Wed, 10th Dec 2025

In this week's finance news, the Reserve Bank of Australia cut the official cash rate to 3.60%, providing a significant opportunity for Australian SMEs to enjoy lower borrowing costs. Nuno Matos, ANZ's group CEO, took over leadership of the Australian Banking Association council, bringing a vision for a more competitive banking environment with an emphasis on consumer protection and innovative ideas. Regulatory measures from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority put a cap on high debt-to-income home loans to combat potential housing market risks. Home prices are expected to rise by 6.9% in 2026, fuelled by limited housing supply and recent interest-rate cuts. However, there are concerns about housing affordability and whether governmental initiatives sufficiently address supply issues. Stay tuned to Financial Services Online for more updates.