Bendigo and Adelaide Bank

Bendigo & Adelaide Bank is swinging the axe through its workforce as it bets on tech to cut costs and compete in a tough banking landscape.

What first looked like a Commonwealth Bank problem is shaping up as a broader fraud risk tied to broker and referrer channels across the majors.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank is repairing compliance failures and investing $80 million in risk systems, as its digital arm turns profitable and competition intensifies.

Rising costs and competition are fuelling merger talks across the mutuals sector — and People First Bank is ready to make its next big move.

Politics keeps banks tied to branch networks, but consultants Kearney argue they could do far more to offset costs and boost mortgage sales.

New CEO Richard Fennell says Bendigo and Adelaide Bank doesn’t need to be like market leader CBA or the rest of the Big Four, but today's share price plunge suggests investors have their doubts.

Sources told Capital Brief the new arrangements, which were negotiated under tight non-disclosure agreements, would lead to about a 30% increase in costs for lenders.

Banks have largely driven the boom in private credit by pulling out of higher risk lending. Macquarie, however, is expanding its bet with highly structured lending to its clients.

If HSBC decides to sell its Australian retail business it would offer a high-quality, clean book — just not one to attract a big premium.

Global cross-border payments specialist Wise sees Australia as a prime market for growth with digital and existing banks receptive to its platform.

Generative AI promises new services, better advice, more efficient compliance and cleaner coding, but for banks one of its most effective uses is in renovating the oldest tech.

The ranks of mid tier banks have plunged 90% during Marnie Baker's 35 years at Bendigo Bank. Without government intervention or regulatory changes, it could get worse.

Up is on track to hit 1 million customers in October, just in time for its sixth birthday.

For some, size brings scale efficiencies. For others, costly complexity. Technology and regulation are the battle ground for scale in banking and it is here smaller banks are seeing opportunity.

Small business is increasingly polarised between those struggling with costs and slow growth and those thriving and investing. For good credits, banks have sharp pencils.

Nearly two-thirds of new home loans come via mortgage brokers. The economics stack up, just not for bank margins.

Despite the struggles faced by pure play BNPL providers, the payment option looks like it will survive, boosted by popularity among younger people. But it's the established players who may benefit the most.

In the latest sign of big banks being more willing to partner with fintechs, CBA has teamed up with property platform Coposit to ease access to off-the-plan properties.

Reaction to the approval of ANZ's deal to buy Suncorp has been polarised with the market split between short and long term gratification (or disappointment).