| Australian Mortgage Market Reaches Record $2.41 Trillion Amid Rising Property Prices Sun, 11 Jan: In November 2025, Australia's residential mortgage market achieved a new milestone, with authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) collectively holding $2.41 trillion in home loans. This represents a 0.67% increase over the month and a 6.36% rise over the preceding year, as reported by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). - read more
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| APRA Implements Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans to Safeguard Financial Stability Sun, 11 Jan: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating emerging risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will impose a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting banks to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans with 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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| Australian Home Prices Hit Record Highs in December 2025 Sun, 11 Jan: In December 2025, Australia's housing market reached a new peak, with the national median home price climbing to $880,000, reflecting an 8.8% increase compared to the previous year. This growth was driven by varying performances across different regions, with regional areas outperforming capital cities. - read more
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| Australian Boating Industry Sees Significant Growth Amidst Economic Challenges Sun, 11 Jan: The Boating Industry Association (BIA) has released its latest State of the Industry Data Report, revealing a noteworthy national turnover of $10.12 billion for the fiscal year 2023-24. This represents a 5% increase from the previous year, underscoring the sector's resilience and growth despite recent economic uncertainties. - read more
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| Calls for Super Funds to Accelerate Mental Health Insurance Claims Processing Sun, 11 Jan: Consumer advocates are raising concerns over significant delays in processing mental health-related insurance claims by Australian superannuation funds. As mental health conditions become a leading cause of total and permanent disability (TPD) claims, the efficiency of claim processing has come under scrutiny. - read more
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| GT Insurance Provides Flexible Solutions Amid Global Trade Shifts Sun, 11 Jan: As global trade dynamics undergo significant shifts, GT Insurance is reaffirming its commitment to supporting marine clients navigating these challenges. The recent imposition of US tariffs—25% on Australian steel and aluminium, and 10% on other exported goods—has introduced new uncertainties for local exporters, particularly in sectors like beef and bulk freight. These tariffs, effective from April 5, 2025, have prompted concerns about declining export volumes and reduced freight margins. - read more
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| Northern Australian Marinas Struggle with Rising Insurance Costs Sun, 11 Jan: Marina operators in Northern Australia are confronting a significant crisis as insurance premiums escalate dramatically, with some experiencing increases exceeding 300% over recent years. This surge in costs is placing immense financial strain on the industry, prompting urgent calls for government intervention. - read more
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| Significant Rise in Australian Home Insurance Premiums in 2025 Sun, 11 Jan: In 2025, Australian homeowners experienced a substantial increase in home and contents insurance premiums, with the average annual premium rising by 14%, equating to an additional $343. This surge has placed a significant financial burden on many households, prompting concerns about the affordability and accessibility of essential insurance coverage. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Under Fire for Steep Premium Increases Amid Record Profits Sun, 11 Jan: In recent times, Australian insurers have come under intense scrutiny for implementing substantial premium increases, with some homeowners experiencing hikes of up to 600%. This trend has sparked widespread concern among consumers and advocacy groups, especially in light of the industry's record profits. - read more
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| ASIC Initiates Legal Proceedings Against Australian Super for Claim Delays Sat, 10 Jan: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated legal action against Australian Super, the nation's largest superannuation fund, alleging significant delays in processing nearly 7,000 death benefit claims. These delays, some extending up to four years, have raised serious concerns about the efficiency and fairness of the fund's claims handling processes. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Face Challenges in Risk Preparedness Sat, 10 Jan: Recent findings from PwC's Insurance Banana Skins Survey indicate that Australian insurers are trailing behind their global counterparts in preparedness for emerging risks, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). - read more
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| Insurance News to Host Third Annual Conference in Sydney Sat, 10 Jan: Insurance News has announced its third annual conference, scheduled to take place in Sydney on March 19, 2026. This full-day event aims to provide attendees with comprehensive insights into current market trends, industry pressures, and emerging opportunities within the insurance sector. - read more
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| Rising Home Insurance Costs Amid Climate Change Concerns Sat, 10 Jan: Australians are facing escalating home insurance premiums, with climate change playing a significant role in this upward trend. Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has highlighted that the increasing frequency and severity of weather events are contributing to higher costs for homeowners. - read more
