The recent announcement by the federal governments that it will allow Australian banks to issue covered bonds was greeted with much joy by the banking industry.
The big four
Gottliebsen: how Swan gave our banks a hot flush
This month big banks have more money to lend than they ever dreamed of, which is a hidden force behind the banking price war, writes Robert Gottliebsen, of Business Spectator.
Westpac stumbles, Kelly’s halo dims
Has the glow gone from the halo of the sainted Gail Kelly of Westpac, who according to some claims, is one of the most powerful women in the world?
Bartholomeusz: Swan’s curious credit obsession
It’s peculiar that the nation’s treasurer is obsessed with trying to organise more and cheaper credit even as his central banks tries to do the opposite.
Bank reforms best described as minor but deliverable promises
The abolition of mortgage exit fees from mid-2011 will hurt smaller lenders far more than it will the larger ones, writes Tom Elliott, managing director of MM&E Capital Limited
Swan’s mousey bank plan the nastiest extension of taxpayer support
The whole argument over banks is a charade confected in Canberra by Joe Hockey, Tony Abbott and the gutless Gillard government, along with the cynical, scheming Greens.
Bartholomeusz: the risks in Swan’s reforms
Glenn Stevens has helped the cause of those who think Wayne Swan’s banking “reforms” are a response to a problem that has yet to be demonstrated.
Banks’ job a simple one … but they do it poorly
Many commentators erroneously point to the so-called heroic role played by Australian banks in steering Australia through the GFC, when it was the Australian taxpayer that saved the banks.
Hill’s heresy a good role model for Australian banks
Vernon Hill’s business model was almost diametrically opposite to the risky practices of Australian banks, which almost go out of their way to alienate depositors.
Gottliebsen: bankers must leave their bunkers
The boards of the four major Australian banks have appointed chief executives with a communication skills gap, writes Robert Gottliebsen from Business Spectator.
Dirty secrets of the retail super industry
ANZ’s purchase of the remainder of ING, and new rumblings about ANZ or another major acquiring AMP, shine a light on one of the dirty secrets of the retail superannuation industry: how much control the banks have.
Why banks needed the RBA to raise rates
Now that the RBA has kept interest rates on hold — and no-one knows when they’ll rise again — banks are wondering how they’ll pass on the higher cost of funds without PR fallout, says Elizabeth Knight.
The Big Four banks are guilty of corporate crimes
The NAB fee backdown is small consolation to bank customers who have been victim to one of the greatest corporate thefts over the past decade.
Big Four Banks: will they all keep their AA rating?
Australia’s biggest banks make up a global group of only eight AA-rated banks, but a Standard & Poor’s report suggests this could change, given their different risk exposures.
Wayne Swan vs. the voice activated interactive voice response unit
The Treasure is calling The Banks
