Banks and lenders unite to fight financial abuse

27 January 2026

Australia’s banks and finance firms are joining forces with Australia’s leading financial safety by design expert, to prevent financial abuse, with the launch of the Financial Safety Alliance.

The Financial Safety Alliance, founded by social enterprise Flequity Ventures, brings together the Australian Banking Association, the Australian Finance Industry Association, the Customer Owned Banking Association and Arca (previously known as the Australian Retail Credit Association).

AFIA CEO Diane Tate said the finance industry is stepping up to protect vulnerable customers, with non-bank lenders adopting safety-by-design and practical support into everyday finance.

“Australia’s finance industry stands united to deliver strong, consistent protections and pathways to support those experiencing financial abuse,” AFIA CEO Diane Tate said.

“This joint initiative puts customer wellbeing at the centre of innovation, strengthening trust across our industry through embedding safeguards that put people first.”

Read the media release here.