| APRA's New Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans Explained Mon, 02 Mar: 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 impose a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting such loans to 20% of new home lending. This measure applies to both owner-occupiers and investors, with an exemption for new housing developments. - read more
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| Australia's Household Debt: A Global Perspective Mon, 02 Mar: Recent data reveals that Australia's household debt has escalated to 182% of disposable income, positioning the nation as having the second-highest household debt globally. This significant figure underscores the growing reliance on borrowing among Australian households, particularly in the realm of mortgage lending. - read more
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| RBA's Advisory on Prudent Lending in a Changing Economic Landscape Mon, 02 Mar: The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has issued a cautionary note to financial institutions, advising them to maintain prudent lending practices despite improvements in borrower financial health. Recent data indicates that the proportion of mortgage holders spending more than they earn has decreased to approximately 3%, down from 5% in mid-2024. This improvement is attributed to factors such as tax cuts and easing inflation. - read more
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| CEFC and Hyundai Capital Collaborate to Make EV Loans More Affordable Mon, 02 Mar: The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has announced a significant partnership with Hyundai Capital Australia (HCAU), committing up to $60 million to make electric vehicle (EV) ownership more accessible for Australians. This initiative is designed to reduce the upfront costs associated with purchasing EVs, thereby encouraging more households and small businesses to transition to cleaner transportation options. - read more
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| ASIC's Investigation Highlights Concerns in Car Finance Practices Mon, 02 Mar: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has conducted a comprehensive review of the nation's motor vehicle finance sector, uncovering significant issues that raise concerns about consumer protection and lending practices. - read more
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| IMB Bank Recognised as Australia's Leading Personal Loan Provider Mon, 02 Mar: IMB Bank has been honoured as Australia's Best Personal Loan Lender for 2026, marking the second consecutive year it has received this prestigious accolade from Mozo's Experts Choice Awards. This recognition underscores IMB Bank's commitment to providing competitive and consumer-friendly loan products. - read more
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| Understanding the 4.41% Increase in Private Health Insurance Premiums for 2026 Mon, 02 Mar: Australian private health insurance premiums are set to rise by an average of 4.41% from 1 April 2026, marking the most significant increase since 2017. Health Minister Mark Butler stated that this adjustment reflects the escalating costs of medical and hospital services, which have risen by 5% over the past financial year. This increase is expected to impact over 15 million Australians who hold private health insurance policies. - read more
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| Australian Medical Association Report Reveals Erosion of Value in Private Health Insurance Mon, 02 Mar: The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has released its latest Private Health Insurance Report Card, highlighting a concerning trend where Australians are paying higher premiums for private health insurance while receiving diminished value in return. The report indicates that nearly 70% of policies now contain exclusions, limiting the coverage available to policyholders. - read more
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| Private Health Insurers Refund $4.8 Billion in COVID-19 Windfall to Australian Policyholders Mon, 02 Mar: Private health insurers in Australia have returned nearly $4.8 billion to policyholders, fulfilling their commitment not to profit from reduced healthcare service utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic. The widespread cancellation of elective surgeries and other medical appointments during lockdowns led to significant savings for insurers, who have now redistributed these funds to their customers. - read more
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| AUSactive's New Insurance Offering: Enhanced Protection at Lower Costs Mon, 02 Mar: AUSactive has unveiled a new insurance solution designed specifically for fitness and active health professionals. This initiative aims to provide enhanced protection while offering lower premiums compared to existing market options. - read more
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| Health Insurance Reforms: Inclusion of Natural Therapies from 2026 Mon, 02 Mar: In a significant policy shift, Australian health insurers will begin offering rebates for a range of natural therapies, including Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Shiatsu, Naturopathy, Western herbal medicine, and the Alexander Technique, starting early 2026. This change follows legislative amendments allowing these therapies to be covered under private health insurance for the treatment of health conditions or as part of health management programs. - read more
