No Credit Check :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Banks Under Scrutiny: Transparency and Fairness in the Spotlight

Banks Under Scrutiny: Transparency and Fairness in the Spotlight

Banks Under Scrutiny: Transparency and Fairness in the Spotlight?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The Treasurer has made a strong call for transparency as executives from Australia's leading banks gear up for a rigorous parliamentary inquiry.

This week, Matt Comyn, CEO of Commonwealth Bank, and Peter King, CEO of Westpac, will testify before a House of Representatives committee examining the practices of Australia’s prominent financial institutions. With these major banks comprising 80% of the country's banking sector, all eyes are on them.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers emphasized the need for banks to handle their customers fairly, especially in light of the recent tumultuous period of interest rate fluctuations.

"Now, more than ever, banks must prioritize fair treatment of their customers. Increased transparency is crucial," Chalmers stated in an interview on ABC Radio. He further elaborated, "This inquiry presents an opportunity for the banks to explain how they are supporting customers affected by the recent interest rate hikes."

In response, Dr. Michele Bullock, Governor of the Reserve Bank, has firmly stated that no interest rate cuts are likely this year, sustaining the official cash rate at 4.35% since November 2023. Despite these official notes, the divergence in economic forecasts among major banks and economists continues to stir debate.

Committee chair and Labor MP Daniel Mulino pointed out that understanding the rationale behind the banks' interest rate decisions is a primary focus. "The Reserve Bank Governor indicated it is premature to discuss rate cuts while major banks foresee an easing cycle soon. We aim to decode these differing assessments," said Mulino.

Chalmers acknowledged these economic forecast discrepancies, "Economists have varied opinions on the future economic path. Just earlier this year, some predicted several rate hikes, none of which have occurred since last November."

In addition to interest rates, the parliamentary inquiry will also delve into how banks handle financial scams. Last year alone, Australians suffered losses amounting to $2.7 billion from scams, many of which originated on social media platforms.

"While banks aren't the only entities that need to address this situation, they play a significant role. Many customers demand enhanced protection from scams, especially those most vulnerable," Mulino added.

The two-day hearing will commence with testimonies from Commonwealth Bank and Westpac executives on Thursday, and NAB and ANZ executives will follow on Friday.

Referenced from an original article published by AAP.

Published:Thursday, 29th Aug 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Japanese Banks Drive Growth in Australian Business Lending
Japanese Banks Drive Growth in Australian Business Lending
14 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
In July 2025, Japanese banking giants Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) emerged as significant growth drivers in Australia's business lending sector. SMBC recorded a 4.66% increase in their business loan book, adding A$1.19 billion, while MUFG achieved a 3.63% expansion, contributing an additional A$0.62 billion. - read more
AFIA Unveils New Code to Elevate Non-Bank Lending Standards
AFIA Unveils New Code to Elevate Non-Bank Lending Standards
06 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) has recently introduced its Finance Industry Code of Practice, marking a significant advancement in the non-bank lending and specialist banking sectors. This pioneering initiative aims to establish a new standard for integrity, transparency, and fairness within the industry. - read more
Australia's Housing Boom: A Golden Opportunity for Mortgage Brokers
Australia's Housing Boom: A Golden Opportunity for Mortgage Brokers
06 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
Australia is currently experiencing a housing 'super cycle,' characterised by a substantial increase in demand for new homes. This surge is driven by a chronic undersupply of housing, demographic shifts, and evolving lifestyle preferences. For mortgage brokers, this trend presents a unique opportunity to expand their client base and services. Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check! - read more
Moneytech and Xero Collaboration Simplifies Financing for Australian SMEs
Moneytech and Xero Collaboration Simplifies Financing for Australian SMEs
06 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
Australian non-bank lender Moneytech has announced a strategic integration with Xero, the global small business accounting platform. This partnership aims to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a more efficient and streamlined process for accessing working capital. - read more
RBA Weighs Additional Rate Cuts in Response to Economic Indicators
RBA Weighs Additional Rate Cuts in Response to Economic Indicators
29 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is currently assessing whether further reductions in interest rates are necessary, following recent economic data indicating increased consumer spending and persistent inflation in certain sectors. This evaluation comes after the RBA's decision to hold the cash rate steady at 3.60% in September, subsequent to three cuts earlier in the year. - read more
Federal Court Halts Cigno Australia's Unlicensed Lending Operations
Federal Court Halts Cigno Australia's Unlicensed Lending Operations
29 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Federal Court of Australia has issued permanent injunctions against Cigno Australia Pty Ltd and BSF Solutions Pty Ltd, preventing them from engaging in unlicensed credit activities and charging prohibited fees. This ruling follows findings that, between July 2022 and October 2023, the companies provided loans totaling $34 million to over 100,000 consumers, while charging fees exceeding $70 million, all without holding an Australian Credit Licence. - read more
Investment Boom in Battery Storage as Australia Accelerates Renewable Energy Goals
Investment Boom in Battery Storage as Australia Accelerates Renewable Energy Goals
29 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
Australia is experiencing a surge in investments in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) as the nation aggressively pursues its goal of achieving 82% renewable energy by 2030. This transition, driven by rapid expansion of solar and wind infrastructure and the closure of coal plants, has created a growing demand for flexible energy storage solutions. - read more
Surge in Investor Lending Pushes Australian Mortgages to Eight-Year Peak
Surge in Investor Lending Pushes Australian Mortgages to Eight-Year Peak
21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent data reveals a significant resurgence in property investor activity within Australia's mortgage market. In the three months leading up to June 2025, investor loans accounted for 38% of new mortgages, marking the highest proportion since 2017. This uptick translates to nearly 50,000 loans valued at approximately $33 billion. - read more
RBA's October 2025 Review Affirms Australia's Financial System Resilience
RBA's October 2025 Review Affirms Australia's Financial System Resilience
21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released its October 2025 Financial Stability Review, providing a comprehensive assessment of the nation's financial health. The report concludes that Australia's financial system remains well-positioned to navigate the current global economic uncertainties. - read more
ANZ Bank Announces Significant Workforce Reduction by 2026
ANZ Bank Announces Significant Workforce Reduction by 2026
13 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
In a strategic move to streamline operations, ANZ Bank has announced plans to reduce its workforce by 3,500 employees by September 2026. This decision is part of the bank's broader initiative to enhance operational efficiency and reduce redundancy within its organisational structure. - read more


