| Rising Trend: Australians Using Personal Loans for Winter Getaways Tue, 20 Jan: As the Australian winter sets in, many individuals are seeking warmer climates overseas. However, a growing number are financing these trips through personal loans, a trend that has sparked discussions about its financial prudence. - read more
|
| Australia's Private Credit Market Reaches $200 Billion Milestone Tue, 20 Jan: Australia's financial landscape is witnessing a significant shift with the expansion of the private credit market, now valued at approximately $200 billion as of the end of 2024. This growth reflects a global trend where non-bank institutions are increasingly providing direct loans to businesses, offering alternatives to traditional banking channels. - read more
|
| Rate Money Surpasses $10 Billion in Loans, Eyes Further Expansion Tue, 20 Jan: Rate Money, an Australian non-bank lender specializing in loans for self-employed individuals, has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing $10 billion in loans. Founded in 2019, the company has rapidly expanded its footprint in the financial services sector. - read more
|
| RBA Maintains Cash Rate at 3.6% Amid Inflationary Pressures Tue, 20 Jan: The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced its decision to keep the cash rate steady at 3.6% during its November meeting, a move that aligns with the expectations of major financial institutions. This decision comes in response to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, which revealed a significant rise in inflation, prompting the RBA to adopt a cautious stance on monetary policy. - read more
|
| APRA Sets New Limits on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans Tue, 20 Jan: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has unveiled a new policy aimed at curbing high-risk lending practices within the housing market. Effective from 1 February 2026, banks will be restricted to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans to borrowers whose debt-to-income (DTI) ratio exceeds six times their annual income. This measure applies to both owner-occupied and investor loans, excluding new housing developments. - read more
|
| Westpac Achieves $7 Billion Profit and Sells RAMS Mortgage Business Tue, 20 Jan: Westpac Banking Corporation has reported a robust full-year profit of $7 billion, underscoring its strong financial performance in the current economic climate. In a strategic move, the bank has also announced the sale of its RAMS mortgage business for $21.4 billion, a decision that aligns with its focus on streamlining operations and enhancing shareholder value. - read more
|
| Zone RV's Financial Collapse Exposes $40 Million Debt Tue, 20 Jan: The recent collapse of luxury caravan manufacturer Zone RV has sent shockwaves through the Australian caravan industry. Based in Coolum on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, the company entered voluntary administration, revealing debts amounting to approximately $40 million. This development has left around 240 employees unemployed and approximately 180 customers uncertain about the status of their purchases. - read more
|
| thl Closes Brisbane RV Factory, Relocates Production to New Zealand Tue, 20 Jan: Tourism Holdings Limited (thl), a prominent player in the recreational vehicle (RV) industry, has announced the closure of its Brisbane manufacturing facility, effective December 19, 2025. This decision results in the loss of approximately 110 Australian jobs and signifies a strategic shift, with all production being relocated to New Zealand. - read more
|
| RV Essentials Australia Reports Significant Growth and Bunnings Partnership Tue, 20 Jan: RV Essentials Australia, a Melbourne-based manufacturer of caravan accessories, has announced a remarkable year of expansion, marked by a 132% increase in revenue and the servicing of over 15,000 customers. This growth is further underscored by the company's recent inclusion in Bunnings Marketplace, a significant achievement that places it among a select group of caravan accessory brands on the platform. - read more
|
| ASIC's Findings Highlight Urgent Need for Reform in Car Finance Lending Practices Tue, 20 Jan: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently unveiled findings from its comprehensive review of the motor vehicle finance sector, highlighting concerning trends that are likely to prompt a tightening of lending practices across the industry. - read more
|
| Affordable Electric Vehicles: New Low-Interest Loans for Eligible Australians Tue, 20 Jan: The Australian government has launched a new initiative to make electric vehicles (EVs) more accessible to a broader segment of the population. This program offers low-interest loans to individuals earning less than $100,000 annually, as well as essential workers, facilitating the purchase of new and used EVs priced up to $55,000. - read more
|
| Surge in Car Loan Delinquencies Sparks Financial Sector Worries Tue, 20 Jan: Australia is witnessing a notable increase in car loan delinquencies, raising alarms about the potential ripple effects on the broader financial sector. This trend reflects the financial strain many Australians are experiencing amid economic challenges. - read more
|
| ASIC Investigates Car Finance Practices to Strengthen Consumer Safeguards Tue, 20 Jan: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced a thorough review of the motor vehicle finance sector, focusing on enhancing consumer protections and ensuring compliance with responsible lending obligations. This initiative is particularly attentive to the experiences of borrowers in regional and remote areas, including First Nations communities. - read more
