It appears that Macquarie Bank directors have short memories — barely a year since the credit crunch caused turmoil in financial markets, money again is being spread around the executive suite at Martin Place with gay abandon.
Gail Kelly
Westpac gets ready to gouge Australia
With so many Westpac stories in the media this morning, you’d be mistaken for thinking there was some sort of campaign under way.
Citibank’s “tough patooties” customer service charter
In an uncharacteristic display of appreciation, Citibank boss Vikram Pandit thanked US taxpayers for bailing out the world’s once biggest financial institution — then slapped them with a new credit card fee.
Crikey’s Business Awards of the Year: people
While Australian stock markets rebounded with vigor, and property prices continued to bubble away, Crikey celebrates those who made it all possible, and made 2009 truly a year to remember.
Political snippets: Copenhagen confusing, the Gail Kelly admiration society, the Governator of Palin
The reports from Copenhagen are very confusing, with still no news of what the final outcome will be. Is this Chinese tactic of testing the nerve of those they negotiate with being repeated?
Bankers’ value to society? You’ve gotta be kidding
Investment bankers can aid economy growth, but it’s difficult to determine any real value that the average banker provides to society. Especially in comparison to their rampant pay packets.
Westpac’s head banana: not fair for home loan borrowers to pay lower rates
When bankers grab hold to the national good to help justify a bad decision, you know — like politicians grabbing onto patriotism — that you are being screwed.
Political snippets: Time for the Libs to exploit the government on health
Are the Liberals finally basing their attacks on the Rudd Government around health policy after months of missing out on the opportunity? Even just a look at the last week of reporting shows rich pickings.
Penberthy: Westpac slipped on a banana peel and took us for a ride
All the great hopes of a female CEO that wasn’t the fat banker have been dashed by a banana. We need to remember that just because Gail Kelly is female, doesn’t mean she isn’t a Scrooge to customers, writes David Penberthy.
Westpac’s banana republic fails to bear fruit
Westpac’s attempt to quell customer concern over last week’s double rate rise have failed to bear fruit with a bitter online backlash greeting the release of a video likening home loans to banana smoothies.
Crikey Clarifier: The difference between home loans and banana smoothies
So according to Westpac, mortgages and banana smoothies are very similar. But the money that banks needed to buy started to cost them a lot more, just like bananas for smoothies. You still following?
Tips and rumours: Tips and rumours: Gail Kelly doesn’t like women in the exec ranks?
Is Gail Kelly actually not a fan of promoting women in the exec ranks at Westpac? Is it a repeat of her time at St George? Plus, they are a cruel bunch down at the WA Libs.
Westpac’s and Commonwealth’s attitudes ‘disgraceful’
Our biggest banks’ bleating about interest rates often ignores the real story. How quick Westpac and the Commonwealth are to forget the government’s federal guarantees.
Political snippets: A return to Kevin07?
Stand by for pointless aggro, because the sooner we get the next election over, the better. Plus, Westpac boss Gail Kelly surely can’t believe her own press?
Bank exec bonuses helped by Rudd’s rules
Kevin Rudd may publicly deride extreme capitalism — but, fortunately for our bankers, the Federal Government’s policies appear to be aiding and abetting it.
Westpac’s Gail Kelly gives the inside story on banking
Westpac CEO Gail Kelly sits down with Alan Kohler, Robert Gottliebsen and Stephen Bartholomeusz for an in-depth discussion on post-GFC banking, repricing business customers’ loans, and financial regulation.
Tips and rumours: Did Della Bosca fall into a honey trap?
What Crikey’s tipsters are telling us today: Was John Della Bosca set up? … Westpac not cutting back on off-shoring … University of Melbourne’s unqualified tutors.
How to be one of the 100 most powerful women in the world: tweeting helps
Forbes’ annual list of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the World was released on Wednesday. What are the secrets of their success? asks Elly Keating.
Tips and rumours: Next problem for the NRL?
Harvey Norman threatens to withdraw support, Westpac wage freeze, nut contamination. All stories in today’s Tips & Rumours section.
Gail Kelly has made some rotten moves, but not when it concerns selling shares
While the financial services sector continues to lay-off thousands of staff, Westpac boss Gail Kelly, recently cashed in some of her equity in the bank, selling 250,000 shares.
As Westpac’s share price drops, its directors demand more
The market crash has exposed a myriad of corporate governance failings but its hard to top the Westpac board for sheer audacity in seeking a 50% increase in directors’ fees, writes Adam Schwab.
Westpac pays lip service to customer service
Gail Kelly continues to make presence felt at Westpac, writes Glenn Dyer.
Big ethical questions for Westpac’s Gail Kelly
Poach a CEO, buy her company. What could be wrong with that, asks Stephen Mayne?
Westpac swoops on Rams
Westpac surprised the market this morning with a deal to pick up the brand name, franchisees and future business of the troubled Rams home loan group.
Historically Hung Over: The Crikey Guide To The 2010 Federal Election
