlights Concerns Over Surging Home Loan Demand
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest lender, has raised concerns about the current high demand for home loans, which is contributing to escalating property prices.
- Black Friday Sales Lead to Surge in Credit Card Debt Among Australians
As Black Friday sales gain popularity in Australia, consumer advocates are raising concerns about the financial strain these events place on individuals and families.
- ANZ's Nuno Matos Takes Helm at Australian Banking Association
In a significant development for 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.
- APRA Implements Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans
In a proactive move to address potential risks in the housing market, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced the implementation of a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, effective from February 2026.
- Australian Home Prices Expected to Climb by 7% in 2026
Recent analyses indicate that Australian home prices are set to rise by approximately 6.9% in 2026, marking a significant upward revision from previous forecasts.
- RBA's October 2025 Review: Navigating Global Financial Risks
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released its October 2025 Financial Stability Review, providing a comprehensive assessment of the nation's financial system amidst a backdrop of global uncertainties. The report underscores that while Australia's financial institutions remain robust, external factors pose significant risks that warrant vigilant monitoring.
- Leadership Turmoil at Santos: CFO Sherry Duhe Steps Down
In a significant development within Australia's energy sector, Santos Limited's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Sherry Duhe, has resigned after a brief tenure of one year.
- October 2025 Employment Surge: Impacts on Interest Rate Expectations
Australia's labor market demonstrated remarkable resilience in October 2025, with a net gain of 42,200 jobs, significantly surpassing expectations. This robust growth led to a decline in the unemployment rate from 4.5% to 4.3%, marking a reversal from the previous four-year high.
- CBA's Q1 2025 Profit: A Delicate Balance Between Growth and Margin Pressures
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest bank by market value, has reported a modest increase in its first-quarter cash profit for 2025. This uptick is primarily attributed to robust growth in home loans and household deposits. The unaudited cash profit stands at approximately A$2.
- Major Banks Rethink Mortgage Strategies Amid Profit Margin Squeeze
Australia's leading banks—Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), Westpac, National Australia Bank (NAB), and ANZ—are actively reducing their dependence on mortgage brokers. This strategic shift aims to bolster profit margins that have been under pressure due to lower interest rates, rising operational costs, and intense market competition.
- Renewed Optimism: Australian Consumer Confidence on the Rise
In November 2025, Australian consumer sentiment has turned optimistic for the first time since early 2022, marking a significant shift in public economic perception. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute survey indicates a 12.8% increase in the consumer sentiment index, reaching 103.8.
- LMG's Asset Finance Exchange Hits $80 Million Milestone in First Year
Loan Market Group's (LMG) Asset Finance Exchange (AFX) has achieved approximately $80 million in settlements within its inaugural year, underscoring the robust growth of Australia's asset finance market. The platform connects mortgage brokers with asset finance specialists, facilitating streamlined access to asset finance solutions.
- NAB's $4.6 Billion Profit Amidst Australia's Housing Crisis
National Australia Bank (NAB) has reported a cash profit of A$7.09 billion (US$4.6 billion) for the year ending September 30, 2025, reflecting a stable financial performance.
- ASIC's Review Uncovers Risks in Self-Managed Super Fund Advice
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has conducted a review of 100 financial advice cases related to self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs), uncovering that 27% of these cases could cause serious harm to clients' retirement savings.
- ATO's Intensified Debt Recovery Efforts Prompt Surge in Financial Helpline Calls
Recent data indicates a notable increase in calls to financial helplines across Australia, coinciding with the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO) intensified debt recovery initiatives. This trend underscores the growing financial strain on individuals and small businesses grappling with tax debts.
- How Financial Brokers Are Easing Debt Stress for Australian Businesses
Australian businesses are increasingly turning to financial brokers to navigate the complexities of debt management amid rising insolvency rates. In November 2024, business insolvencies surged to 70% above the historical average, highlighting the urgent need for effective debt strategies.
- Australians Embrace Debt Consolidation Loans Amid Rising Financial Pressures
Amid escalating financial pressures, Australians are increasingly turning to debt consolidation loans as a strategy to manage multiple debts more effectively. Recent research indicates a 170% surge in such loan applications over the past year, with the average loan amount reaching $33,000 and some as high as $68,000.
- Financial Secrecy in Australian Relationships: A Growing Concern
Recent research has unveiled a concerning trend among Australian couples: a significant portion are engaging in financial activities without their partners' knowledge.
- Australia's Savings Crisis: Millions at Financial Risk
A recent survey has brought to light a concerning financial reality for many Australians: 43% of the population, equivalent to approximately 9.2 million people, have less than $1,000 in their bank accounts.
- Australians Embrace Financial Planning: 2025 Goals Revealed
As 2025 approaches, a significant majority of Australians are proactively setting financial goals to enhance their economic well-being. A recent survey conducted by Finder, involving 1,062 respondents, revealed that 75% of Australians—equivalent to approximately 15.6 million people—have established financial objectives for the coming year.
- ANZ Faces Record $160 Million Fine for Regulatory Misconduct
In a significant development within the Australian banking sector, ANZ Banking Group has agreed to pay a record A$240 million (US$159.5 million) fine for a series of serious regulatory breaches.
- Coalition's Proposal to Ease Home Lending Rules Sparks Debate
The Coalition has announced plans to relax home lending rules if it secures victory in the upcoming election. This proposal aims to make it easier for first-time homebuyers to secure mortgages by adjusting the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority's (APRA) current serviceability buffer requirements.
- APRA Lifts Capital Add-On for Westpac Following Risk Management Enhancements
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has recently removed the remaining A$500 million ($324 million) capital add-on imposed on Westpac Banking Corporation. This decision comes after the bank's successful completion of a comprehensive, multi-year risk transformation program aimed at enhancing its risk management frameworks and practices.
- Surge in Business Loan Applications Amid ATO Debt Rule Changes
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Australia are experiencing a significant shift in financial strategy due to impending changes in tax debt regulations by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Effective from July 1, general interest charges (GIC) and shortfall interest charges (SIC) on tax debts will no longer be tax-deductible.
- RBA Advises Caution on Borrowing as Interest Rates Set to Fall
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has issued a cautionary statement to households, advising against excessive borrowing in anticipation of potential interest rate reductions. This warning aims to prevent the emergence of a boom-and-bust cycle that could destabilize the financial system.
- Lendela and Revive Financial Join Forces to Address Australia's Growing Debt Challenges
In response to the escalating debt crisis in Australia, Lendela, a leading loan matching platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Revive Financial, the nation's largest debt relief and management firm. This collaboration aims to empower Australians facing financial distress by offering tailored debt solutions designed to restore financial stability.
