| Australia’s Rental Surge Forces Shift to Share Housing Tue, 09 Dec: Australia's rental market has experienced a dramatic surge over the past five years, leading to significant changes in the housing arrangements of many Australians. According to Cotality, rental prices across the nation have escalated by an astonishing 43.8% since 2021. This hike means that the average Australian household renting a median-priced home now incurs an additional $10,600 annually compared to five years ago. - read more
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| Common Retirement Planning Pitfalls for Australians Tue, 09 Dec: Many Australians approaching retirement are inadvertently making significant planning errors that could cost them valuable time and financial resources, according to a finance expert. These oversights, while not directly tied to regulatory issues with the Australian Taxation Office or superannuation law violations, can lead to depleted retirement savings, forcing individuals to work longer or miss out on beneficial financial opportunities. - read more
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| Economic Downturns and Tech Challenges Top Concerns for Australian Executives Tue, 09 Dec: Australian business leaders are increasingly worried about the potential for an economic downturn, which they have identified as the most significant threat facing the country in the next couple of years. This insight comes from a wide-reaching survey conducted by the World Economic Forum, highlighting key concerns in the business sector. - read more
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| Call for Enhanced Support for Indigenous Insurance Customers Tue, 09 Dec: The Life Code Compliance Committee has identified significant gaps in support for Indigenous customers within the insurance sector, following an audit of three major insurers representing two-thirds of the market. The analysis reveals that these insurers lack adequate procedures for safe self-identification, a critical step towards ensuring cultural inclusivity and accessibility. - read more
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| Australian Insurtech Startups: Pioneering the Future of Insurance Tue, 09 Dec: The Australian insurtech sector is experiencing significant growth, with startups introducing innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, security, and customer engagement within the insurance industry. A recent report titled 'Insurtech Down Under: Trends, Tech and Triumphs' highlights the pivotal role these companies play in reshaping the market. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Address Surge in Mental Health Claims Tue, 09 Dec: The Australian insurance industry is facing unprecedented challenges due to a significant rise in mental health-related claims. The Council of Australian Life Insurers reports that mental health has become the leading cause of total and permanent disability claims, accounting for nearly one in three payouts. - read more
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| Calls for Overhaul in Australian Insurance Claims Handling Processes Tue, 09 Dec: Australian consumer advocacy groups are intensifying their calls for substantial reforms in the insurance industry's claims handling processes. The Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby (ACIL) has criticised the current system, highlighting ongoing issues that compromise consumer outcomes. - read more
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| ANZ's Nuno Matos Takes Helm at Australian Banking Association Mon, 08 Dec: 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. This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the ABA, an organisation that plays a central role in shaping industry policies, consumer protections, and regulatory frameworks across the nation's banking landscape. - read more
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| LMG's Asset Finance Exchange Hits $80 Million Milestone Mon, 08 Dec: 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. - read more
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| Valiant Finance Sees 20% Growth in Commercial Finance Settlements Mon, 08 Dec: 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. This growth is predominantly driven by heightened activity in the healthcare, agriculture, and construction sectors, reflecting improved lender confidence and a resurgence in business investment across the nation. - read more
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| MotorCycle Holdings Reports Record-Breaking $650 Million Revenue in FY2025 Mon, 08 Dec: MotorCycle Holdings Limited (ASX: MTO), Australia's largest motorcycle retailer, has announced a record-breaking revenue of $650 million for the financial year 2025, representing an 11.6% increase from the previous year. This remarkable growth underscores the company's strategic initiatives and resilience in a challenging market. - read more
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| NSW Government Implements Comprehensive Motorcycle Safety Reforms Mon, 08 Dec: The Minns Labor Government has unveiled the most significant motorcycle safety reforms in nearly two decades, introducing targeted measures to protect novice riders and enhance overall road safety in New South Wales. - read more
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| 2025 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix Drives Economic Growth in Phillip Island Mon, 08 Dec: The 2025 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, held from 17–19 October at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, attracted approximately 91,245 visitors, marking the highest attendance since 2012. This surge in spectators provided a substantial economic boost to the Phillip Island region, benefiting local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets. - read more
