| ANZ Implements Stricter Home Loan Policies for Company Borrowers Sun, 25 Jan: In a significant policy shift, ANZ Bank has tightened its mortgage lending criteria for company borrowers, effective from 8 January 2026. This move reflects a broader trend among major Australian lenders to recalibrate risk appetites and credit standards in response to evolving economic conditions. - read more
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| Non-Bank Lenders Intensify Legal Actions as Major Banks Scale Back Sun, 25 Jan: Recent data reveals a notable increase in court enforcement actions by non-bank lenders, coinciding with a reduction in such activities by major banks. This trend signifies a shift in creditor behavior within Australia's financial sector, with non-bank institutions adopting more assertive measures to recover debts. - read more
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| Westpac NZ Launches Special Debt Consolidation Loan to Alleviate Post-Holiday Financial Strain Sun, 25 Jan: In response to concerns about post-holiday financial stress, Westpac New Zealand has introduced a special debt consolidation personal loan with an interest rate of 11.95% per annum. This initiative aims to assist customers in managing debts accrued during the festive season and to alleviate associated financial pressures. - read more
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| APRA's New Lending Cap: What Homebuyers Need to Know Sun, 25 Jan: 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 on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting banks to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans with 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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| ASIC's Findings on Private Lending Practices Sun, 25 Jan: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently conducted a comprehensive review of the private lending sector, uncovering several areas of concern. The investigation revealed inconsistent and unclear reporting, downplayed risks, opaque fee structures, conflicts of interest, and poor valuation practices within the industry. - read more
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| Significant Reduction in Farm Liability Claims Reflects Enhanced Safety Practices Sun, 25 Jan: Recent data from WFI Insurance indicates a substantial 75% decrease in farm liability claims over the past year, suggesting that Australian farmers are adopting more effective safety measures. This decline is particularly notable in incidents involving falls from height, which have reached their lowest level in four years. - read more
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| Enhanced Access to Home Ownership: Expansion of 5% Deposit Scheme Sun, 25 Jan: The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) has welcomed Housing Australia's recent decision to expand lender access to the Australian Government's 5% Deposit Scheme. This strategic move is set to increase competition among lenders and provide prospective home buyers with greater access and choice in the housing finance market. - read more
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| National AI Plan: A Catalyst for Australia's Finance Industry Sun, 25 Jan: The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) has expressed strong support for the Albanese Government's recently unveiled National AI Plan, viewing it as a significant step toward unlocking the vast economic and productivity benefits that artificial intelligence (AI) can offer to Australia's finance sector. This strategic initiative is poised to position the nation at the forefront of AI integration within financial services, potentially contributing up to $60 billion to the economy. - read more
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| Non-Bank Lenders: A Pillar of Australia's Housing Finance Sun, 25 Jan: The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) has recently published an inaugural report focusing on residential mortgage non-bank lenders (RNBLs), highlighting their integral role in facilitating home ownership across the nation. This comprehensive analysis sheds light on how these lenders are pivotal in providing diverse financing options, especially for segments of the population that may find traditional banking avenues less accessible. - read more
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| Rise of Unsecured Business Loans Among Australian SMEs Sun, 25 Jan: Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly turning to unsecured business loans as a means of financing growth and operations. This trend reflects a shift away from traditional lending models that require physical assets as collateral, offering businesses greater flexibility and accessibility to funds. - read more
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| Anticipated RBA Rate Hike in February 2026: Implications for Motorcycle Loans Sun, 25 Jan: The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is set to announce its next monetary policy decision on February 3, 2026. With inflation rates rising in late 2025, the possibility of a rate hike has become a focal point for financial analysts and borrowers alike. - read more
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| ASIC's Crackdown on Unlicensed Finfluencers: What It Means for Consumers Sun, 25 Jan: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has intensified its efforts against unlicensed financial influencers, commonly known as 'finfluencers,' who are suspected of providing unlawful financial advice. This initiative is part of a global collaboration with regulators from the UK, UAE, Italy, Hong Kong, and Canada to address the growing concern over unregulated financial content on social media platforms. - read more
