Australia’s Big Four banks are at the core of our entire economy, says Evan Jones, and the idea that they’re “in competition” with each other is a farce. Together, these institutions wield enormous power.
Westpac 
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.
A super way to open up the mortgage sector
Commonwealth Bank and Westpac and their subsidiaries now control over 85% of all new mortgages. Adam Barker suggests a way to break the banks’ stranglehold.
Housing: a giant experiment in moral hazard
However successful the Government has been at managing the short-term effects of the economic crisis, it has failed to use the last twelve months to drive significant reforms in the banking sector that will deliver long-term outcomes.
Australian banks in a league of their own
Australian banks shouldn’t be too aggrieved by the changes to global banking rules that have been drafted this week in the Swiss city of Basle.
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.
US Bank DeathWatch: Another seven go as Guaranty teeters
The slow death of American banks continues, with another nasty bout of closures on Friday night — six in the state of Georgia alone.
Morning Market Report: FOMC Statement sends Dow tumbling
The Dow was doing well until the FOMC Statement, but it was a good day for the domestic market, up 26.
Banks — and AFR — do the ground work for a tax-free grab
The Australian Financial Review was quick to grab and endorse a much bigger grab for the public purse by the banks, led by Cameron Clyne of the NAB.
Tips and rumours: Why do Westpac continue to make staff cuts?
Tispters tell of musical chairs in Westpac’s marketing and comms team, and Liberal MP Dennis Jensen’s new comedy act.
Westpac profits down $10 million
A worker spotted this manually edited newspaper in his lunch room after Westpac accidentally gave New Zealanders $10 million, provoking them to flee the country.
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.
Morning Market Report: Market reacts positively to Westpac’s results
Westpac’s interim results were watched closely by analysts.
Big banks grow fatter at taxpayer expense
The Federal Government’s guarantee for Australian bank deposits and borrowings has done its work. It’s time to scrap it.
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.
Tips and rumours
I saw Malcolm Turnbull staffer, Patrick McGrath, in the city on Friday. He was wearing Union Jack cufflinks. Has anyone told Malcolm?
Apropos the ATO. There is also another side to their behaviour particularly where small business and low wealth individuals are concerned. In the past five years we have expended $250K on my wife’s health […]
Briefly Business: Westpac. KKR, Women on boards
The real cost of systems neglect .., KKR staging a revival. … Housing is all … China overtakes US online … Women on boards bring more women to top jobs.
Westpac pays lip service to customer service
Gail Kelly continues to make presence felt at Westpac, writes Glenn Dyer.
Is there another banking merger on the horizon?
If Westpac is allowed to take over St George, there’s a chance of at least one more bank merger, writes
Your Say: Daily Mail readers' feedback: Comments, corrections, clarifications, and c*ckups
Budget 08 - working families, tall poppies and Crikey’s coverage … Westpac and St George … employment figures … Tiger airways …
Westpac and St George: all about competition … reducing it
No matter how much Westpac rationalise and spin it’s opportunistic grab for St George Bank, the only driver behind the takeover is competition. That is, reducing competition, writes Glenn Dyer.
Your Say: Daily Mail readers' feedback: Comments, corrections, clarifications, and c*ckups
Westpac’s St George takeover … Peter Debnam … the media’s love of Obama … unemployment:… Israel …
Big ethical questions for Westpac’s Gail Kelly
Poach a CEO, buy her company. What could be wrong with that, asks Stephen Mayne?
