Tue, 2nd Dec 2025

In this episode, Paige Estritori discusses key developments in Australia's financial services sector. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is advocating for stronger private lending oversight due to identified risks and inconsistencies in reporting, risk disclosure, and fee transparency. ASIC proposes aligning private lending rules with the banking sector. A notable trend in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) finance is their increasing preference for non-bank lenders, with 54% choosing them over traditional banks this year. Further, Australias largest strata insurance underwriting agency, CHU, reports a modest rise in strata insurance premiums compared to a 14% soar in standalone house insurance premiums due to climate risks. The programme ends with news on the strata management industry's transition from insurance commissions to a fee-for-service model starting 2026, aiming to promote transparency and trust.n