| Australian Mortgage Demand Surges Amidst Refinancing Boom Thu, 05 Feb: In July 2025, Australia witnessed a significant uptick in mortgage demand, marking a 6.4% increase compared to the same month in 2024. This surge is primarily driven by a notable rise in refinancing activities, which accounted for 36.2% of total mortgage enquiries during the period. - read more
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| Australian Business Lending Sees Robust Growth in June 2025 Thu, 05 Feb: In June 2025, Australia's non-financial business lending reached a record $1.14 trillion, reflecting a 9.2% increase compared to the same month in 2024. This growth rate nearly doubles that of housing credit, which expanded by 5.6% year-on-year, highlighting a renewed appetite for corporate borrowing. - read more
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| Australia's Mobile Wallet Payments Exceed $160 Billion in 2025 Thu, 05 Feb: In the year leading up to July 2025, Australians conducted over $160 billion in mobile wallet payments, marking a substantial shift towards digital banking. The Australian Banking Association's (ABA) 2025 'Bank on It' report reveals that the number of mobile wallet transactions surpassed four billion, outnumbering ATM withdrawals by more than eleven times. - read more
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| Australian Banks Tighten Trust Lending Policies in Response to Regulatory Oversight Thu, 05 Feb: In a significant shift within Australia's financial sector, major lenders Macquarie Bank and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) have recently implemented stricter policies regarding lending to trusts and companies. These changes are indicative of a broader industry response to regulatory concerns about systemic risks in housing finance. - read more
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| Japanese Banks Drive Significant Growth in Australian Business Lending Thu, 05 Feb: Australia's business lending landscape has experienced remarkable growth, with the top 10 authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) reaching a combined loan book of $925 billion as of July 2025. Notably, Japanese banking giants Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) have emerged as key contributors to this expansion. - read more
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| Steady Financial Performance of Australian Major Banks in FY25 Amidst Economic Uncertainty Thu, 05 Feb: Australia's major banks have demonstrated resilience in the face of economic uncertainty, reporting a combined profit after tax of $29.8 billion for the fiscal year 2025. This figure represents a marginal decrease of 0.5% compared to the previous year, indicating stability in the banking sector. - read more
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| Record-Breaking Occupancy Rates for Australian Caravan Holiday Parks Thu, 05 Feb: Australian caravan holiday parks have reported record-high occupancy rates in December 2025, underscoring the growing appeal of caravanning among Australians. This surge is attributed to successful promotional campaigns and an increasing desire for domestic travel experiences. - read more
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| Australian Used Car Market Ends 2025 on a Softer Note Thu, 05 Feb: The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), in collaboration with AutoGrab, has released the December 2025 Automotive Insights Report (AIR), revealing a significant downturn in the used car market as the year concluded. - read more
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| Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles Gain Momentum as Petrol Car Sales Decline in Australia Thu, 05 Feb: The Australian automotive market is witnessing a significant shift in consumer preferences, with plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) experiencing a remarkable surge in sales, while traditional petrol vehicle sales continue to decline. - read more
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| Marinex Underwriting Sets Sail in Australia's Marine Insurance Market Thu, 05 Feb: Australia's marine insurance landscape has welcomed a new player with the launch of Marinex Underwriting. This agency, backed by global specialty insurance distributor Amwins, is poised to offer tailored solutions to the complex needs of the Australian marine industry. - read more
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| Australian Marine Industry Surges to $229 Billion Economic Output Thu, 05 Feb: The Australian marine industry has achieved a remarkable economic milestone, reaching an output of $229 billion in 2023. This represents a 19% increase compared to two years prior, as reported by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). The surge is primarily attributed to the resurgence of domestic tourism and the expansion of the natural gas sector. - read more
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| Yamaha Maintains Leadership in Australian Marine Market Amidst Sea-Doo's Resurgence Thu, 05 Feb: Yamaha has successfully retained its position as Australia's most-searched marine brand heading into the 2025 summer season, capturing 8.4% of search share in the third quarter. This performance, as reported by Retain Media's Q3 2025 Marine Market Brand Consideration Report, reflects a modest 7.6% quarterly decline but remains consistent with its 8.3% result from Q4 2024. - read more
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| Australian Banks Raise Fixed Home Loan Rates in Anticipation of RBA Decision Wed, 04 Feb: In the lead-up to the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) first monetary policy meeting of 2026, major Australian banks have proactively increased their fixed home loan interest rates. This preemptive move reflects expectations of a potential cash rate hike by the RBA, aiming to curb persistent inflationary pressures. - read more
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| APRA Imposes New Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans Wed, 04 Feb: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at enhancing financial stability within the housing market. Effective February 1, 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. - read more
