Regulation

The Council of Financial Regulators has formed a working group to probe debanking, following claims of banks cutting off their services to businesses for anticompetitive reasons.

Although APRA’s recent intervention is yet to have a sizeable impact, analysts believe the policy will contribute to slowing the big four banks’ home loan growth.

CBA’s wealth and superannuation business is set to face a class action claiming it caused “substantial losses” to 100,000-odd members, with hearings to potentially commence from April

The Reserve Bank’s policy decisions could face scrutiny irrespective of the upcoming election outcome, with both major parties signalling support for an independent review.

The ombudsman has embraced recommended changes from a review into a banking watchdog and industry code, declaring them as critical to supporting small businesses.

National residential property listings decreased by one-fifth over the year to December, according to SQM Research data.

Property price growth topped 20 per cent for the first time in 19 years during 2021, but an industry association head has tipped the trend will shift.

Wayne Byres has reflected on how the pandemic has impacted and influenced financial regulation and supervision.

Closing branches in regional areas will have a ‘disruptive’ impact on SMEs and cause a ‘ripple effect’ on communities, the small business ombudsman has warned.

The state government has announced that it is to close a land tax loophole to help “tackle housing affordability”, which has been lambasted by the real estate sector.