| Cigno Australia Penalised $7 Million for Unlawful Payday Lending Practices Sun, 17 May: In a significant enforcement action, the Federal Court has imposed a $7 million penalty on Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions for operating an illegal payday lending scheme that contravened Australian credit laws. Each company has been fined $3 million, while their respective directors, Mark Swanepoel and Brenton Harrison, have been ordered to pay $500,000 each. - read more
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| APRA Implements Debt-to-Income Limits to Mitigate Housing Market Risks Sun, 17 May: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced the activation of debt-to-income (DTI) limits as a macroprudential policy tool, effective from 1 February 2026. This measure aims to preemptively address potential vulnerabilities in the housing market by constraining high-risk lending practices. - read more
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| Non-Bank Lenders Intensify Court Actions as SME Lending Dynamics Shift Sun, 17 May: Recent data indicates a significant increase in court-enforced insolvencies initiated by non-bank lenders, highlighting a shift in the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) lending landscape. As major banks retreat from SME lending, non-bank lenders have stepped in to fill the void, leading to a rise in legal actions to recover funds from defaulting borrowers. - read more
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| ASMEX 2026: Elevating Australia's Marine Industry Sun, 17 May: The Australian Superyacht, Marine Export and Commercial Marine Conference (ASMEX) is set to return to the Gold Coast on 19–20 May 2026, promising two days of industry connection, business insight, and celebration for Australia's marine sector. - read more
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| Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2026: A Celebration of Marine Excellence Sun, 17 May: The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) is set to return from 21–24 May 2026, solidifying its position as Australia’s largest boating and marine lifestyle event. Held annually on the Gold Coast, SCIBS 2026 promises to be a vibrant showcase of luxury yachts, marine innovations, and lifestyle products. - read more
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| Marinas26 Conference: Pioneering the Future of Marina Operations Sun, 17 May: The Marina Industries Association (MIA) has announced the full program for Marinas26, its flagship biennial conference and trade exhibition, scheduled for 24–27 May 2026 at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on Queensland’s Gold Coast. - read more
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| MYOB and Mastercard Introduce Open Banking for Australian SMEs Sun, 17 May: In a significant development for Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), MYOB has partnered with Mastercard to roll out Open Banking capabilities. This initiative aims to provide SMEs with faster, safer, and more reliable bank connections, streamlining financial management processes. - read more
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| ScotPac Partners with UBS to Boost SME Funding Capacity Sun, 17 May: ScotPac, Australia's largest non-bank business lender, has announced a new warehouse facility agreement with UBS AG Australia Branch. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen and diversify ScotPac's funding platform, enabling the provision of innovative financing solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country. - read more
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| Federal Budget 2026: Tax Changes and Their Impact on SMEs Sun, 17 May: The Australian Federal Budget for 2026 introduces several tax measures that will significantly impact small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Business owners must understand these changes to effectively manage cash flow and make informed investment decisions. - read more
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| Introducing the CFMOTO 1000MT-X: A New Contender in Australia's Adventure Motorcycle Scene Sun, 17 May: CFMOTO is set to make a significant impact on the Australian adventure motorcycle market with the upcoming release of its MY26 1000MT-X. Scheduled to arrive in late May 2026, this model is priced competitively at $18,990 ride away, positioning it as an attractive option for riders seeking a high-performance adventure bike without the premium price tag. - read more
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| Suzuki's 2026 Hayabusa Special Edition: A Limited-Run Masterpiece for Australian Riders Sun, 17 May: Suzuki has announced the release of the 2026 Hayabusa Special Edition in Australia, offering enthusiasts a unique blend of performance and exclusive styling. Limited to just eight units nationwide, this model is priced at $29,990 ride away and will be available exclusively through Suzuki Australia's online 'Build Your Bike' portal starting at 12:00pm AEST on Friday, 8 May 2026. - read more
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| MotoGP 2026: Phillip Island's Final Race Tickets Available Soon Sun, 17 May: The 2026 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island is set to be a historic event, marking the 30th and final MotoGP race at this iconic circuit. Tickets for this momentous occasion will be available for purchase starting at 12:00pm AEST on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. - read more
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| NTI Updates Transport Pack to Support Transport Industry Amid Challenges Sun, 17 May: National Transport Insurance (NTI), Australia's leading truck insurer, has recently refreshed its Transport Pack to better support the transport industry during a period marked by significant challenges. With nearly five decades of industry experience, NTI is leveraging its extensive data to offer solutions tailored to the current needs of transport operators. - read more
