| Steadfast Unveils Prevail: A New Era in High Net Worth and Farm Insurance Sat, 17 Jan: In a significant development for the Australian insurance landscape, Steadfast has announced the launch of Prevail, a new specialist agency designed to cater to high net worth individuals and the farming sector. This initiative brings together three well-established underwriting agencies—Mansions, Dawes, and Argis—under a unified brand, aiming to provide comprehensive and tailored insurance solutions. - read more
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| Harland Green Launches Comprehensive All-Risk Insurance for Large-Scale Farms Sat, 17 Jan: Harland Green, a newly established Lloyd's coverholder, has introduced an all-risk farm insurance package specifically designed for large commercial farming operations in Australia. This initiative aims to address the complex and evolving needs of the agricultural sector by offering comprehensive coverage that encompasses various aspects of farm operations. - read more
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| Allstate Underwriting and Mitsui Sumitomo Join Forces to Strengthen Farm Insurance Offerings Sat, 17 Jan: Allstate Underwriting Agencies has announced a strategic partnership with Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance (MSI) to enhance its capacity in providing insurance solutions for medium, small, and hobby farms across Australia. This collaboration is set to bolster Allstate's presence in the farm pack market, offering tailored products that meet the specific needs of these farming segments. - read more
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| ANZ Finalises Acquisition of Suncorp Bank for $4.9 Billion Sat, 17 Jan: In a significant development for the Australian banking sector, ANZ has successfully completed its $4.9 billion acquisition of Suncorp Bank. This strategic move, finalised on 31 July 2024, marks a pivotal expansion for ANZ, enhancing its service offerings and market reach across the nation. - read more
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| Non-Bank Lenders Expand Presence in Australia's Mortgage Sector Sat, 17 Jan: The Australian mortgage market is witnessing a notable shift as non-bank lenders increasingly capture a larger share, challenging the dominance of traditional banking institutions. This trend is driven by digital innovation and evolving consumer preferences, leading to a more competitive landscape in home financing. - read more
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| RBA Holds Cash Rate at 3.60% Amidst Economic Uncertainty Sat, 17 Jan: In its latest monetary policy decision, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has opted to keep the official cash rate unchanged at 3.60%. This decision reflects the central bank's cautious approach in navigating the current economic landscape, balancing the need to control inflation with the goal of sustaining economic growth. - read more
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| Non-Bank Lenders Escalate Court Actions as Major Banks Withdraw Sat, 17 Jan: In recent years, Australia's financial sector has witnessed a notable shift in lending and enforcement practices. Non-bank lenders have significantly increased their court enforcement actions, while major banks have concurrently reduced their involvement in such proceedings. This trend underscores a changing dynamic in creditor behaviour and raises important considerations for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking financing. - read more
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| Australian SMEs Curtail Borrowing Amid Economic Uncertainty Sat, 17 Jan: In the final quarter of 2025, Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) exhibited a cautious approach to borrowing, influenced by ongoing uncertainties surrounding inflation and interest rates. This trend has led to a noticeable decline in lending volumes, reflecting the broader economic apprehensions within the SME sector. - read more
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| Australia's Commercial Credit Demand Increases Amid Growing Business Confidence Sat, 17 Jan: In the third quarter of 2025, Australia experienced a notable uptick in commercial credit demand, reflecting a resurgence in business confidence across the nation. Data from Equifax indicates a 3% year-on-year increase in overall commercial credit demand, with business loan applications playing a significant role in this growth. - read more
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| Australian Motorcycle Sales Experience Slight Decline in 2025 Sat, 17 Jan: The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has released data indicating a 1.3% decrease in Australian motorcycle and off-highway vehicle sales for 2025, with total units sold amounting to 92,967. This decline reflects the ongoing economic pressures affecting discretionary spending among consumers. - read more
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| Record-Breaking Attendance at 2025 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix Energizes Phillip Island Sat, 17 Jan: The 2025 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, held at the iconic Phillip Island Circuit, has set a new attendance record, drawing approximately 91,245 visitors over its three-day duration. This marks the highest turnout since 2012 and underscores the event's growing popularity among motorsport enthusiasts. - read more
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| Envest Group's TLI Underwriting: A New Era for Large Truck Fleet Insurance Sat, 17 Jan: Envest Group, a prominent entity in the insurance sector, has announced the launch of TLI Underwriting, a specialised heavy motor agency set to commence operations at the end of this month. This new venture is poised to cater specifically to the insurance needs of larger truck fleets, marking a significant expansion in Envest's service offerings. - read more