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| Australian Mortgage Market Reaches Record High Amidst Surging Property Prices Wed, 04 Feb: In November 2025, Australia's mortgage market achieved a new milestone, with the total value of residential mortgages reaching $2.41 trillion. This record-breaking figure reflects a 0.67% increase from the previous month and a 6.36% rise over the past year, as reported by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). - read more
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| BIA's 'Go Boating SA' Initiative Aims to Boost Safe Boating Practices Wed, 04 Feb: The Boating Industry Association (BIA) has recently unveiled the 'Go Boating SA' campaign, a strategic initiative designed to promote safe and enjoyable boating experiences across South Australia. This campaign underscores the BIA's commitment to enhancing the state's marine industry and fostering community engagement. - read more
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| Sydney Boat Show 2026: Bigger and Better at Sydney Olympic Park Wed, 04 Feb: The Sydney Boat Show is set to make a grand return in 2026, with plans to expand its exhibition at Sydney Olympic Park from July 30 to August 2. This development marks a significant evolution for the event, aiming to provide an enhanced experience for boating enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. - read more
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| BIA and AFTA Unite to Bolster Australia's Boating and Fishing Industries Wed, 04 Feb: In a significant move for Australia's outdoor recreation sector, the Boating Industry Association (BIA) and the Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) have formalised an agreement to collaborate more closely. This partnership is designed to benefit their combined membership base and bolster support for boat-based fishing across the nation. - read more
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| Australian Motorcycle Market Sees Modest Decline in 2025 Wed, 04 Feb: The Australian motorcycle market experienced a slight downturn in 2025, with total sales decreasing by 1.3% compared to the previous year. According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), 92,967 motorcycles and off-highway vehicles were sold throughout the year, reflecting ongoing economic pressures on discretionary spending. - read more
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| KTM AG Secures €600 Million to Fulfill Debt Obligations Wed, 04 Feb: In a pivotal development for the motorcycle industry, KTM AG has successfully secured €600 million in funding to address its debt obligations, marking a significant milestone in the company's ongoing financial restructuring efforts. This funding ensures KTM's ability to continue operations and reinforces its position in the global motorcycle market. - read more
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| Stark Future Achieves 77% Revenue Growth and Profitability in 2025 Wed, 04 Feb: Stark Future, the Barcelona-based electric motorcycle manufacturer, has reported a remarkable 77% year-on-year revenue growth, achieving €115 million in revenue for the 2025 financial year. This significant increase underscores the growing demand for electric motorcycles and Stark Future's expanding market presence. - read more
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| TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Policies Wed, 04 Feb: In a significant development for policyholders, TAL has expanded its Health Sense Plus program to encompass income protection (IP) policies. This initiative, effective from August 8, 2025, aims to incentivise proactive health management by offering premium discounts to clients who engage in preventative health checks. - read more
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| Surge in Mental Health Claims Puts Pressure on Australia's Insurance Industry Wed, 04 Feb: Australia's insurance sector is facing unprecedented challenges as mental health conditions have become the leading cause of total and permanent disability (TPD) claims. Recent data from the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) reveals that mental health issues now account for nearly one-third of all TPD claims paid out. - read more
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| Rest Super Faces Class Action Over Alleged Wrongful Deduction of Income Protection Premiums Wed, 04 Feb: Shine Lawyers has initiated class action proceedings in the Federal Court against Rest Superannuation, alleging that the fund wrongfully deducted income protection premiums from members' accounts between December 2008 and June 2019. The lawsuit claims that up to 500,000 Rest members may have been affected by these deductions. - read more
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| Marine Skippers Insurance Expands to International Waters Wed, 04 Feb: Marine Skippers Insurance has recently unveiled a new international coverage plan tailored for captains navigating vessels to and from Australia. This development is particularly timely, coinciding with preparations for the upcoming Sydney to Hobart yacht race. - read more
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| NM Insurance and Zurich Forge Long-Term Partnership Wed, 04 Feb: NM Insurance has solidified its position in the marine insurance sector by entering into a five-year agreement with capacity provider Zurich. This strategic partnership is set to bolster NM Insurance's growth trajectory and instill greater confidence among brokers. - read more
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| Quay Marine Insurance and XL Insurance Join Forces Wed, 04 Feb: Quay Marine Insurance has announced a strategic partnership with XL Insurance, a subsidiary of Axa XL, to provide enhanced coverage for various marine insurance products. This collaboration marks a significant step in offering expanded capacity and risk solutions to clients. - read more