Finance Articles

Navigating Financial Uncertainty: Tips for Managing Money Worries
Navigating Financial Uncertainty: Tips for Managing Money Worries
Financial stress is a common issue that affects a large portion of individuals, often due to unexpected expenses, unemployment, or a high cost of living. It can lead to both mental and emotional strain, influencing one's quality of life and decision-making abilities. Credit scores, a critical measurement of financial health, are used by lenders to evaluate the risk of lending money. - read more
Understanding Your Credit Footprint: Borrowing Strategies to Keep Your Score Intact
Understanding Your Credit Footprint: Borrowing Strategies to Keep Your Score Intact
Understanding the mechanics behind credit scores is pivotal for anyone navigating the intricate world of finance. A strong credit score does not only unlock the gates to a plethora of borrowing options but also secures favorable interest rates, which can save you a substantial amount of money over time. It acts as a financial passport, one that enables you to achieve milestones such as purchasing a home or car with ease. - read more
Steps to Take Immediately During a Financial Crisis: A Credit-Friendly Approach
Steps to Take Immediately During a Financial Crisis: A Credit-Friendly Approach
A financial crisis can come in many forms, such as a job loss, unexpected medical bills, or an economic downturn. These events can drastically alter your financial stability and may lead to financial distress. - read more
What to Do if You've Been Denied a Loan Due to Your Credit Score
What to Do if You've Been Denied a Loan Due to Your Credit Score
Your credit score is a critical number that plays a significant role in your financial life. It represents your creditworthiness, or in simpler terms, how reliable you are in repaying borrowed money. - read more
Savvy Spending: Innovative Budgeting Tips for Smooth Loan Repayments
Savvy Spending: Innovative Budgeting Tips for Smooth Loan Repayments
Managing personal finances judiciously becomes paramount when dealing with loans and their repayments. A potential obstacle many encounter is preserving or enhancing their credit score while simultaneously undertaking the necessary financial commitments of loan repayments. Understanding how to navigate this terrain is vital to financial health. - read more
Quick and Easy Tips to Boost Your Loan Approval Odds Without Affecting Credit
Quick and Easy Tips to Boost Your Loan Approval Odds Without Affecting Credit
Loan approval can often be a crucial milestone in achieving your financial goals. Whether you're looking to buy a home, pay for education, or consolidate debt, securing a loan can provide the financial boost you need to move forward. - read more
Top 5 Mistakes That Damage Your Credit Score and How to Avoid Them
Top 5 Mistakes That Damage Your Credit Score and How to Avoid Them
Maintaining a healthy credit score is crucial for anyone looking to secure their financial future. A good credit score can open doors to better loan rates, more favourable credit card terms, and even housing opportunities. It's something that impacts many major financial decisions you make in life. Without a solid score, you might end up paying more in interest and find it harder to get approval for the things you really need. - read more
How to Improve Your Financial Health and Secure Loans Effortlessly
How to Improve Your Financial Health and Secure Loans Effortlessly
Financial health refers to the state of one's personal financial situation. It encompasses a variety of factors, such as income stability, expenses control, savings, investments, and debt management. - read more
How to Use Loan Comparison Tools Effectively - A Guide for the Credit-Conscious
How to Use Loan Comparison Tools Effectively - A Guide for the Credit-Conscious
When it comes to securing a loan, the terms you agree to can have a lasting impact on your financial wellness. It's crucial to strike a balance between finding a loan that fits your needs and maintaining a healthy credit score. This delicate equilibrium is where loan comparison tools come into play, serving as navigational aids in the vast sea of credit options. - read more
The Importance of an Emergency Fund: A Guide for Families
The Importance of an Emergency Fund: A Guide for Families
Let's dive into the essential topic of emergency funds. An emergency fund is a stash of money set aside to cover the financial surprises life throws your way. These unexpected events can include sudden unplanned repairs, medical emergencies, or job loss. - read more


Need Help Finding a Loan?
Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check!
Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a specialist from our national broker referral panel. See our privacy statement for more details.

All finance quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Interest Rate Lock:
An agreement between a borrower and a lender that allows the borrower to lock in the interest rate on a mortgage for a specified time period.


Quick Links: | No Credit Check Loans | Personal Loans No Credit Check | Bad Credit Loans | Business Loans No Credit Check | Fast Cash Loans Australia | Unsecured Loans | Guaranteed Approval Loans | Short Term Loans | Emergency Loans | Same Day Loans