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| Australian Banks Predict Interest Rate Increases in 2026 Fri, 09 Jan: As 2026 approaches, Australia's major banks have released forecasts indicating potential interest rate hikes, sparking concerns about a renewed cost of living crisis. The 'big four' banks—Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank (NAB), Westpac, and ANZ—have dismissed the likelihood of rate cuts in the coming year, with some predicting increases as early as February. - read more
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| Wisr's New Secured Motorbike Loans: A Game-Changer for Australian Riders Fri, 09 Jan: Australian fintech lender Wisr has expanded its product range by introducing secured motorbike loans, aiming to cater to the growing demand for flexible vehicle financing options among Australian riders. This strategic move allows customers to use their motorbikes as collateral, potentially accessing more favourable interest rates compared to unsecured loans. - read more
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| MotorCycle Holdings Achieves Record-Breaking Revenue in FY2025 Fri, 09 Jan: MotorCycle Holdings Limited, Australia's largest motorcycle retailer, has reported a record sales revenue of $650 million for the financial year 2025, marking an 11.6% increase from the previous year. This achievement underscores the company's strategic initiatives and resilience in a challenging market. - read more
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| KTM's €600 Million Lifeline: A New Chapter for the Austrian Motorcycle Giant Fri, 09 Jan: Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM AG has successfully secured €600 million in funding, enabling the company to fulfill its debt obligations and complete its restructuring plan. 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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| Non-Bank Lenders Capture 26% of SME Loan Market Fri, 09 Jan: In recent years, non-bank lenders have significantly increased their presence in the Australian small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) financing sector. As of early 2025, these lenders account for 26% of smaller loans to SMEs, marking a notable shift in the financial landscape. - read more
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| Australian SMEs Navigate Cashflow Struggles Amid Cost Increases Fri, 09 Jan: Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are currently grappling with significant cashflow challenges, primarily driven by rising operational costs. Factors such as increased wages, inflation, and higher interest rates have placed considerable strain on these businesses, affecting their financial stability and growth prospects. - read more
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| Rural Affinity and Munich Re Strengthen Agricultural Insurance in Australia Fri, 09 Jan: In a significant development for Australia's agricultural sector, Rural Affinity has renewed its partnership with Munich Re Specialty – Global Markets under a new five-year agreement. This collaboration, which began in 2006, is set to enhance the availability and scope of agricultural insurance products across the country. - read more
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| WFI Insurance Highlights Significant Drop in Farm Liability Claims Fri, 09 Jan: WFI Insurance has reported a notable decrease in farm liability claims across most categories, signaling a positive trend in safety practices within the Australian agricultural sector. The insurer observed a 75% reduction in falls from height over the past year, alongside a 30% decline in impact injuries, marking the lowest level in four years. - read more
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| Elders Insurance Highlights Increased Summer Storm Risks for Farmers Fri, 09 Jan: Elders Insurance is urging Australian farmers to prepare for another damaging summer, with claims data revealing the scale and financial impact of storm activity across the country's agricultural regions. Analysis of storm-related farm insurance property claims over the last two years indicates that summer accounts for the highest number of claims nationally. - read more
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| Westpac's Bold Move: Prioritising Business Lending in New Strategy Fri, 09 Jan: Westpac Banking Corporation is undertaking a significant transformation, focusing on expanding its business lending capabilities to better serve Australia's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This strategic shift involves replacing traditional in-branch tellers with dedicated bankers specialising in home and business lending, aiming to provide more personalised and efficient services to business clients. - read more
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| LMG's Asset Finance Exchange Hits $80 Million Milestone in First Year Fri, 09 Jan: Loan Market Group's (LMG) Asset Finance Exchange (AFX) has achieved a significant milestone, reporting approximately $80 million in settlements within its inaugural year. This accomplishment underscores the increasing demand for asset finance solutions among Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). - read more
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| ASIC Advocates for Higher Standards in Private Lending Industry Fri, 09 Jan: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued a call for the private lending sector to elevate its standards, aiming to align more closely with established banking practices. This initiative follows a comprehensive review that revealed inconsistencies in reporting, opaque fee structures, and inadequate risk disclosures within the industry. - read more
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