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| IAG CEO Predicts Ongoing Insurance Premium Rises Amid Easing Inflation Wed, 04 Feb: Australians should brace for continued increases in insurance premiums, albeit at a moderated pace, according to Nick Hawkins, CEO of Insurance Australia Group (IAG). The company recently reported a significant 91% rise in net profit for the first half of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, reaching $778 million. This surge is largely attributed to favourable weather conditions and a reduction in claims. ([abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-14/iag-ceo-nick-hawkins-warns-of-further-premium-increases/104931074?utm_source=openai)) - read more
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| Climate Change's Impact on Rising Home Insurance Premiums in Australia Wed, 04 Feb: Insurance Australia Group (IAG), a leading insurer in Australia, has highlighted the significant role of climate change in driving up home insurance premiums. The company reports that the increasing frequency and severity of weather events are major factors contributing to these rising costs. ([abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-04/climate-change-plays-role-in-growing-home-insurance-iag-warns/105964560?utm_source=openai)) - read more
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| Australian Insurers Integrate AI Innovations to Transform Services Wed, 04 Feb: Insurance companies across Australia and New Zealand are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to drive digital transformation and enhance service delivery. This strategic shift aims to improve efficiency, customer interactions, and risk management practices. ([newshub.medianet.com.au](https://newshub.medianet.com.au/2025/01/insurers-embrace-ai-innovations-in-australia-new-zealand/84215/?utm_source=openai)) - read more
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| Australian Insurers Achieve Record Profits Amid Rising Premiums Wed, 04 Feb: In 2024, Australia's insurance industry reported an after-tax profit of $6.1 billion, a figure that is three times higher than the five-year average of $2 billion. This substantial increase is attributed to significant premium hikes and a relatively benign year for natural disasters. - read more
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| Calls for Greater Transparency as Insurance Premiums Soar Wed, 04 Feb: Australian homeowners are facing significant increases in insurance premiums, with some reporting hikes of up to 600% over the past year. This trend has prompted consumer advocacy groups to call for greater transparency from insurers regarding the factors driving these substantial increases. - read more
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| Rising Insurance Costs in NT Challenge Cyclone Reinsurance Efforts Wed, 04 Feb: Homeowners in the Northern Territory are experiencing significant increases in insurance premiums, despite the federal government's establishment of a cyclone reinsurance pool in 2022 aimed at reducing costs in cyclone-prone areas. - read more
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| Australian Food Super Implements Age-Based Insurance Premium Structure Tue, 03 Feb: Australian Food Super has announced a transition to age-based pricing for its insurance offerings, a move that will see premium costs vary according to members' age brackets. Effective November 1, 2025, this change aims to align insurance costs more closely with the risk profiles associated with different age groups. - read more
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| Australian Life and Income Protection Insurance Premiums Experience Notable Decline Tue, 03 Feb: Recent research from Rainmaker Information indicates a significant decrease in life and income protection insurance premiums across Australia. Direct life premiums have fallen by 7% since 2024, while direct income protection premiums have seen reductions of 12% and 13% for policies with 30-day and 90-day waiting periods, respectively. - read more
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| Global Insurtech Funding Sees Significant Decline Amid AI Surge Tue, 03 Feb: The global insurtech sector experienced a notable downturn in funding during the fourth quarter of 2024, with total investments halving to $US688.24 million compared to the previous quarter. This decline marks the lowest annual funding level since 2018, according to data from Gallagher Re. - read more
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| Australian Insurance Industry Set for Significant Growth Amid Rising Natural Disasters Tue, 03 Feb: The Australian general insurance industry is on a trajectory for substantial growth, with direct written premiums (DWP) projected to exceed $144 billion by 2029. This forecast, provided by data and analytics firm GlobalData, reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) driven by increasing demand for coverage in response to the rising frequency of natural disasters. - read more
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| ASIC Calls for Urgent Improvements in Insurers' Complaints Handling Processes Tue, 03 Feb: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has identified significant deficiencies in the complaints handling processes of several insurers, prompting calls for immediate improvements. A recent review revealed that insurers failed to recognize one in six customer complaints, neglected to identify systemic issues, and frequently missed communication deadlines. - read more
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| ASIC Identifies Major Gaps in Insurers' Complaint Handling Processes Tue, 03 Feb: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently conducted a comprehensive review of insurers' complaint handling processes, uncovering significant deficiencies that require immediate attention. The findings indicate that insurers are failing to meet their regulatory obligations, leading to potential customer dissatisfaction and trust issues within the industry. - read more