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| Australian Motor Fleets Embrace Telematics to Boost Safety and Control Costs Sun, 17 May: In response to escalating insurance premiums and stringent safety regulations, Australian motor fleet operators are increasingly turning to telematics technology. This shift is particularly evident in sectors with high operational risks and compliance requirements, such as the resources industry. - read more
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| IAG's Strategic Response to Softening Commercial Insurance Market Sun, 17 May: Insurance Australia Group (IAG) is proactively addressing the challenges posed by the current soft commercial insurance market through its Intermediated Insurance Australia (IIA) division. CEO Jarrod Hill has expressed confidence in the division's ability to navigate these conditions, citing a well-balanced business portfolio and strategic operational adjustments. - read more
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| Tasmania's Collaborative Strategy to Enhance Insurance Affordability Sun, 17 May: The Tasmanian Government has announced a significant shift in its strategy to address insurance affordability and availability within the state. Premier Jeremy Rockliff revealed plans to collaborate with insurers, brokers, and reinsurers to develop solutions that effectively tackle these issues. - read more
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| Federal Budget 2026: Initiatives to Enhance Insurance Affordability Sun, 17 May: The Australian Government's 2026 federal budget has earmarked $3.4 million over four years to develop measures aimed at reducing property insurance costs and addressing the issue of unintentional underinsurance. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the financial pressures faced by homeowners and businesses due to escalating insurance premiums. - read more
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| Treasury's Initiative to Strengthen Managed Investment Scheme Governance Sun, 17 May: The Australian Treasury has embarked on a comprehensive review aimed at bolstering the governance framework of the nation's managed investment schemes (MIS), a sector valued at approximately $2 trillion. This initiative comes in response to recent high-profile collapses within the industry, notably the Shield Master Fund and First Guardian Master Fund, which have raised significant concerns about the robustness of current regulatory measures. - read more
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| Treasurer Chalmers' Bold Reforms to Negative Gearing and Capital Gains Tax Sun, 17 May: In a significant policy shift, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has announced comprehensive reforms to Australia's negative gearing and capital gains tax (CGT) discount policies. These changes aim to address housing affordability issues and create a more equitable tax system. - read more
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| South Australia Implements Heavy Vehicle Reforms to Address Fuel Crisis Sat, 16 May: In response to escalating fuel prices, the South Australian government has expedited reforms to heavy vehicle regulations, now permitting longer and heavier trucks on the state's roads. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial strain on the trucking industry by enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing operational costs. - read more
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| Australian Truck Sales Experience Sharp Decline in April 2026 Sat, 16 May: The Australian truck market has encountered a significant downturn, with April 2026 recording a 16% year-on-year decrease in new truck and van deliveries. This marks the steepest monthly decline this year, reflecting the broader economic challenges facing the transport sector. - read more
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| ACCC Deepens Investigation into IAG's Proposed RAC Insurance Acquisition Sat, 16 May: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has escalated its examination of Insurance Australia Group's (IAG) proposed acquisition of RAC Insurance, moving the process into a Phase 2 review. This decision underscores the regulator's concerns about the potential for reduced competition within Western Australia's insurance market. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Achieve $6.1 Billion Profit Amid Rising Premiums Sat, 16 May: Australia's insurance industry has reported a significant after-tax profit of $6.1 billion for the year 2024, marking a substantial increase compared to previous years. This surge in profitability is attributed to a combination of premium hikes and a year characterized by fewer severe weather events. - read more
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| Unprecedented Spike in Mental Health Insurance Claims Highlights Need for Prompt Payouts Sat, 16 May: Australia is witnessing an unprecedented increase in mental health-related insurance claims, prompting consumer advocates to urge insurers and superannuation funds to expedite payouts to affected individuals. - read more
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| COG Financial Services Achieves Record $4.5 Billion in Net Assets Financed Sat, 16 May: COG Financial Services Limited has reported its most robust half-year performance to date, with net assets financed reaching an impressive $4.5 billion. This milestone reflects a 7% increase compared to the same period last year, underscoring the company's resilience and strategic growth in the asset finance sector. - read more
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