| First Home Buyer Guarantee Now Available with 5% Deposit Wed, 17 Dec: In a significant move to assist first-time homebuyers, the Australian government has expedited the commencement of the First Home Buyer Guarantee, now effective from October 2025. This initiative enables eligible individuals to purchase a property with as little as a 5% deposit, eliminating the need for Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), which can often be a substantial financial burden. - read more
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| APRA Sets New Limits on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans Wed, 17 Dec: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a new measure to cap high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, effective from February 2026. This decision aims to curb potential risks in the housing market by limiting the proportion of new home loans that exceed a DTI ratio of six times the borrower's income. - read more
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| CBA Warns of Unsustainable Home Loan Demand Wed, 17 Dec: The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest lender, has raised concerns over the current high demand for home loans, suggesting that such levels are unsustainable and could pose risks to long-term financial stability. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Brace for Profitability Decline After Record Highs Wed, 17 Dec: The Australian insurance industry is preparing for a downturn in profitability after achieving a decade-high return on equity (ROE) of 19% in the 2024-25 financial year. This peak performance was driven by robust underwriting results, substantial investment returns, and a period of relatively low natural disaster claims. However, industry analysts predict a six-point decline in ROE to 13% for the current financial year, bringing it back within the typical target range of 10% to 15%. - read more
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| Australian Insurtech Startups Experience Growth and Market Expansion Wed, 17 Dec: The Australian insurtech sector is demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability, with many startups reporting significant growth and successful market expansion. A recent survey of Insurtech Australia members reveals that companies generating annual revenues between $1 million and $10 million have experienced a 30% increase in revenue. Additionally, there has been a 10% rise in investment from private backers, indicating strong confidence in the sector's potential. - read more
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| Australian SMEs Advocate for National Reforms to Combat Rising Insurance Costs Wed, 17 Dec: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Australia are facing mounting challenges due to escalating insurance premiums. A recent report by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Insurance Council of Australia, highlights the urgent need for coordinated national reforms to address this pressing issue. - read more
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| Decline in Australian Consumer Confidence Amid Inflation Worries Tue, 16 Dec: In December 2025, Australian consumer sentiment experienced a significant decline, reversing the optimism observed in November. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute index revealed a 9% drop, bringing the index to 94.5, indicating a shift back into pessimism among consumers. - read more
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| ASX Adjusts Dividend Policy Amid Regulatory Capital Requirements Tue, 16 Dec: The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) has announced a reduction in its dividend payout ratio to 75–85% of underlying net profit after tax. This decision follows the Australian Securities and Investments Commission's (ASIC) imposition of an additional A$150 million capital charge, stemming from an inquiry into ASX's operational shortcomings, including a failed software upgrade and recurring trade-processing issues. - read more
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| RBA Maintains Interest Rates Amid Inflation Concerns Tue, 16 Dec: In its final policy meeting of 2025, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) decided to keep the official cash rate unchanged at 3.6%. However, the central bank signaled potential future rate hikes if inflationary pressures continue. - read more
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| NSW Government Introduces Landmark Motorcycle Safety Reforms Tue, 16 Dec: The New South Wales Government has unveiled the most significant motorcycle safety reforms in nearly two decades, introducing targeted measures designed to protect novice riders and enhance overall road safety. These reforms are a cornerstone of the state's 2026 Road Safety Action Plan, which aspires to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on NSW roads by 2050. - read more
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| 2025 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix Drives Economic Growth in Phillip Island Tue, 16 Dec: The 2025 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, held from 17–19 October at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, attracted approximately 91,245 visitors, marking the highest attendance since 2012. This surge in spectators provided a substantial economic boost to the Phillip Island region, benefiting local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets. - read more
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| Australian Business Lending Hits Record Highs Tue, 16 Dec: In a significant development for Australia's financial sector, business lending has reached an unprecedented $925 billion across the nation's top 10 authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) as of July 2025. This milestone underscores a robust appetite for corporate borrowing, reflecting growing economic confidence among businesses. - read more
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| Australian SMEs Embrace Non-Bank Lenders for Growth Tue, 16 Dec: Recent data indicates a significant shift in the financing preferences of Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with over 54% now planning to utilise non-bank lenders for business investment in the next six months. This marks a notable increase from 47% recorded a year ago, highlighting a growing inclination among SMEs to seek alternative financing solutions that offer greater flexibility and accessibility. - read more