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| First-Home Buyers Navigate Record-Low Affordability to Achieve Homeownership Tue, 03 Feb: Australia's housing affordability has reached unprecedented lows, with typical first-home buying households able to afford only 17% of properties sold last year. This stark reality is primarily due to the surge in mortgage rates between 2022 and 2023, which has significantly impacted purchasing power. - read more
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| Surge in First-Home Buyer Guarantees Reflects Growing Demand Tue, 03 Feb: In October 2025, the Australian housing market witnessed a significant uptick in first-home buyer activity, with 5,778 guarantees issued under the expanded 5% Deposit Scheme. This marks a 48% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, indicating a robust response to the government's initiative aimed at facilitating homeownership for first-time buyers. - read more
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| New Builds Gain Popularity Among First-Home Buyers Facing Market Pressures Tue, 03 Feb: In response to recent interest rate cuts and escalating property prices, Australian first-home buyers are increasingly turning to new builds as a viable pathway to homeownership. The Reserve Bank's decision to lower the cash rate to 3.85%—the lowest in over two years—has enhanced borrowing capacity, yet it has also intensified competition in the housing market. - read more
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| BlackRock's iShares S&P/ASX 20 ETF Tops 2026 Rankings Mon, 02 Feb: Investors seeking exposure to Australia's leading companies have a standout option in 2026. BlackRock's iShares S&P/ASX 20 ETF has been recognised as the Best Australian Shares Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) by Money magazine's 2026 Best of the Best awards. - read more
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| 2026 Property Market Outlook: States Set for Significant Growth Mon, 02 Feb: As Australia enters 2026, the property market continues to exhibit resilience, with certain states poised for notable growth. Recent research from property analytics firm Cotality indicates that 87% of surveyed real estate and finance professionals anticipate home prices to rise over the year, with nearly half expecting growth exceeding 5%. - read more
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| Navigating Australia's Financial Reforms in 2026 Mon, 02 Feb: As 2026 unfolds, Australians are set to experience several significant financial reforms that will impact various aspects of their personal and business finances. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for effective financial planning and decision-making. - read more
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| KTM AG Secures Major Funding to Finalize Restructuring Plan Mon, 02 Feb: 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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| WFI Insurance and Rural Aid Join Forces to Assist Farmers in Crisis Mon, 02 Feb: In a significant move to bolster support for Australia's agricultural sector, WFI Insurance has announced a formal partnership with Rural Aid, a leading rural relief charity. This collaboration is set to provide much-needed assistance to farmers and rural communities affected by recent natural disasters, including the devastating bushfires in Victoria and severe weather events in Queensland. - read more
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| Elders Insurance Warns Farmers of Escalating Summer Storm Threats Mon, 02 Feb: As the Australian summer approaches, Elders Insurance is calling on farmers to brace for an anticipated increase in storm-related damages. Recent claims data reveals a concerning trend, with summer months accounting for nearly half of all storm-related farm insurance property claims over the past two years. - read more
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| APRA's New Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans: What Borrowers Need to Know Mon, 02 Feb: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will implement 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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| Japanese Banks SMBC and MUFG Drive Growth in Australian Business Lending Mon, 02 Feb: In a notable shift within Australia's financial sector, Japanese banking giants Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) have emerged as key drivers of growth in business lending. As of July 2025, business lending volumes across Australia's top 10 authorized deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) reached A$925 billion, with SMBC and MUFG leading the expansion. - read more
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| LMG's Asset Finance Exchange Hits $80 Million Milestone in First Year Mon, 02 Feb: 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). Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check! - read more
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| MitchCap and BIA Collaborate to Boost Financial Literacy in Marine Industry Mon, 02 Feb: The Boating Industry Association (BIA) and MitchCap have announced a strategic partnership to launch a three-year Industry Financial Skills and Awareness Program aimed at enhancing financial literacy within Australia's marine sector. This initiative is set to provide BIA members nationwide with valuable knowledge, data analytics, and commercial resources to bolster their financial acumen. - read more
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| BIA and AFTA Forge Partnership to Strengthen Boating and Fishing Sectors Mon, 02 Feb: In a significant move for Australia's outdoor recreation sector, the Boating Industry Association (BIA) and the Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) have formalized an agreement to collaborate more closely. This partnership is designed to benefit their combined membership base and bolster support for boat-based fishing across the nation. - read more
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| Westpac's Bold Move to Strengthen Business Lending Mon, 02 Feb: In a significant strategic shift, Westpac Banking Corporation is intensifying its focus on business lending by restructuring its branch operations and investing heavily in digital platforms. This move aims to enhance support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Australia. - read more
