| Major Banks Rethink Mortgage Broker Partnerships Sun, 16 Nov: Australia's leading banks—Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), Westpac, National Australia Bank (NAB), and ANZ—are adjusting their mortgage strategies to reduce dependence on mortgage brokers. This move comes as profit margins are squeezed by lower interest rates, rising operational costs, and intensified market competition. - read more
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| Westpac Divests RAMS Mortgage Portfolio in Strategic Sale Sun, 16 Nov: On November 3, 2025, Westpac Banking Corporation announced an agreement to sell its RAMS mortgage portfolio, valued at A$21.4 billion, to a consortium comprising Pepper Money, investment firm KKR, and asset manager PIMCO. The sale is at a slight premium to the gross loan value of the portfolio to be transferred at completion. However, Westpac anticipates incurring a loss on the sale after accounting for transaction costs and other financial adjustments. - read more
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| CBA's First-Quarter Profit Edges Up Amidst Mortgage Expansion Sun, 16 Nov: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest bank by market value, reported a slight increase in first-quarter cash profit, driven by strong growth in home loans and household deposits. The bank achieved an unaudited cash profit of approximately A$2.6 billion, a 1% rise from the previous two-quarter average and 2% higher than the same period last year. - read more
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| BIA Advocates for Enhanced Support in Australia's Marine Manufacturing Sector Sun, 16 Nov: The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has recently called upon all levels of Australian government to provide strategic support to the nation's marine manufacturing and recreational boating sector. This appeal comes in response to a significant skills shortage that poses a threat to the industry's economic potential. - read more
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| Experience the Sydney International On-Water Boat Show 2025 Sun, 16 Nov: The Sydney International On-Water Boat Show is set to make a grand return from 13 to 16 November 2025 at Darling Harbour. This four-day event promises to be a highlight for boating enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, showcasing Australia's vibrant marine lifestyle. - read more
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| Australian Superyacht Conference 2026: Embracing a New Era Sun, 16 Nov: Superyacht Australia has announced the return of the Australian Superyacht Conference in 2026, introducing a refreshed format and a new location in Sydney. Traditionally held on the Gold Coast in May ahead of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, the conference will now take place immediately following the inaugural Sydney Charter Show, creating an exciting week of activity for Australia's growing superyacht sector. - read more
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| AFCA Criticises TAL for Unfair Termination of Income Protection Benefits Sun, 16 Nov: The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled against TAL, a prominent life insurer, for terminating a policyholder's income protection benefits without prior notice. This decision underscores the critical importance of procedural fairness in the management of insurance claims. - read more
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| Actuaries Institute Highlights Financial Strain of Mental Illness on Insurance Systems Sun, 16 Nov: The Actuaries Institute has issued a call for immediate action to address the escalating financial strain that mental illness is placing on Australia's insurance and compensation systems. This appeal underscores the pressing need to ensure the sustainability of the nation's financial safety net in the face of increasing mental health-related claims. - read more
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| Fitch Ratings Anticipates Continued Premium Increases in Australian Insurance Sector Sun, 16 Nov: Fitch Ratings has projected that Australian insurers will continue to implement premium increases, with gross written premiums expected to grow by mid to high single digits. This forecast is driven by the need to offset rising claims and increased allowances for natural hazards. - read more
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| Surge in Cyber Insurance Adoption Among Australian Businesses Sun, 16 Nov: In the past year, BizCover, a leading small business insurance provider, has reported an almost 50% rise in sales of cyber liability insurance. This significant uptick underscores the escalating awareness and concern among Australian businesses regarding cyber threats. - read more
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| ASIC Unveils 2026 Enforcement Priorities to Combat Financial Misconduct Sat, 15 Nov: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has announced its enforcement priorities for 2026, emphasizing a robust approach to tackling financial misconduct and enhancing consumer protection. This strategic focus aims to uphold the integrity of Australia's financial markets and safeguard consumers from potential harm. - read more
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| ANZ Bank Bolsters Leadership with Key Executive Appointments Sat, 15 Nov: ANZ Bank has announced the appointment of three senior executives to its Group Executive Committee, aiming to strengthen its retail banking, risk management, and technology divisions. These strategic hires reflect ANZ's commitment to enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. - read more
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| ASIC Launches Landmark Cybersecurity Lawsuit Against Fortnum Private Wealth Sat, 15 Nov: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated its first-ever cybersecurity lawsuit against Fortnum Private Wealth, marking a significant milestone in the regulation of digital security within the financial services sector. This unprecedented action underscores the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures in protecting consumer data and maintaining trust in financial institutions. - read more