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| AIA Australia's New Insurance Portal: Revolutionising Claims Processing Mon, 02 Mar: AIA Australia has unveiled its cutting-edge Member Insurance Portal, designed to streamline the insurance experience for group insurance customers. This digital innovation focuses on optimising the claims process, providing members with the ability to track their claims throughout the entire lifecycle, thereby ensuring transparency and simplicity during potentially challenging times. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Achieve Record Profits Amid Rising Premiums Mon, 02 Mar: 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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| Choice Report Reveals Significant Hikes in Home Insurance Premiums Mon, 02 Mar: Consumer advocacy group Choice has released a report indicating that average home insurance premiums in Australia have increased by 16% over the past year. Notably, insurers such as Kogan, RAC, and Honey have raised their rates by more than 30%, prompting concerns about affordability and transparency within the industry. - read more
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| Rising Home Insurance Costs Threaten Affordability in High-Risk Australian Regions Mon, 02 Mar: Recent reports indicate that certain regions in Australia are experiencing significant increases in home insurance premiums, with some areas at risk of becoming uninsurable. This trend is largely driven by the heightened frequency and severity of natural disasters, such as floods and bushfires, which have led insurers to reassess risk and adjust premiums accordingly. - read more
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| Growing Demand for Latent Defects Insurance in Australian Construction Mon, 02 Mar: Australia's construction industry is witnessing a significant shift towards latent defects insurance (LDI), a trend gaining momentum as New South Wales (NSW) approaches its 2028 deadline to mandate LDI for residential projects. This move underscores the sector's commitment to enhancing structural integrity and homeowner protection. - read more
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| How Rising Construction Costs Are Affecting Insurance Claims in Australia Mon, 02 Mar: Australia's construction sector is grappling with significant cost escalations, which are having a direct impact on insurance claims and repair timelines. According to a recent report by Crawford & Company, various factors are contributing to this trend, including rising material prices, labour shortages, and an increase in builder insolvencies. - read more
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| ICA's Push for Reforms to Lower Insurance Costs and Strengthen Housing Resilience in Queensland Mon, 02 Mar: The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently submitted a series of recommendations to the Queensland Productivity Commission, aiming to reform the state's construction industry. These proposals are designed to reduce insurance costs and bolster housing resilience, addressing both economic efficiency and disaster preparedness. - read more
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| ASIC's Review Uncovers Risks in Private Lending Industry Sun, 01 Mar: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently conducted a comprehensive review of the private lending sector, revealing significant inconsistencies and potential risks. This scrutiny comes in response to the sector's rapid expansion, with private credit extending approximately $200 billion in loans, primarily to high-risk real estate developers and property investors. - read more
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| Record Surge in Investor Lending Raises Regulatory Concerns Sun, 01 Mar: Recent data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) indicates a significant surge in investor lending, with new investment loans totaling $72 billion in the September quarter of 2025. This marks a 12% increase from the previous quarter, highlighting a robust appetite among investors for property acquisitions. - read more
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| Rising Consumer Credit Demand Reflects Economic Confidence Sun, 01 Mar: The latest Consumer Market Pulse report from Equifax for Q4 2025 reveals a notable increase in consumer credit demand across Australia. Mortgage enquiries have risen by 12.3% compared to the same period in the previous year, marking the most significant growth in mortgage demand observed since 2021. Additionally, personal loan demand has increased by 8.9% year-on-year. - read more
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| Navigating Australia's Economic Landscape in 2026 Sun, 01 Mar: As Australia steps into 2026, the economic landscape presents a complex interplay of inflationary pressures and potential interest rate adjustments. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for individuals and businesses aiming to make informed financial decisions. - read more
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| Record Surge in Financial Complaints Across Australia in 2025 Sun, 01 Mar: In 2025, Australia witnessed an unprecedented rise in financial complaints, with the financial watchdog receiving a record 111,373 grievances—a 14% increase from the previous year. This surge underscores growing consumer dissatisfaction and highlights systemic issues within the financial sector. - read more
