- APRA Implements Cap on High DTI Home Loans to Address Housing Market Concerns
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.
- Commonwealth Bank Raises Alarm Over Surging Home Loan Demand
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.
- Major Australian Banks Reduce Dependence on Mortgage Brokers
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.
- Australian Housing Market Forecast: 7% Price Increase Expected in 2026
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%.
- Australian Stock Market Achieves 10% Growth in Financial Year 2025 Amid Global Challenges
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.
- Commonwealth Bank Raises Alarm Over Surging Home Loan Demand
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest lender, has expressed concerns about the current surge in home loan demand, suggesting it may be contributing to escalating property prices and potential financial instability.
- Westpac's RAMS Financial Group Penalized for Home Loan Misconduct
RAMS Financial Group, a subsidiary of Westpac Banking Corporation, has been fined A$20 million by Australia's Federal Court for serious misconduct in its home loan practices between June 2019 and April 2023.
- Australia's Major Banks Reducing Dependence on Mortgage Brokers
Australia's 'Big Four' banks—Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), Westpac, National Australia Bank (NAB), 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.
- Japanese Banks Drive Growth in Australian Business Lending
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.
- AFIA Unveils New Code to Elevate Non-Bank Lending Standards
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.
- Australia's Housing Boom: A Golden Opportunity for Mortgage Brokers
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.
- Moneytech and Xero Collaboration Simplifies Financing for Australian SMEs
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.
- RBA Weighs Additional Rate Cuts in Response to Economic Indicators
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.
- Federal Court Halts Cigno Australia's Unlicensed Lending Operations
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.
- Investment Boom in Battery Storage as Australia Accelerates Renewable Energy Goals
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.
- Surge in Investor Lending Pushes Australian Mortgages to Eight-Year Peak
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.
- RBA's October 2025 Review Affirms Australia's Financial System Resilience
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.
- ANZ Bank Announces Significant Workforce Reduction by 2026
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.
- Commonwealth Bank Achieves Record Profit Amidst Lending Surge
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has reported a record full-year cash profit of A$10.25 billion for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. This impressive financial performance is attributed to robust growth in both home and business lending sectors.
- DBS Bank Sets Ambitious Goal to Double Australian Lending
Singapore-based DBS Bank has announced plans to double its Australian lending book from A$11 billion to A$20 billion over the next five years. This strategic expansion aims to capitalise on growing trade ties between Australia and Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
- ANZ Bank Penalised AU$240 Million for Corporate Misconduct
In a landmark decision, ANZ Bank has agreed to pay a record AU$240 million penalty following investigations by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) into significant corporate misconduct.
- RBA Calls for Prudent Lending as Borrower Financial Health Improves
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has recently highlighted the need for continued caution in lending practices, even as data indicates an improvement in borrowers' financial health. This advisory comes in the context of a dynamic economic environment where both opportunities and risks coexist.
- APRA Issues New Guidance on Commercial Property Lending Practices
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has recently provided updated guidance to authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) regarding pre-sales and commercial property lending. This move aims to clarify expectations and support both borrowers and lenders in the commercial property sector.
- ASIC Issues Warning to Payday Lenders Over Potential Consumer Protection Breaches
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has raised concerns about certain payday lenders potentially breaching consumer protection laws.
- Surge in Private Lending: Opportunities and Risks for Australian Brokers
The Australian financial landscape is witnessing a significant surge in private lending, presenting both opportunities and challenges for brokers.
- NAB Penalized for Consumer Data Breaches: Implications for Borrowers
In June 2025, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) imposed a penalty of A$751,200 (approximately $488,806) on National Australia Bank (NAB) for alleged breaches of the Consumer Data Right (CDR) rules. This marks the highest fine issued for such violations to date.
- ASIC Takes Legal Action Against NAB for Financial Hardship Response Delays
In November 2024, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) initiated civil penalty proceedings against National Australia Bank (NAB) for failing to meet legally mandated deadlines in responding to financial hardship applications.
- APRA Retains 3% Serviceability Buffer Amid Economic Uncertainty
In November 2024, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) announced its decision to maintain a 3% serviceability buffer for home loan lending. This measure requires lenders to ensure new borrowers can meet loan repayments at an interest rate at least 3% above the current rate.
- Rate Money Offers Competitive Rates for Self-Employed Borrowers
In a bid to support Australia's self-employed community, non-bank lender Rate Money has announced significant reductions in interest rates across its 'Evolve Easy Doc' loan range. Effective June 30, 2025, the new rates start from 6.64% per annum, with the 'Easy Doc One Year' product now available from just 6.
- Afterpay Users Advised to Close BNPL Accounts to Secure Mortgages
Recent findings have brought to light a concerning trend affecting users of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services in Australia. A survey conducted by Afterpay revealed that over 10% of its customers were advised to close their BNPL accounts to qualify for a mortgage.
- Westpac Simplifies Home Loan Applications for Self-Employed Australians
In a significant move to support Australia's growing self-employed workforce, Westpac has announced a streamlined process for home loan applications. Effective immediately, the bank will accept a one-year income assessment from self-employed applicants, reducing the previous requirement of two years' worth of financial documentation.