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| Regulators Eye Non-Bank Lenders as Market Share Expands Fri, 14 Nov: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) have intensified their oversight of non-bank lenders, responding to the sector's significant growth and its potential impact on financial stability. - read more
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| Macquarie Bank Halts Trust and Company Lending in Residential Property Fri, 14 Nov: Macquarie Bank has announced a pause on trust and company lending within the residential property sector, a decision welcomed by the Property Investors Council of Australia (PICA). This move aims to mitigate the risk of residential properties becoming speculative assets and to encourage responsible investment practices. - read more
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| KTM Secures €600 Million to Finalize Restructuring Plan Fri, 14 Nov: KTM AG, the renowned Austrian motorcycle manufacturer, has successfully secured €600 million in funding, enabling the company to fulfill its restructuring plan and stabilize its financial position. This development is particularly significant for Australian riders and dealers who rely on KTM's presence in the market. - read more
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| AFCA Issues Warning to Small Businesses on Unregulated Lending Risks Fri, 14 Nov: The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently raised concerns regarding the increasing number of small businesses engaging with unregulated lenders. This caution comes in response to a record 4,648 complaints lodged by small businesses in the 2024-25 financial year, marking a 4% increase from the previous year. Notably, 21% of these complaints were dismissed as they fell outside AFCA's jurisdiction, primarily because the lenders involved were not AFCA members. - read more
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| ATO Debt Rule Changes Prompt Surge in Business Loan Applications Fri, 14 Nov: Recent changes to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) debt regulations have led to a significant increase in business loan inquiries among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Effective from 1 July 2025, general interest charges (GIC) and shortfall interest charges (SIC) on tax debts will no longer be tax-deductible. With the GIC rate currently at 11.17% and compounding daily, this change has prompted many SMEs to seek alternative financing options to manage their tax liabilities. - read more
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| ASIC Raises Compliance Concerns Among Small Credit Lenders Fri, 14 Nov: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently expressed concerns regarding the compliance practices of certain small credit lenders. A comprehensive review conducted by ASIC revealed that some providers of small amount credit contracts (SACCs) may be steering vulnerable consumers towards financial products that offer fewer protections, potentially exposing them to increased financial risk. - read more
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| IAG and Ag Guard Forge Partnership to Elevate Crop Insurance for Australian Farmers Fri, 14 Nov: In a significant development for Australia's agricultural sector, Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has announced a strategic partnership with Ag Guard, a specialist rural underwriting agency. This collaboration will see Ag Guard managing the underwriting for IAG-owned CGU and WFI's crop insurance portfolios starting June next year. - read more
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| WFI Insurance and AgCarE Collaborate to Incentivize Sustainable Farming Practices Fri, 14 Nov: In a move to promote sustainable agriculture, WFI Insurance has partnered with AgCarE, a certification program developed by AgForce, to offer premium reductions to farmers who achieve AgCarE certification. This collaboration aims to enhance financial, environmental, and social outcomes for Australian farmers and rural communities. - read more
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| Diversification in Small Farms Creates New Avenues for Insurance Brokers Fri, 14 Nov: The landscape of Australian agriculture is undergoing a significant transformation as small commercial farms increasingly diversify their operations to enhance income and sustainability. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities for insurance brokers, as new ventures introduce complex risk management needs. - read more
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| RBA Maintains Cash Rate at 3.60% Amidst Inflationary Pressures Fri, 14 Nov: The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to keep the official cash rate steady at 3.60% during its November 2025 meeting. This decision reflects the central bank's ongoing concerns about inflation, which has risen above the target range of 2–3% and is expected to remain elevated for some time. - read more
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| ANZ Bank Adjusts Cash Rate Forecast: No Cuts Anticipated Until 2026 Fri, 14 Nov: ANZ Bank has revised its cash rate forecast, now expecting no cuts until February 2026. This adjustment aligns with similar revisions by other major banks, reflecting a collective response to recent economic data and RBA communications. - read more
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| RBA's November 2025 Statement: Inflation Trends and Economic Projections Fri, 14 Nov: The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released its November 2025 Statement on Monetary Policy, highlighting concerns about rising inflation and providing insights into the future of the Australian economy. - read more
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