| Australian Borrowers Turn to Refinancing Amidst Rising Mortgage Arrears Sun, 28 Dec: 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. - read more
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| Australia's Private Debt Market Hits $224 Billion Milestone Sun, 28 Dec: 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. - read more
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| ASIC's Comprehensive Review Targets Debt Management and Credit Repair Firms Sun, 28 Dec: 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. - read more
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| Australia's Used Hybrid Car Market Experiences Significant Growth Sun, 28 Dec: The Australian used car market is witnessing a notable surge in hybrid vehicle sales, reflecting a growing consumer inclination towards sustainable and practical transportation options. - read more
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| New Low-Interest Loans Aim to Accelerate Electric Vehicle Uptake in Australia Sun, 28 Dec: In a concerted effort to promote sustainable transportation, the Australian government has partnered with Metro Finance to offer low-interest loans aimed at encouraging small and medium-sized businesses to invest in electric vehicles (EVs). - read more
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| Comprehensive Indemnity Insurance Now Available for Private Midwives Sun, 28 Dec: As of 1 July 2025, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has introduced a professional indemnity insurance (PII) product specifically designed for midwives providing intrapartum care. This development, under the Midwife Professional Indemnity Scheme (MPIS), ensures that private midwifery practitioners now have access to insurance coverage encompassing all facets of their practice, including intrapartum services. - read more
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| Australian Surgeons Confront Escalating Indemnity Insurance Costs Sun, 28 Dec: In recent developments within the Australian healthcare sector, a significant number of bariatric surgeons are contemplating the future of their medical practices due to a substantial increase in indemnity insurance premiums and a rising incidence of legal claims. This trend poses potential challenges to the accessibility of obesity-related procedures for patients across the country. - read more
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| Health Insurance Premiums Expected to Surge by Over 10% in 2026 Sun, 28 Dec: Recent projections indicate that global health insurance costs are set to rise by 10.3% in 2026, marking a continuation of the upward trend observed in recent years. This follows a 10% increase in 2025 and a 9.5% rise in 2024, underscoring the sustained inflationary pressures faced by insurers and employer-sponsored health plans worldwide. - read more
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| Comprehensive Insurance Solutions for Fitness Professionals by Marsh Sun, 28 Dec: Marsh, a leading insurance broker, offers tailored insurance solutions designed specifically for fitness professionals across Australia. Recognising the unique risks associated with the fitness industry, Marsh provides comprehensive coverage options to safeguard personal trainers, gym owners, and other fitness practitioners. - read more
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| AUSactive's Professional Plus Membership: Comprehensive Support for Fitness Professionals Sun, 28 Dec: AUSactive, Australia's peak body for the exercise and active health sector, has introduced the Professional Plus Membership, a comprehensive package designed to support fitness professionals in their careers. This membership combines the benefits of AUSactive's professional membership with an exclusive insurance policy tailored for those delivering fitness, exercise, and active health activities. - read more
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| FIT College's Student Insurance: Safeguarding Future Fitness Professionals Sun, 28 Dec: FIT College, a leading provider of fitness education in Australia, offers a Student Insurance program designed to protect aspiring fitness professionals during their studies. This initiative ensures that students enrolled in courses such as the Certificate III and IV in Fitness are covered for all training and assessment activities required by their curriculum. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Achieve Record Profits Amid Rising Premiums Sun, 28 Dec: In 2024, Australia's insurance sector reported 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 relatively calm year concerning natural disasters. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Leverage AI Innovations to Transform Services Sun, 28 Dec: Insurance companies in Australia and New Zealand are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to become more data-driven and digital-first organizations. This shift aims to enhance efficiency, comply with evolving regulations, and meet changing consumer expectations. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Adjust Investment Portfolios as Inflation Concerns Subside Sun, 28 Dec: According to the 2024 Australian Insurance Report, 43% of insurers are now aligning their investments with their risk budgets, a notable increase from 13% in 2023. This shift is driven by diminishing inflation and recession concerns, prompting insurers to explore new avenues for yield and diversification. - read more
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| Victoria's Insurance Monopoly Proposal: Implications for Builders Sun, 28 Dec: The Victorian Government has introduced the Building Legislation Amendment (Buyer Protections) Bill 2025, aiming to centralise domestic building insurance under the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). This move would eliminate competition, requiring builders to obtain coverage exclusively from the VBA. - read more
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| NSW Builders: Act Now to Meet 2026 Professional Indemnity Insurance Requirements Sun, 28 Dec: Registered building practitioners in New South Wales are required to hold professional indemnity (PI) insurance by July 1, 2026, following an extension of the compliance deadline under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2021. This legislation mandates that builders secure PI cover sufficient to meet potential liabilities, though it does not specify a minimum coverage amount. - read more
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| ICA's Push for Queensland Reforms: Aiming to Lower Insurance Costs and Strengthen Housing Resilience Sun, 28 Dec: The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has submitted six key recommendations to the Queensland Productivity Commission's inquiry into the construction industry, focusing on improving land use planning, taxation, regulation, and workforce management to enhance economic efficiency and disaster resilience. - read more
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| Australian Mortgage Refinancing Hits Record Highs Amid Rising Arrears Sat, 27 Dec: Recent data from Equifax indicates a significant surge in mortgage refinancing across Australia, coinciding with a rise in arrears, especially among borrowers with substantial home loans. This trend underscores the financial pressures many Australians are currently facing. - read more
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| Digital Lenders Revolutionise Australia's Personal Loan Landscape Sat, 27 Dec: The Australian personal loan market is undergoing a significant transformation, with digital lenders now accounting for over 40% of new loan originations. This shift is driven by the rapid digitalisation of loan processes, offering borrowers faster approvals and broader eligibility criteria. - read more
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| Surge in Personal Loans for Home Renovations Among Australian Homeowners Sat, 27 Dec: Australian homeowners are increasingly turning to personal loans to fund home renovations, reflecting a growing preference to upgrade properties amid high housing costs and strong demand for home improvements. - read more
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| Mortgage Brokers' Market Share Reaches 75% in New Home Loans Sat, 27 Dec: Recent data reveals that mortgage brokers are now facilitating 75% of all new residential loans in Australia, marking a significant increase in their market share. This trend underscores the growing reliance on brokers by borrowers seeking home financing solutions. - read more
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| Understanding APRA's New Cap on High DTI Home Loans Sat, 27 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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| Regulatory Focus Intensifies on Australia's Non-Bank Lenders Sat, 27 Dec: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) have intensified their scrutiny of non-bank lenders due to their growing market share and potential implications for financial stability. Non-bank lenders, which are not subject to the same prudential regulations as traditional banks, have been attracting a significant number of borrowers seeking alternative financing options. - read more
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| Housing Shortage in WA's South West Strains Caravan Parks Sat, 27 Dec: Caravan parks in Western Australia's South West are grappling with the effects of a severe housing shortage, as an increasing number of individuals and families turn to these facilities for long-term accommodation. This shift is placing significant pressure on park owners, who traditionally cater to tourists and short-term visitors. - read more
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| Affordable Electric Vehicle Loans Now Available for Eligible Australians Sat, 27 Dec: In a significant move to promote sustainable transportation, the Australian government has introduced a new loan scheme offering low-interest financing for electric vehicles (EVs). This initiative targets Australians earning less than $100,000 annually, as well as essential workers such as police officers, teachers, firefighters, and nurses, regardless of their income level. - read more
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