Finance in Focus Portal
Solifi Global Leasing Report 2025
AFIA Associate Member, Solifi has released its 2025 edition of the Global Leasing Report.
Government finalises Consumer Data Right rules for non-bank lenders
Minister for Financial Services Stephen Jones has announced the final Rules for the Consumer Data Right extension to the non-bank lending sector, commencing from mid‑2026. The sector was formally designated in 2022.
UK Financial Ombudsman Service receives 40 per cent more cases when compared to the same time last year
The UK Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has announced it is continuing to receive high levels of complaints from consumers and small businesses, according to new figures.
FCAI VFACTS report February 2025
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries has released new vehicles sales data for the month of February from its VFACTS report.
Buy Now Pay Later Regulations finalised
The National Consumer Credit Protection Amendment (Low Cost Credit) Regulations 2025 have now been published, and are available for access on the Federal Register of Legislation.
APRA proposes changes to strengthen and streamline governance and fit and proper requirements
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has released a discussion paper for consultation outlining eight key proposals to strengthen its prudential governance framework for banks, insurers and superannuation trustees.
ASIC updates guidance to clarify treatment of student loan commitments by banks and lenders
ASIC has updated its regulatory guidance to clarify how the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), and other student loan commitments, may be considered by banks and lenders assessing whether a consumer can afford to take on new credit.
RBA Payments System Board Update: March 2025 Meeting
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Payments System Board has met to discuss a number of key payments issues at its most recent March meeting.
AFSA releases State of Personal Property Securities System Report 2023-24
The Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) has released its flagship State of the Personal Property Securities System Report 2023–24 which encompasses analysis of the current state of the Personal Property Securities System (PPSS) including market context across 2023-24, AFSA’s regulatory focus relating to its administration of the PPSR, and the regulator’s corresponding forward priorities.
Minutes of the Monetary Policy Meeting of the Reserve Bank Board – 17 and 18 February 2025
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has published the minutes of its February monetary policy meeting, where the Board decided to reduce the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 4.10 per cent and to decrease the interest rate on Exchange Settlement balances by 25 basis points to 4.00 per cent.
AER grants trial waiver for innovative kerbside EV chargers
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has announced the granting of a trial waiver to PLUS ES to install up to 1,000 kerbside, pole-mounted electric vehicle (EV) chargers across NSW and SA.
Australian Sustainable Finance Action Plan
The Australian Sustainable Finance Institute has released its Australian Sustainable Finance Action Plan 2025-2027, which encompasses 26 priority actions across 8 key domains, including reducing emissions, building climate resilience, protecting and restoring nature, enabling First Nations economic self-determination, and driving community resilience and financial inclusion.
ASIC releases discussion paper on private and public capital markets
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has launched a discussion paper on the evolving dynamics of public and private capital markets, calling for feedback on potential regulatory adjustments.
Treasury opening statement to the Economics Legislation Committee
In an address to the Economics Legislation Committee, Treasury Secretary Dr Steven Kennedy outlined key challenges facing the global and Australian economies, including weak global growth, trade tensions, and domestic cost-of-living pressures.
Consumer Price Index rises 2.5 per cent
Australia’s monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) indicator rose 2.5 per cent in the year to January 2025, unchanged from December, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
RBA and Productivity Commission warn of weak productivity growth
Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) economist Michael Plumb has warned that weak productivity growth is limiting Australia’s economic potential, with labour productivity barely improving since 2016. While the RBA expects a recovery to one per cent growth in the medium term, past projections have not materialised, raising concerns about long-term economic stagnation.
OAIC opening statement to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee
Australian Information Commissioner Elizabeth Tydd has outlined the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner's (OAIC) efforts to modernise regulation while managing rising case volumes. Speaking to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, she highlighted inquiries into connected vehicle privacy risks, a new Children’s Online Privacy Code, and improved Freedom of Information (FOI) data reporting.
ACCC at 2nd Annual Sustainability Reporting Summit
At the 2nd Annual Sustainability Reporting Summit, ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh reaffirmed the regulator’s focus on tackling misleading environmental claims and ensuring fair competition. Keogh emphasised that new climate reporting rules will drive transparency and protect businesses making genuine sustainability investments.
AAA reports a dip in hybrid vehicle sales
Hybrid vehicles continued to outsell battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in late 2024, despite a decline in market share, according to new data from the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) EV Index. Hybrids accounted for 14.83 per cent of new car sales in the December quarter, down from 16.70 per cent in September, while BEVs rose to 7.42 per cent from 6.59 per cent.
FCA releases Research Note on the role of AI in credit decisions
New research from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) explores how different methods of explaining AI-assisted credit decisions impact consumers’ ability to identify errors. The study found that while transparency boosts confidence, too much information can sometimes make it harder for consumers to challenge mistakes.