| APRA's New Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans: What Borrowers Need to Know Thu, 18 Dec: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating emerging risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will impose a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting banks to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans with DTI ratios of six times or higher. This measure applies to both owner-occupier and investor loans, excluding new housing developments. - read more
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| Commonwealth Bank Raises Alarm on Unsustainable Home Loan Demand Thu, 18 Dec: The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest lender, has recently voiced concerns regarding the escalating demand for home loans, suggesting that this surge may be contributing to unsustainable property price increases. CEO Matt Comyn highlighted that while the bank benefits from the current housing credit boom, a more moderate growth rate would better support long-term financial stability and housing affordability. - read more
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| Australian Home Prices Reach New Heights: Navigating the Affordability Challenge Thu, 18 Dec: In November 2025, Australia's housing market experienced a 1% month-on-month increase in home prices, bringing the national median value to A$888,941. This follows a 1.1% rise in October, indicating a persistent upward trend in property values. The growth was particularly pronounced in mid-sized state capitals, with Perth leading at a 2.4% increase. Sydney and Melbourne saw more modest gains of 0.5% and 0.3%, respectively. - read more
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| BIA Advocates for Government Support Amidst Marine Industry Skills Shortage Thu, 18 Dec: The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has recently called upon all levels of Australian government to provide strategic support to the nation's marine manufacturing and recreational boating sector. This appeal comes in response to a significant skills shortage that poses a threat to the industry's economic potential. - read more
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| Australian Boating Industry Poised for $20 Billion Expenditure by 2030 Thu, 18 Dec: The Boating Industry Association (BIA) has released the National Recreational Boating Statement, providing a comprehensive overview of the sector's scale, value, and future projections. The statement forecasts that by 2030, Australians will spend $20 billion annually on boating activities, underscoring the industry's significant economic and social impact. - read more
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| Harley-Davidson Explores Sale of Financing Unit Stake Thu, 18 Dec: Harley-Davidson, the iconic American motorcycle manufacturer, is reportedly in discussions to sell a stake in its financing unit, Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). This move could have significant implications for motorcycle financing options available to consumers. - read more
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| Peter Stevens Motorcycles Faces Financial Crisis Thu, 18 Dec: Peter Stevens Motorcycles, a cornerstone of Australia's motorcycle retail industry since 1970, has entered voluntary administration, revealing debts exceeding $65.9 million. This development casts uncertainty over the future of the company's 400 employees and its extensive customer base. - read more
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| Australian Life Insurance Premiums Set for 1.7% Growth in 2025 Thu, 18 Dec: According to a recent report by Swiss Re, Australia's life insurance market is projected to experience a 1.7% real growth in premiums in 2025. This anticipated increase is attributed to easing cost-of-living pressures and the repricing of disability income policies. - read more
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| TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Policies Thu, 18 Dec: In a significant development for policyholders, TAL has expanded its Health Sense Plus program to encompass income protection (IP) policies. This initiative, effective from August 8, 2025, aims to incentivize proactive health management by offering premium discounts to clients who engage in preventive health checks. - read more
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| Pelagic Risk Services Strengthens Commitment to Marinas with Gold Sponsorship Thu, 18 Dec: In a significant move to bolster support for the marina industry, Pelagic Risk Services has elevated its sponsorship status from Silver to Gold with the Marina Industries Association (MIA). This advancement underscores Pelagic's dedication to enhancing the operational capabilities and risk management strategies of marina operators across Australia. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Falling Behind in Cyber and AI Risk Readiness Thu, 18 Dec: In an era where digital threats are escalating, Australian insurers are reportedly less prepared to manage risks associated with cyber threats and artificial intelligence (AI) compared to their global counterparts. This insight emerges from the latest PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey, which assesses the industry's readiness to tackle emerging challenges. - read more
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| Australian Insurance Market Set for Significant Growth by 2029 Thu, 18 Dec: Australia's general insurance market is on a trajectory of steady expansion, with projections indicating that total direct written premiums (DWP) will reach $144.5 billion by 2029. This growth reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8%, as analysed by data and analytics firm GlobalData. - read more
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| Australian SMEs Advocate for Reforms Amid Escalating Insurance Premiums Thu, 18 Dec: Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) across Australia are facing mounting financial pressures due to soaring insurance premiums. In response, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), in collaboration with the Insurance Council of Australia, has released a report highlighting the urgent need for coordinated national reforms to address this issue. - read more
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| EQT's Bold Move: A $3.41 Billion Bid for AUB Group Thu, 18 Dec: In a significant development within the Australian insurance sector, Swedish private equity firm EQT has extended a takeover offer for AUB Group, valuing the insurance broking company at A$5.25 billion (US$3.41 billion). This proposal includes a price of A$45 per share, representing a 25.1% premium over AUB's last closing price. Following an earlier bid of A$43 per share, AUB has granted EQT exclusive access to its financial records for six weeks starting October 8 under a confidentiality agreement. - read more
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| Suncorp's Strong Financial Performance: $1.49 Billion Profit and Share Buyback Thu, 18 Dec: Australian insurer Suncorp has reported stronger-than-expected full-year cash earnings of A$1.49 billion for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, surpassing the consensus estimate of A$1.47 billion. Statutory profit surged 52% to A$1.82 billion due to one-off gains from the sale of its banking operations. The company, now solely a general insurer, benefited from improved insurance margins, higher policy prices, and increased investment returns. - read more
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| ACCC Raises Concerns Over IAG's Proposed Acquisition of RAC Insurance Thu, 18 Dec: Australia’s competition regulator, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), has raised concerns over Insurance Australia Group’s (IAG) proposed A$1.35 billion (US$877 million) acquisition of the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia’s (RAC) insurance business. The ACCC warns that this deal could reduce competition in Western Australia's motor and home insurance markets. Specifically, the watchdog fears it may lead to higher premiums, reduced service quality, and potentially restrict competitors’ access to affordable and efficient vehicle repair services. - read more
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| 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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