The Adviser

22/12/2025

The Federal Court has ordered ANZ Australia to pay $250 million in penalties after the major bank engaged in unconscionable conduct, misreported bond trading data, mishandled customer hardship cases, provided misleading information on savings interest rates, and failed to properly manage deceased estates. Check it out on The Adviser:

The major bank has been ordered to pay $250 million in penalties – the largest combined ASIC penalty ever secured against a single company – after admitting widespread misconduct and systemic risk failures.

22/12/2025

The Productivity Commission has put forward 47 recommendations across the five final reports from its five pillars of productivity inquiries, including an urgent reform of corporate tax and regulatory systems. Read more on The Adviser: https://bit.ly/48NrbrD

Forty-seven recommendations have been put forward to improve Australia’s productivity, including an urgent reform of corporate tax and regulatory systems.

19/12/2025

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action for a third time against a Melbourne mortgage broking business and its manager. Find out more on The Adviser: https://bit.ly/4qmCuwW

A mortgage broking business and its former manager are facing new legal action from the Fair Work Ombudsman over allegations of underpaying staff and adverse action.

19/12/2025

***BREAKING NEWS*** Court confirms ANZ will have to pay largest ever ASIC penalty - read all about it on The Adviser: https://bit.ly/4p1FIEI

The major bank has been ordered to pay $250 million in penalties — the largest combined ASIC penalty ever secured against a single company — after admitting widespread widespread misconduct and systemic risk failures.

19/12/2025

Forty-seven recommendations have been put forward to improve Australia’s productivity, including an urgent reform of corporate tax and regulatory systems. Read more about what the Australian Productivity Commission believes needs to happen to make Australia more productive on The Adviser: https://bit.ly/48NrbrD

Forty-seven recommendations have been put forward to improve Australia’s productivity, including an urgent reform of corporate tax and regulatory systems.

19/12/2025

The summer edition of The Adviser is here, featuring the Elite Broker Ranking – Asset Finance 2025, proudly presented in partnership with Optimise Aggregation.

Inside this issue:
• The top-performing asset and equipment finance brokers driving volume and client value.
• The full list of Women in Finance Awards 2025 winners, plus exclusive profiles and Q&As with industry trailblazers.
• Our summer property report, unpacking why the housing market is heating up and how brokers can prepare for the next surge in borrower demand.
• A practical deep dive into succession planning, sponsored by Trail Homes, exploring how future-ready brokerages are building long-term value early.

Whether you’re reflecting on the year that’s been or gearing up for what’s ahead, this edition is designed to help you reset, refocus, and move into the new year with confidence.

👉 Read the magazine now.
https://bit.ly/49i8AE1

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18/12/2025

Credit bureau giant Equifax has entered into a court-enforceable undertaking with the competition watchdog after admitting that its conduct when entering into exclusivity agreements had the potential to breach competition law. Find out more on The Adviser: https://bit.ly/44xYL2j

The credit bureau has entered into an enforceable undertaking, committing to not enter into any new agreements that prevent competitors from accessing electronic payroll and superannuation data.

18/12/2025

Step into 2026 with smarter decisions.

The Adviser Premium Membership gives you the edge in the evolving mortgage and finance industry:

- Premium news and in-depth reports.
- CPD points and early access to top training.
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Unlock your competitive edge today: https://bit.ly/4eFgOHt

18/12/2025

Broker members of the Finance Brokers Association of Australasia Limited are being urged to join the Financial Independence Training (FIT) Solutions financial literacy program and become “educators” within their own communities. Read more on The Adviser: https://bit.ly/4p3Bkp0

Members of the FBAA are being encouraged to join a financial literacy program that teaches Year 10 students about money matters.

17/12/2025

***BREAKING NEWS*** APRA and AUSTRAC have both taken action against Bendigo Bank in response to weaknesses in its money laundering risk management, non‑financial risk management practices and risk culture. Read all about it on The Adviser: https://bit.ly/4j2WiCI

APRA and AUSTRAC have both taken action against the banking group in response to weaknesses in its money laundering risk management, non‑financial risk management practices and risk culture.

17/12/2025

The major banks are quickly rejigging their cash rate forecasts - with both NAB and CBA now expecting rate hikes to start in February while Westpac and ANZ are both now seeing a prolonged cash rate hold at 3.6 per cent. Read more on The Adviser: https://bit.ly/4qeuuOh

CBA and NAB have both revised their cash rate forecasts and now expect the cash rate to increase in February, when the RBA next meets.

17/12/2025

Hikes or holds? The big four can't agree on what comes next in 2026.

Full story here: https://bit.ly/4rZKPYS

Reserve Bank of Australia Westpac ANZ Australia Commonwealth Bank NAB