This website uses cookies, including third party ones, to allow for analysis of how people use our website in order to improve your experience and our services. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Click here for more information on our and .
Banking & Finance | Legal
How should brokers prepare for the potential arrival of the Best Interests Duty?
The prospect of a Best Interests Duty for mortgage brokers is looming, leaving many uncertain about the potential impact on their everyday business practices. Commissioner Kenneth Hayne recommended the introduction of the consumer-minded mandate in the Royal Commission, citing the need for better documentation, demonstrability and accountability in all forms of consumer lending. He also…
7 Jun 2019, by Informa InsightsBanking & Finance
Ravenhall Prison – another shining example of long term infrastructure financing
Prison infrastructure – and public works more generally - is seeing a renaissance in long term financing solutions after a temporary decline in popularity following the GFC. The Ravenhall Prison Public Private Partnership (PPP) has just completed a long term financing transaction, on which Allens advised The GEO Group. Ahead of Informa’s Prisons 2019 Conference,…
7 Jun 2019, by Informa InsightsBanking & Finance | Healthcare
The headwinds confronting PHI and opportunities to grow participation
The Australian private health insurance (PHI) industry is no stranger to the topic of affordability. But with rates of participation declining for the first time since the introduction of Life Time Health Cover loading, the Medicare Levy Surcharge, and 30 percent Rebate some 19 years ago, the issue is resurfacing. Though participation rates remain generally…
12 Apr 2019, by Amy SarcevicBanking & Finance | Business | Legal
Ethics versus compliance – restoring consumer trust in financial services
As the Australian financial services sector continues to grapple with a post-Royal Commission consumer trust deficit, the efficacy of a compliance-based approach to banking has been called into question. Despite ethical mandates, such as ASICs “fairness initiative” and AFCA’s “fairness review”, a compliance framework continues to dominate banking practices; with efforts to instill a culture…
11 Apr 2019, by Informa InsightsBanking & Finance
Mortgage broking in the eye of the storm
The Federal Government has announced that it will preserve current mortgage broker remuneration structures and override Commissioner Hayne’s recommendation to abolish lender-paid commissions in favour of consumer-based fees. The announcement has come in the midst of significant industry backlash, with economists, analysts, academics and brokers warning that the Commissioner’s recommendation – designed to protect consumers…
13 Mar 2019, by Amy SarcevicBanking & Finance | Healthcare
2019 a key year for PHI reform
2019 looks set to be a key year for private health insurance with the Australian Government this week confirming it will fund the development of a nationally searchable website to promote the transparency of medical specialist fees; with a complementary education initiative for consumers, GPs and specialists. The website will provide information on the costs…
8 Mar 2019, by Informa InsightsBanking & Finance | Legal | Uncategorised
Remuneration and regulation post Hayne
The dust has now settled since Commissioner Hayne released his final verdict following the years-worth of industry interrogation, that formed the backbone of the Royal Commission into banking misconduct. Many of his recommendations were applauded by industry analysts, while others have been met with doubt, concern and outright resistance. Cutting through the wealth of industry…
4 Mar 2019, by Amy SarcevicBanking & Finance | Mining & Resources
Rio Tinto’s long awaited announcement ahead of Minerals and Investment Week
After months of speculation, Rio Tinto has finally pulled back the curtain on its exploration activity in the Paterson province. The firm first aroused suspicion when it began pegging land on what was already considered a hot exploration site, upping its tenements from 2335 to 13,000 square kilometers - as revealed by aerial photos that…
28 Feb 2019, by Amy SarcevicBanking & Finance | Mining & Resources
Industry outlook – TiO2 in an age of uncertainty and volatility
The past few years have written a promising narrative for titanium dioxide (TiO2), with a high – and growing - demand trend evident in figures for 2016, 2017; and in the first half of 2018. However, Reg Adams Managing Director of ARTIKOL UK warns of several - current and looming - macro-economic forces, which may…
22 Feb 2019, by Amy SarcevicBanking & Finance | Food & Agriculture | Technology | Uncategorised
Australian AgTech – a rich hunting ground for venture capital
Australia’s AgTech sector has grown considerably over the last decade and is showing further signs of maturity, with a hefty $123.8 million worth of angel and seed funding logged in 2017. Until recently, however, a lack of local investment data has been stunting its progress - a number of investors put off by the opacity…
1 Feb 2019, by Amy SarcevicInforma Connect Australia is the nation's leading event organiser. Our events comprise of large scale exhibitions, industry conferences and highly specialised corporate training.
