Price gouging by banks? There’s a simple solution
For price gouging by supermarkets, there’s not a lot the government can do, apart from launching an inquiry. But for banks, it’s altogether different.
Court actions by Big Four banks against SMEs ramp up to pre-pandemic levels
The Big Four banks are ramping up their court activity against small businesses as interest rates continue to rise, with legal actions firmly at pre-pandemic levels in October.
John Durie: For the first time in decades, small business lending is outpacing home loans
As home owners continue to face interest rate hikes, small business lending has powered ahead of home mortgages as the boom growth area for banks.
John Durie: ACCC’s criminal cartel case record remains mixed, while civil cases bring more success
The ACCC has a decidedly mixed record in its criminal cartel cases, with the latest being the Vietnamese money case that saw charges dropped against the only defendant who challenged the proceedings.
Why Jim Chalmers should declare Queensland Labor’s conflict of interest in Suncorp ahead of the ANZ deal
The federal Treasurer has an obligation to disclose how Labor will deal with its multimillion-dollar stake in Suncorp, writes Stephen Mayne.
John Durie: ANZ chooses formal authorisation process to garner ACCC green light on Suncorp deal
ANZ has chosen an unusual route to gain clearance from the ACCC for its Suncorp acquisition, opting to go through a formal authorisation process that means public benefit will also be considered.
Why the $4.9 billion ANZ takeover of Suncorp is a test for both the government and ACCC
ANZ's proposed acquisition of Suncorp's banking arm is bad news for competition and should be axed by regulators.
John Durie: ACCC unlikely to rule against ANZ’s Suncorp takeover despite increased market strength
The ACCC will closely investigate the ANZ's $4.9 billion takeover of Queensland-based Suncorp Bank, but will ultimately clear the deal because it doesn’t substantially lessen competition, says John Durie.
ANZ confirms discussions to acquire MYOB, potentially boosting the big four bank’s SME credentials
ANZ has confirmed it is in talks to acquire small business bookkeeping platform MYOB, following media reports the Big Four bank is prepared to spend billions of dollars to boost its offerings to the SME sector.
RBA hikes cash rate target 0.5% to 1.35%, matching market predictions as the central bank battles inflation
The Reserve Bank of Australia hiked the cash rate target 0.5% on Tuesday, matching market expectations as the central bank battles inflation.
ANZ reportedly eyeing a stake in MYOB as the business banking arms race continues
Accounting platform MYOB is staying mum after reports the bank is considering acquiring a stake in the firm.
ANZ and Westpac face discrimination complaints for ‘debanking’ small businesses
The issue of debanking has been highlighted by a recent crypto-trader's case against Westpac and ANZ. How will Labor approach it?