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| Understanding APRA's New Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans Mon, 08 Dec: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at curbing high-risk lending practices within the housing market. Effective from 1 February 2026, APRA will implement a cap limiting banks to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans with debt-to-income (DTI) ratios of six times or higher. This measure applies to both owner-occupier and investor loans, excluding new housing developments. - read more
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| The Rise of Non-Bank Lending Among Australian SMEs Mon, 08 Dec: Recent trends indicate a significant shift in the financing preferences of Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A growing number of these businesses are turning to non-bank lenders to meet their funding needs, driven by the desire for more flexible and accessible financing solutions. - read more
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| The Growing Preference for Buy Now Pay Later Services in Australia Mon, 08 Dec: In recent years, Australia has witnessed a significant transformation in consumer financing preferences, with Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services emerging as a favoured alternative to traditional credit options such as credit cards and personal loans. - read more
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| WFI Insurance Rewards Sustainable Farming with Premium Discounts Mon, 08 Dec: In a significant move towards promoting sustainable agriculture, WFI Insurance has announced a new initiative offering premium discounts to farmers who obtain AgCarE certification. This program, developed by AgForce, aims to recognise and reward farmers implementing eco-friendly practices on their properties. - read more
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| IAG and Ag Guard Forge Partnership to Elevate Crop Insurance for Australian Farmers Mon, 08 Dec: In a significant development for Australia's agricultural sector, Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has announced a strategic partnership with Ag Guard, a specialist rural underwriting agency. This collaboration will see Ag Guard managing the underwriting for IAG-owned CGU and WFI's crop insurance portfolios starting June next year. - read more
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| AFCA Mandates Higher Payout for Farmers in Flood Damage Dispute Mon, 08 Dec: The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled in favour of a farming group, mandating that insurer Achmea increase its payout for flood damage claims. This decision underscores the critical importance of thorough and expert assessments in the insurance claims process. - read more
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| RBA Holds Cash Rate Steady Amid Inflationary Pressures Mon, 08 Dec: The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is anticipated to maintain its cash rate at 3.60% during the upcoming December 9 meeting, with projections indicating this rate will persist through 2026. This outlook marks a shift from earlier expectations of potential rate cuts in 2026, influenced by higher-than-expected inflation and a robust economic environment. - read more
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| APRA Implements New Cap on High DTI Home Loans Mon, 08 Dec: In response to escalating property prices and accelerated credit growth, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a new regulatory measure to cap high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans. Effective February 2026, banks and authorized institutions will be restricted to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans with DTI ratios of six times or higher. - read more
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| ASIC Highlights Concerns in Rapidly Growing Private Lending Sector Mon, 08 Dec: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has conducted a comprehensive review of the private lending sector, revealing significant inconsistencies and deficiencies. This scrutiny comes in response to the sector's rapid growth, with private credit extending approximately $200 billion in loans, primarily to higher-risk real estate players and property developers. - read more
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| APRA Implements Cap on High DTI Home Loans to Address Housing Market Concerns Mon, 08 Dec: 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 portfolios. This measure is designed to address concerns over escalating property prices and the potential for financial instability. - read more
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| Commonwealth Bank Raises Alarm Over Surging Home Loan Demand Mon, 08 Dec: The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest lender, has voiced concerns over the current surge in home loan demand, suggesting it may be contributing to escalating property prices and potential financial instability. CEO Matt Comyn emphasized that while the bank benefits from increased housing credit, a more moderate growth rate would better support long-term financial stability and housing market accessibility. - read more
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| Major Australian Banks Reduce Dependence on Mortgage Brokers Mon, 08 Dec: Australia's 'Big Four' banks—Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), National Australia Bank (NAB), Westpac, and ANZ—are strategically reducing their reliance on mortgage brokers in response to squeezed profit margins resulting from lower interest rates, rising operational costs, and intense market competition. Currently, mortgage brokers account for approximately 80% of new home loans in Australia, a significant increase from 50% six years ago. However, banks are now focusing on more profitable, in-house mortgage origination channels. - read more
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