Finance in Focus Portal
ANZ-Roy Morgan Australian Consumer Confidence
The latest ANZ-Roy Morgan Australian Consumer Confidence data shows consumer confidence has risen 1.3 points last week to 85.5 points, with the four-week moving average growing 0.3 points to 85.5 points.
CALC designated complaint to ACCC on unsolicited selling
The Consumer Action Law Centre has called for a nationwide ban on unsolicited selling in the first ever designated ‘super’ complaint presented to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
‘Cost-of-Living’ at the centre of Election 2025: CALC’s consumer-centric priorities revealed
The Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC) has revealed a list of its top consumer centric priorities to make life fairer and better for all Australians.
Quarterly Statement by Council of Financial Regulators
The Council of Financial Regulators has published its latest quarterly statement, which discussed the highly uncertain international environment, with geopolitical tensions and policy uncertainty magnified, and the intensity of cyber risks increased.
ASIC warns payday lenders may be breaching consumer protection laws
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has released Report 805 Falling short: Compliance with the small amount credit contract obligations (REP 805) which sets out ASIC’s observations from its recent review into lenders, following changes to laws governing small amount credit contracts in 2022 and 2023 under the Financial Service Reform Act 2022 (FSR Act).
Westpac–Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index
Westpac has released its latest Westpac–Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index which has reported a 4 per cent rise in March, rising to 95.9 from 92.2 in February.
NASC: Targeting Scams Report
The National Anti-Scam Centre’s latest Targeting Scams Report– which combines data from Scamwatch, ReportCyber, the Australian Financial Crimes Exchange, IDCARE and Australian Securities and Investments Commission – has found scam losses reported to key organisations fell by 25.9 per cent to $2b in 2024.
Government instructs APRA to relax HECS considerations in mortgage serviceability tests
The government has announced changes to lending guidelines for Australians with Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debts, to more easily secure a mortgage.
APRA has confirmed it will begin consulting on changes to the treatment of HELP debts in serviceability requirements and debt reporting. ASIC will also move to adjust its responsible lending guidance.