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| ICA's Strategic Plan to Combat Escalating Motor Insurance Costs Sat, 17 Jan: The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has unveiled a comprehensive report titled 'Motor Insurance Policy Paper – A Roadmap for Reducing Rising Premiums,' addressing the significant 42% increase in comprehensive motor insurance premiums since 2019. This surge has brought the average annual premium to $1,052 in 2024, prompting the need for coordinated action to alleviate the financial burden on consumers. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Face Growing Challenges in Risk Preparedness Sat, 17 Jan: Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey reveal that Australian insurers are increasingly vulnerable compared to their global counterparts, particularly in areas of risk preparedness. The survey, which gathered insights from 698 insurance executives across 42 territories, indicates that Australian insurers scored 6.6% lower on the Preparedness Index than the global average. This gap underscores the pressing need for the Australian insurance sector to bolster its strategies against emerging threats. - read more
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| Declining Value in Private Health Insurance Sparks Calls for Reform Sat, 17 Jan: The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has raised concerns about the diminishing value of private health insurance for Australians. In its annual Private Health Insurance Report Card, the AMA highlights that the system is increasingly failing to provide value for money to the approximately 15 million Australians holding private health insurance policies. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Embrace Innovation to Combat Natural Hazard Risks Sat, 17 Jan: The Australian insurance market is witnessing a transformative shift as insurers adopt innovative solutions to address the escalating risks associated with natural hazards. The inaugural Property Catastrophe and Climate Governance Report by Global Insurance Law Connect highlights several key developments aimed at enhancing resilience and closing the protection gap. - read more
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| Non-Bank Lenders: A Pillar of Australia's Housing Finance Sat, 17 Jan: The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) has recently published a comprehensive report shedding light on the significant role that residential mortgage non-bank lenders (RNBLs) play in facilitating home ownership across Australia. This inaugural report underscores the integral position these lenders occupy within the nation's housing finance ecosystem. - read more
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| National AI Plan: A Catalyst for Australia's Finance Sector Sat, 17 Jan: The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) has expressed strong support for the Albanese Government's recently unveiled National AI Plan, recognizing it as a significant step toward harnessing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) within the finance sector. This strategic initiative aims to unlock an estimated $60 billion in finance-led AI opportunities, positioning Australia at the forefront of technological innovation in financial services. - read more
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| Enhanced Access to Home Ownership: Expansion of the 5% Deposit Scheme Sat, 17 Jan: In a significant move to bolster home ownership opportunities, Housing Australia has announced the expansion of its lender panel for the Australian Government's 5% Deposit Scheme. This initiative is set to increase competition among lenders and provide prospective homebuyers with a broader array of choices when seeking financing options. - read more
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| First Home Guarantee Scheme Expansion Brought Forward to October 2025 Sat, 17 Jan: In a significant move to support first-time home buyers, the Australian Government has announced that the expansion of the First Home Guarantee Scheme (FHGS) will commence on 1 October 2025, three months earlier than initially planned. This acceleration aims to provide immediate assistance to Australians striving to enter the property market. - read more
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| Labor Government Announces $10 Billion Investment in 100,000 New Homes for First-Time Buyers Sat, 17 Jan: In a bold initiative to tackle housing affordability, the Labor Government has pledged a $10 billion investment to construct 100,000 new homes exclusively for first-time buyers. This commitment is part of a broader strategy to make home ownership more attainable for Australians entering the property market. - read more
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| First Home Buyer Loans Plummet to Five-Year Low in January Sat, 17 Jan: Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) indicates a significant decline in first home buyer loans, reaching a five-year low in January. This downturn raises concerns about the accessibility of the housing market for new entrants and prompts an examination of the underlying factors contributing to this trend. - read more
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| Insuregroup's Remarkable Growth Reflects Surge in Truck Insurance Demand Fri, 16 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
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| Envest Group Unveils TLI Underwriting: A New Era for Heavy Motor Fleet Insurance Fri, 16 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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| Telematics Revolutionises Australian Motor Fleet Insurance Landscape Fri, 16 Jan: The Australian motor fleet insurance sector is witnessing a significant shift as more fleet operators adopt telematics technology to enhance safety measures and reduce insurance premiums. This trend is particularly evident among larger fleets, especially within the resources sector, where operational risks and compliance demands are notably high. - read more
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