|
| New Low-Interest Loans Make Electric Vehicles More Accessible to Australians Tue, 20 Jan: The Australian government has unveiled a new initiative to make electric vehicles (EVs) more accessible to a broader segment of the population. This program offers low-interest loans to Australians earning less than $100,000 annually, as well as to essential workers such as police officers, teachers, firefighters, and nurses, regardless of their income level. The loans are available for both new and used EVs priced up to $55,000. - read more
|
| Macquarie Bank Ends New Car Loan Services to Enhance Home Loan Offerings Tue, 20 Jan: Macquarie Bank has announced a strategic decision to cease offering new car loans through its direct, broker, and novated leasing channels. This move is part of the bank's broader strategy to concentrate on expanding its home loan and deposit services. - read more
|
| Australia's Marine Industry Surges to $229 Billion Economic Output Tue, 20 Jan: Australia's marine industry has achieved a remarkable economic milestone, reaching an output of $229 billion in 2023. This represents a 19% increase compared to two years prior, as reported by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). The surge is primarily attributed to the resurgence of domestic tourism and the expansion of the natural gas sector. - read more
|
| BIA Advocates for Government Support in Marine Manufacturing Tue, 20 Jan: The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) is calling on all levels of Australian government to provide strategic support for the nation's marine manufacturing and recreational boating sector. The association warns that a critical skills shortage is threatening the industry's substantial economic potential. - read more
|
| Austal's $100 Million Loan Fuels U.S. Shipbuilding Expansion Tue, 20 Jan: Austal Limited, a prominent Australian shipbuilder, has secured a $100 million loan from Export Finance Australia (EFA) to support the expansion of its shipbuilding operations in Mobile, Alabama. This funding is designated to enhance Austal's construction capabilities for U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels. - read more
|
| Heightened Road Risks During Holiday Season: Insurers Issue Warnings Tue, 20 Jan: As the Australian summer school holidays coincide with peak freight activity, insurers and transport specialists are raising concerns about heightened road risks. The surge in freight traffic, coupled with increased holiday travel, amplifies the potential for road incidents, particularly involving heavy vehicles. - read more
|
| Insuregroup's Remarkable Growth in Truck Insurance Policies Tue, 20 Jan: Insuregroup, a specialist insurance brokerage serving Australia's transport and logistics sector, has recently announced a significant milestone: processing over 10,000 insurance policies since its inception, with a 25% increase in policy volume over the past year. This growth underscores the escalating demand for comprehensive truck insurance solutions tailored to the unique needs of Australian freight operators. - read more
|
| NTARC Report Identifies Inattention and Speed as Primary Factors in Major Truck Crashes Tue, 20 Jan: The National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) has released its latest Major Incident Investigation Report, shedding light on the predominant causes of significant truck crashes across Australia. The findings reveal that human factors, particularly inattention, distraction, and inappropriate speed, continue to be the leading contributors to these incidents. - read more
|
| Ray White Marine Unveils Impressive Fleet at Sydney Boat Show Mon, 19 Jan: Ray White Marine made a significant impact at the 2025 Sydney International Boat Show, unveiling its largest and most valuable display to date—a $70 million lineup of luxury vessels at Darling Harbour. This showcase marked a milestone for the event, which transitioned to a summer schedule for the first time, transforming the harbor into a vibrant on-water playground from 13 to 16 November. - read more
|
| MotorCycle Holdings Reports Record-Breaking $650 Million Revenue in FY2025 Mon, 19 Jan: MotorCycle Holdings Limited, Australia's largest motorcycle dealership group, has announced a remarkable financial performance for the fiscal year 2025, achieving a record revenue of $650 million. This figure represents an 11.6% increase compared to the previous year, underscoring the company's robust growth trajectory in a competitive market. - read more
|
| TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Policies Mon, 19 Jan: In a significant development for policyholders, TAL has expanded its Health Sense Plus program to encompass income protection (IP) policies. This initiative, effective from August 8, 2025, aims to incentivise proactive health management by offering premium discounts to clients who engage in preventative health checks. - read more
|
| New Legislation Prohibits Life Insurers from Using Genetic Test Results Mon, 19 Jan: The Australian government has enacted legislation prohibiting life insurers from using the results of genetic tests to refuse coverage or increase premiums. This landmark decision aims to eliminate genetic discrimination and encourage individuals to undergo potentially life-saving genetic testing without fear of financial repercussions. - read more
|
Author:
Please Note: If this information affects you or is relevant to your circumstances, seek advice from a licensed professional.
