ANZ Settles $85 Million Dispute in Car Loan Commission Case
ANZ Settles $85 Million Dispute in Car Loan Commission Case
1
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.
A significant settlement has been reached by financial powerhouse ANZ, totaling $85 million, concerning practices in its former car financing division.
The settlement puts an end to allegations surrounding ANZ's controversial loan commission strategy, which purportedly exploited consumers purchasing vehicles.
Bringing this issue to light, prominent law firm Maurice Blackburn Lawyers had initiated multiple class actions, implicating financial institutions including ANZ, Westpac, St George Finance, and Macquarie Leasing. The accusations centered on the employment of "flex commission" systems, which the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) prohibited in November 2018.
In essence, flex commissions permitted car dealerships to control the interest rates and terms of the vehicle loans they arranged. According to Maurice Blackburn, these provisions incentivized dealerships to inflate interest rates and prolong loan durations to secure more substantial commissions from banks.
"In our role as representatives of the affected group members, we contend that these commissions were not only unfair but also unlawful, leading consumers to incur inflated loan interest costs," reads a statement on Maurice Blackburn's website. "Compensation and other forms of redress are sought for those adversely impacted."
Rebecca Gilsenan, the national head of class actions at Maurice Blackburn, hailed the ANZ settlement as a transformative outcome for impacted customers. "This result represents a crucial victory for borrowers who were left paying undue amounts on their car loans," Gilsenan announced on Friday.
Gilsenan emphasized the expectation of borrowers that dealers, distinct from lenders, should provide the most competitive loan rates. She noted the positive rectification by ANZ as they accorded fairness to their past customers.
This outcome, originating from a report by NewsWire, signals the end of a lengthy legal confrontation for ANZ, occurring alongside forthcoming proceedings involving Westpac and St George Finance and Macquarie Leasing at the Victorian Supreme Court, scheduled to resume late October.
Despite agreeing to the settlement, ANZ clarified that it does not admit liability within any of the cases it resolved. "The Esanda class action concerned flex commissions applied to Esanda car loans arranged by dealers from 2011 till the end of March 2016," mentioned a statement from ANZ. Notably, the bank divested its Esanda Dealer Finance holdings in 2016, showcasing its departure from this business model.
Further, ANZ disclosed a $14 million settlement concerning another legal issue related to superannuation fund investments through its formerly owned entities, OnePath Custodians and OnePath Life.
Conclusively, the described settlements require approval from the court, maintaining ANZ's consistent stance of no liability affirmation. Responses from Westpac and Macquarie Bank remain awaited.
Published:Sunday, 6th Oct 2024 Source: Paige Estritori
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
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 portfolios. This measure is designed to address concerns over escalating property prices and the potential for financial instability. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has raised significant concerns regarding the private lending sector, emphasising the need for enhanced transparency and adherence to best practices. This scrutiny comes in response to the sector's rapid growth and its increasing role in the financial market. Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check! - read more
In the evolving landscape of Australia's financial sector, non-bank lenders are experiencing a surge in popularity among borrowers seeking more flexible loan terms. This trend is particularly notable among individuals who may not meet the stringent criteria set by traditional banks. Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check! - read more
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change to address emerging 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 portfolios. This proactive measure aims to curb potential financial instability arising from escalating property prices and increased credit growth. - read more
In response to emerging regulatory concerns, two of Australia's major lenders, Macquarie Bank and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), have introduced new restrictions on lending to trusts and companies. - read more
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 portfolios. This measure is designed to address concerns over escalating property prices and the potential for financial instability. - read more
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest lender, has voiced concerns over the current surge in home loan demand, suggesting it may be contributing to escalating property prices and potential financial instability. CEO Matt Comyn emphasized that while the bank benefits from increased housing credit, a more moderate growth rate would better support long-term financial stability and housing market accessibility. - read more
Australia's 'Big Four' banks-Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), National Australia Bank (NAB), Westpac, and ANZ-are strategically reducing their reliance on mortgage brokers in response to squeezed profit margins resulting from lower interest rates, rising operational costs, and intense market competition. Currently, mortgage brokers account for approximately 80% of new home loans in Australia, a significant increase from 50% six years ago. However, banks are now focusing on more profitable, in-house mortgage origination channels. - read more
Recent analyses indicate that Australian home prices are set to rise by approximately 7% in 2026, an upward revision from earlier projections of 5.6%. This anticipated growth is primarily attributed to a constrained housing supply coupled with resilient demand, particularly in major urban centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. - read more
The Australian stock market has demonstrated remarkable resilience, with the S&P/ASX 200 index recording a 10.2% gain over the 2025 financial year. This performance comes despite a backdrop of global economic uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions and fluctuating commodity prices. - read more
Your credit score is a crucial part of your financial health. Essentially, it’s a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, calculated based on your credit history. In Australia, credit scores range from 0 to 1200, with a higher score indicating better creditworthiness. - read more
Your credit score is more than just a number; it's a reflection of your financial health. Essentially, it’s a numerical expression that represents your creditworthiness. Lenders use this score to assess the level of risk involved in lending you money. - read more
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
Understanding the nuances of financial health is a crucial component in the journey of loan acquisition. It is the bedrock on which potential borrowers build their case for credibility and reliability. Among the myriad of factors influencing your fiscal stability, credit scores stand out as a beacon indicating your creditworthiness to lenders. A robust credit score simplifies the path to securing loans, garnering favorable interest rates, and negotiating better terms. - read more
Soft inquiries are a type of credit check that does not impact your credit score. These checks occur when you or a company reviews your credit report as part of a background check, pre-approval process, or other non-lending purpose. - read more
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
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
Financial stress can feel like an unstoppable force, a cycle of worry that impacts not only our peace of mind but also our fiscal health. It represents the anxiety and pressure associated with the inability to meet financial obligations, be it due to unforeseen expenses, unemployment, or a plethora of other reasons. - read more
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
Managing debt effectively is crucial for young adults, especially as they start building their financial independence. Understanding how to manage debt properly can help you avoid financial pitfalls and set you up for a stable future. - 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!
All finance quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your
privacy.
Knowledgebase
Portfolio: A range of investments held by an individual or institution.