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| AFCA Cautions SMEs on Unregulated Lending Practices Mon, 02 Feb: The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has issued a cautionary advisory to small businesses regarding the potential risks associated with engaging lenders who are not members of AFCA. This warning comes in response to a noticeable increase in complaints from SMEs about lenders operating outside the regulatory framework. - read more
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| SMEs Seek Financing Solutions Ahead of ATO Debt Rule Changes Mon, 02 Feb: Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are proactively seeking financing solutions in response to impending changes in Australian Taxation Office (ATO) debt regulations. Effective July 1, general interest charges (GIC) and shortfall interest charges (SIC) on tax debts will no longer be tax-deductible, prompting a significant uptick in loan inquiries from businesses aiming to manage their tax obligations efficiently. - read more
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| Australian Banks Predict Interest Rate Increases in 2026 Mon, 02 Feb: As Australians continue to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape, recent forecasts from the nation's major banks have sparked concerns about potential interest rate hikes in 2026. This development could have significant implications for household budgets and overall financial planning. - read more
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| Australian Share Market Experiences Significant Decline Mon, 02 Feb: In a recent development that has sent ripples through the financial community, the Australian share market experienced a substantial decline, erasing nearly $60 billion in value. This downturn has left investors grappling with widespread losses and seeking to understand the underlying causes. - read more
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| Monadelphous Achieves Significant Profit Growth Amidst Construction Surge Mon, 02 Feb: Monadelphous, a prominent Australian engineering group, has reported a substantial 34.6% increase in profit for the 2025 financial year. This impressive growth is largely attributed to robust construction activity and heightened demand within the energy sector. - read more
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| Australian Property Prices Set to Reach New Highs in 2026 Mon, 02 Feb: As we move into 2026, the Australian property market is poised for further growth, with analysts forecasting that median house prices will surpass $1 million nationally. This projection signals ongoing challenges for first-time home buyers aiming to enter the market. - read more
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| Adelaide's Property Market Set for Significant Growth in 2026 Mon, 02 Feb: Adelaide's property market is on track to experience substantial growth in 2026, with forecasts indicating that median house prices could rise by up to 18%. This anticipated surge positions Adelaide as a standout performer in the national real estate landscape. - read more
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| AFCA Observes Significant Increase in General Insurance Complaints Sun, 01 Feb: The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has reported a 17% increase in general insurance complaints for the year ending June 30, 2025, totalling 34,231 cases. This uptick is primarily attributed to issues surrounding add-on covers and delays in motor vehicle insurance claims. - read more
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| APRA's Findings: Stability in PI Claims and Decreasing Premiums Sun, 01 Feb: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest National Claims and Policies Database, providing valuable insights into the professional indemnity (PI) insurance sector for the 2022 underwriting year. The data indicates that PI claims payments for non-facility business remained relatively stable at $1.111 billion, a slight increase from $1.109 billion in the previous year. - read more
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| Upcover's New Insurance Solutions for Australian Nurses Sun, 01 Feb: Sydney-based insurtech company Upcover has unveiled a new professional indemnity and public liability insurance product tailored specifically for nurses across Australia. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive coverage that meets the unique needs of nursing professionals, including nurse practitioners, in-patient nurses, doulas, and nursing students. - read more
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| Rising Strata Insurance Costs in the Northern Territory Sun, 01 Feb: Homeowners in the Northern Territory are experiencing significant increases in strata insurance premiums, despite the federal government's cyclone reinsurance pool, established in 2022 to mitigate such costs. This development raises concerns about the effectiveness of the pool and the broader implications for property owners in cyclone-prone regions. - read more
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| Insurance Capacity Constraints Impacting High-End Strata Properties Sun, 01 Feb: High-end strata properties in Australia are facing significant challenges in securing adequate insurance coverage, as the market grapples with capacity constraints. This issue is particularly pronounced for buildings with property values exceeding $300 million, where limited insurer participation is leading to coverage shortfalls and increased premiums. - read more
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| Strata Industry Advances Towards Phasing Out Insurance Commissions Sun, 01 Feb: The strata management sector in Australia is witnessing a significant shift towards eliminating insurance commissions, a move aimed at enhancing transparency and building trust between strata managers and property owners. This reform is gaining traction, with New South Wales leading the initiative. - read more
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