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| NSW Government Calls for Caravan Suppliers to Aid Disaster Recovery Efforts Sun, 01 Mar: The New South Wales (NSW) Government has launched a proactive initiative to enhance disaster recovery efforts by establishing a panel of caravan suppliers. This program is designed to provide temporary accommodation for residents who have lost their homes due to natural disasters such as floods, bushfires, and storms. - read more
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| Sutherland Shire Council Evaluates Parking Restrictions for Caravans and Trailers Sun, 01 Mar: The Sutherland Shire Council in Sydney's south is considering implementing restrictions on the parking of caravans and trailers on suburban streets. This deliberation follows nearly 3,000 complaints from residents in 2025 regarding the prolonged parking of such vehicles, which has led to concerns over visual amenity, reduced sightlines, and safety risks. - read more
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| ASIC Calls for Improved Standards in Car Finance Lending Sun, 01 Mar: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has conducted a comprehensive review of the motor vehicle finance sector, uncovering significant concerns regarding lending practices. This examination has highlighted issues such as exorbitant establishment fees and a troubling rate of early loan defaults, raising questions about the adequacy of current lending standards. - read more
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| MONEYME's Strategic Move: $455 Million Boost for Autopay's Growth Sun, 01 Mar: In a significant development within Australia's auto finance sector, non-bank lender MONEYME has successfully priced a $455.4 million asset-backed securitisation (ABS) for its secured car loan product, Autopay. This transaction marks the company's second major auto bond deal, following a $517.5 million transaction earlier in the financial year, underscoring MONEYME's rapid expansion and growing influence in the market. - read more
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| Isuzu Australia Introduces Captive Finance and Leasing Company Sun, 01 Mar: Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has announced the establishment of its own finance and leasing company, Isuzu Financial Services Australia (IFSA), set to commence operations in the third quarter of 2026. This marks the first time the Isuzu Group has founded a leasing company outside Japan, highlighting the strategic importance of the Australian market. - read more
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| Australian Marine Industry Achieves Global Success Sun, 01 Mar: The Australian marine industry is experiencing a remarkable surge in global demand, with local manufacturers achieving unprecedented success on the international stage. This growth is exemplified by Riviera Marine's recent record-breaking shipment of vessels to the United States, underscoring the strength and appeal of Australian marine products worldwide. - read more
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| BIA's Strategic Vision for Australia's Marine Industry Sun, 01 Mar: The Boating Industry Association (BIA) is actively steering Australia's marine sector towards a future marked by growth, innovation, and enhanced workforce development. Recent strategic initiatives underscore the association's commitment to addressing current challenges and seizing emerging opportunities within the industry. - read more
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| Cure Marine Unveils the Cutting-Edge Cure 55 Catamaran Sun, 01 Mar: Based on the Sunshine Coast, Cure Marine has unveiled its latest innovation, the Cure 55 Catamaran, marking a significant milestone in Australian boat design and construction. Founded by Dave Biggar and Ian McMahon in 2022, Cure Marine has rapidly established itself as a leader in utilizing advanced composites technology to produce high-end sailing vessels. - read more
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| ATA Challenges Productivity Commission's Proposal to Double Truck Fuel Tax Sun, 01 Mar: The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has expressed strong opposition to the Productivity Commission's proposal to more than double the tax on truck fuel. The plan suggests phasing out fuel tax credits for trucking operators, effectively increasing the fuel tax rate from the current 32.4 cents per litre to 66.1 cents per litre by 2035. - read more
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| PERILS Revises Loss Estimate for November 2025 Storms in Queensland and NSW Sun, 01 Mar: In a recent update, catastrophe data provider PERILS has increased its insurance industry loss estimate for the severe convective storms that struck Queensland and New South Wales between November 21 and 27, 2025. The revised estimate now stands at AU$2.95 billion, marking an 11% rise from the initial figure of AU$2.663 billion released in January 2026. - read more
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| Federal Court Denies Truck Driver's Insurance Claim Against Superannuation Fund Sun, 01 Mar: In a recent legal decision, the Federal Court dismissed a truck driver's insurance claim against the Australian Retirement Trust. The case centred on whether the driver had active insurance coverage through his superannuation account, particularly concerning the 'dangerous occupation exception.' - read more
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