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| WFI Insurance Joins Forces with Farmsafe Australia to Boost Farm Safety Standards Tue, 16 Dec: In a significant move to enhance safety within the Australian agricultural sector, WFI Insurance has announced a partnership with Farmsafe Australia. This collaboration is designed to raise awareness about farming hazards and advocate for the adoption of safer work practices among farmers. - read more
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| Argis Underwriting Partners with Pacific International to Expand Farm Insurance Offerings Tue, 16 Dec: Argis Underwriting has announced a new partnership with Newcastle-based Pacific International Insurance, enabling the company to resume offering farm insurance coverage across Australia. This development comes after Argis ceased providing new business and renewal terms on its Farm Extra Insurance in April, following the conclusion of a five-year arrangement with HDI Global Specialty. - read more
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| WFI Insurance Reports Significant Decline in Farm Liability Claims Tue, 16 Dec: WFI Insurance has reported a notable decrease in farm liability claims across most categories, signaling a positive trend in safety practices within the Australian agricultural sector. The insurer observed a 75% reduction in falls from height over the past year, alongside a 30% decline in impact injuries, marking the lowest level in four years. - read more
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| RBA's October 2025 Financial Stability Review: Key Insights Tue, 16 Dec: The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released its October 2025 Financial Stability Review, providing a comprehensive analysis of the nation's financial system amidst ongoing global economic uncertainties. The report underscores the resilience of Australia's financial institutions, while also highlighting areas requiring vigilant oversight. - read more
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| Australian Finance Departments Embrace AI and Automation Tue, 16 Dec: In a significant shift towards digital transformation, Australian finance departments are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies to streamline operations and enhance decision-making processes. This trend reflects a broader global movement where financial institutions leverage technology to improve efficiency and maintain a competitive edge. - read more
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| Australian Finance Industry Navigates AI Integration Challenges Tue, 16 Dec: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the finance industry is reshaping traditional roles and responsibilities, prompting junior professionals in Australia to adapt and prove their value in an evolving landscape. As AI technologies automate routine tasks and enhance analytical capabilities, the human element in finance is being redefined. - read more
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| APRA Implements Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans Tue, 16 Dec: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change to address emerging 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. This proactive measure aims to curb potential financial instability arising from escalating property prices and increased credit growth. - read more
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| Australian Banks Tighten Policies on Trust and Company Lending Tue, 16 Dec: In response to emerging regulatory concerns, two of Australia's major lenders, Macquarie Bank and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), have introduced new restrictions on lending to trusts and companies. - read more
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| Promoting Safe and Responsible Boating: BIA's New Initiative Tue, 16 Dec: The Boating Industry Association (BIA) has recently unveiled a significant initiative aimed at fostering responsible boat ownership across Australia and New Zealand. This campaign, launched during Safe Boating Week 2025, is a collaborative effort under the Australia New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group (ANZSBEG), which includes maritime regulators and peak bodies from both nations. - read more
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| Addressing Skills Shortages: BIA's Call for Government Action Tue, 16 Dec: The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has issued a compelling appeal to all levels of Australian government, emphasizing the urgent need for strategic support to bolster the nation's esteemed marine manufacturing and recreational boating sector. This call to action arises amidst a significant skills shortage that poses a threat to the industry's economic vitality and growth potential. - read more
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| Celebrating Marine Innovation at the Sydney International On-Water Boat Show Tue, 16 Dec: The 56th Sydney International On-Water Boat Show recently concluded after four dynamic days at Darling Harbour, drawing over 20,000 visitors and highlighting the latest advancements in marine design and technology. Presented by the Boating Industry Association (BIA) and Mulpha Events, the event featured more than 160 vessels from 120 leading international and Australian marine brands. - read more
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| ASX Adjusts Dividend Policy Following ASIC's $150 Million Capital Charge Tue, 16 Dec: The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) has announced a reduction in its dividend payout ratio to 75–85% of underlying net profit after tax. This decision follows the Australian Securities and Investments Commission's (ASIC) imposition of an additional A$150 million capital charge on the exchange operator. The regulatory action stems from an inquiry into ASX's operational shortcomings, including a failed software upgrade and recurring trade-processing issues. - read more
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