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| Budget Direct's Triumph: 2025 Insurer of the Year and Its Impact on Motorcycle Insurance Sun, 25 Jan: Budget Direct has been honored as the Insurer of the Year in the 2025 Consumer Finance Awards, reflecting its commitment to providing comprehensive and affordable insurance products to Australians. This accolade is particularly significant for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking reliable coverage. - read more
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| Heightened Road Risks During Holiday Season Due to Increased Freight Traffic Sun, 25 Jan: As Australia enters the summer holiday season, insurers and transport specialists are raising alarms about heightened road risks resulting from the convergence of increased freight activity and holiday travel. This period sees a significant uptick in both passenger vehicles and heavy trucks on the roads, amplifying the potential for accidents and safety incidents. - read more
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| Celebrating Excellence: 2025 National Trucking Industry Award Winners Sun, 25 Jan: The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has proudly announced the recipients of the 2025 National Trucking Industry Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions and achievements within the sector. These awards highlight the dedication and excellence of individuals and organizations that drive the industry forward. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Achieve $6.1 Billion Profit in 2024 Sun, 25 Jan: In 2024, Australia's insurance industry recorded an after-tax profit of $6.1 billion, a significant increase from the five-year average of $2 billion. This surge is primarily attributed to substantial premium hikes and a reduction in severe weather events. - read more
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| Premiums Decline in Australian Construction Insurance Market Sun, 25 Jan: Australia's construction insurance market has entered a softer phase in 2025, with premiums decreasing across various lines due to heightened competition among insurers. According to Marsh's Construction Insurance Market Update 2025, premium reductions averaged between 5% and 15% in the first half of the year. - read more
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| Labour Shortages and Supply Chain Issues Elevate Insurance Claims Costs Sun, 25 Jan: In 2025, Australia's insurance industry is grappling with rising claims costs, particularly within the construction sector, due to labour shortages and supply chain disruptions. Crawford & Company's latest Claims Inflation Update highlights that construction expenses are increasing at a rate faster than general consumer prices, with the Building Cost Index (BCI) rising nearly 5% annually. - read more
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| Surge in First-Home Buyer Guarantees Reflects Growing Market Demand Sun, 25 Jan: In October, the Australian housing market witnessed a substantial increase in first-home buyer activity, with 5,778 guarantees issued under the expanded 5% Deposit Scheme. This figure represents a 48% rise compared to the same period last year, highlighting a growing trend among first-time buyers entering the property market. - read more
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| Rising Property Prices Challenge First-Home Buyers as Average Home Value Tops $1 Million Sun, 25 Jan: The Australian housing market has reached a significant milestone, with the average home price surpassing $1 million for the first time. This development presents new challenges for first-home buyers striving to enter the property market amidst escalating prices. - read more
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| Interest Rate Reductions Drive First-Home Buyers Towards New Build Properties Sun, 25 Jan: Recent interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) have influenced first-home buyers to consider new build properties as a viable entry point into the housing market. The RBA's decision to lower the cash rate to 3.85%—the lowest in over two years—has enhanced borrowing capacity, making new constructions an attractive option for those seeking affordability and potential incentives. - read more
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| Envest Group Unveils TLI Underwriting: A New Era for Heavy Motor Fleet Insurance Sat, 24 Jan: Envest Group, a prominent player in Australia's insurance sector, has announced the launch of TLI Underwriting, a new agency dedicated to providing specialised insurance solutions for heavy motor fleet operators. This strategic move aims to address the unique challenges faced by larger transport businesses in Australia. - read more
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| AFCA Delivers Ruling After Trucking Company's Claim Denied Sat, 24 Jan: The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled against a trucking company after it was found to have misrepresented its insurance history and operational details when obtaining a policy from NTI. This case underscores the critical importance of transparency and accuracy when securing insurance coverage in the transport industry. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Achieve Record Profits Amid Rising Premiums Sat, 24 Jan: In 2024, Australia's insurance industry reported an after-tax profit of $6.1 billion, a figure that is three times higher than the five-year average of $2 billion. This substantial increase is attributed to a combination of factors, including significant premium hikes and a reduction in severe weather events. - read more
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| Australian Consumers Confront Unexplained Insurance Premium Increases Sat, 24 Jan: Many Australian consumers are experiencing substantial increases in their insurance premiums, often without clear explanations from their providers. Reports indicate that some policyholders have faced premium hikes of 30% to 50%, with instances of increases reaching several hundred percent. - read more
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