We are a proud member of the Financial Services Online network!
Connect with us on your favourite social media platform for the latest financial news, views, tips, tricks, resources and information.
NAB Faces Legal Action for Delayed Hardship Responses
NAB Faces Legal Action for Delayed Hardship Responses
ASIC has leveled charges against NAB, alleging that the bank did not meet the standard 21-day timeframe required for acknowledging hardship pleas. Specifically, the watchdog has highlighted 345 instances where NAB failed to respond to such requests, with 320 of these cases lacking a lawful reply altogether. This constitutes over 400,000 cumulative days of delay, according to ASIC's calculations.
Joe Longo, the ASIC chair, emphasized the significance of prompt responses to hardship applications, especially for individuals facing significant challenges such as severe health issues, domestic violence, or the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. "NAB unlawfully failed to respond to their customers’ appeal for help when they needed them most," Longo asserted.
This scrutiny of NAB follows a similar lawsuit against Westpac earlier in September 2023. Westpac was accused of similar misconduct involving failure to act within the National Credit Code's deadlines, affecting over 435 hardship notifications.
The regulatory body released an insightful report in May pinpointing banks’ lackadaisical attitude toward implementing effective hardship policies. Alan Kirkland, ASIC’s head of enforcement, stated, "Many lenders aren’t taking their customers’ unique circumstances into account,” highlighting an often criticized "cookie cutter approach" in this realm.
In response to these allegations, NAB's executive Sharon Cook offered an apology, acknowledging the bank's shortcomings during crucial times for their clients. "We are focused on ensuring these customers receive the support they need," she mentioned, adding that NAB is revising its approach towards financial hardship cases, taking cues from ASIC’s nationwide findings.
The legal claims specify lapses between July 2019 and July 2022, featuring scenarios such as a mortgage applicant adversely affected by COVID-19, who endured no income due to quarantine restrictions. Another instance involved an applicant struggling after leaving an abusive relationship, signifying the personal challenges underlying these hardships.
These cases challenge assumptions about major financial institutions adequately supporting Australia's most vulnerable population segments during their utmost time of need. With NAB and Westpac both under fire, this situation raises pressing concerns about how the country's biggest lenders address financial hardship.
For more context, the original insights on these developments were reported by Neale Prior and Jackson Hewett from The Nightly on November 18, 2024.
Published:Tuesday, 19th Nov 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
Share this news item:
| AI in Financial Planning: Unlocking Potential with Prudence 21 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly become a focal point in modern financial planning, offering the potential to transform how advisers interact with clients. By providing automated solutions for routine tasks and analyzing vast data sets, AI promises increased efficiency and more personalized financial recommendations. - read more |
| Financial Advisory Expansion: Balancing Growth and Regulatory Challenges 20 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori The financial advisory sector in Australia is poised for significant expansion, with the potential to extend advisory services to an additional 650,000 clients. This promising development hinges on resolving existing regulatory barriers. A detailed analysis by Empower Business Advisory, sponsored by Colonial First State, underlines this potential shift in the industry landscape. - read more |
| Aussie Homeowners Show Resilience Amidst Rising Interest Rates 20 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori Amid the global economic shifts, Australian homeowners, notably exposed to fluctuating interest rates, have defied pessimistic predictions and demonstrated resilience. Unlike many countries, most Australian mortgages are subject to variable interest rates, which heightens sensitivity to cash rate changes. - read more |
| NAB Faces Legal Action for Delayed Hardship Responses 19 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori In a recent development within the financial sector, the National Australia Bank (NAB) finds itself embroiled in a legal dispute initiated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). At the center of the controversy are allegations that the bank failed to timely respond to hundreds of loan hardship applications from its customers. - read more |
| Employment Holds Steady Amid Rate Speculation 15 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori Australia's unemployment rate remained fixed at 4.1% this October, marking the third consecutive month without change, according to newly released Australian Bureau of Statistics data. Despite this steady figure, the growth of new jobs appears to be waning. - read more |
| UK Broker Hit with Multi-Million Pound Penalty for Misallocated Premiums 15 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori A UK brokerage owner has been ordered to pay a substantial fine exceeding £1 million (approximately $1.96 million) and has been barred permanently from the financial services industry. This comes after regulators found him guilty of financially mismanaging funds intended for insurers and providing misleading information. - read more |
| Unprecedented Surge in Australia's ETF Market 14 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori Australian investors are rewriting the record books in the exchange-traded fund (ETF) sector, with data from BetaShares illustrating impressive growth figures that have taken the market by storm. Inflows have surged to $23.7 billion by October, far exceeding the previous yearly high of $23.2 billion established in 2021. - read more |
| Unlocking the Secrets to Flexible Business Financing in Australia For emerging businesses seeking to navigate the vibrant economic currents of Australia, grasping the startup lending landscape is essential. A myriad of financing options, each with its distinct advantages and caveats, awaits the ambitious entrepreneur. In this sea of possibilities, securing the right funding becomes more than a mere necessity—it represents a decisive factor in charting the course toward business success. - read more
|
| Drawing a Roadmap: Effective Planning for Business Loan Utilization in Australia Effective planning is the backbone of any thriving business, and when it comes to leveraging financial products like business loans, this foresight becomes even more crucial. In the dynamic economic landscape of Australia, businesses are continually walking a tightrope, balancing investment, growth, and financial stability. The importance of prudent and strategic planning for business loan utilization cannot be overstated; it can mean the difference between a flourishing enterprise and one that struggles to keep its head above water. - read more
|
| The Ultimate Checklist for Applying for a Business Loan in Australia Welcome to the world of boating! Whether you've just bought your first boat or are considering making a purchase, it's essential to understand the importance of regular maintenance. Proper upkeep not only extends the life of your boat but also ensures safety while out on the water. - read more
|
| Startup Loans vs. Business Lines of Credit: Which is Better for Your Company? Starting a new business is an exciting journey, but it often requires a significant amount of funding to get off the ground. Whether it's for purchasing equipment, hiring staff, or marketing your new venture, securing the right type of financing is crucial for success. - read more
|
| Customized Leasing Solutions: Finding the Right Terms for Your Business Needs Equipment leasing presents a strategic financial opportunity for Australian businesses seeking to maximize operational efficiency without the hefty price tag of purchasing. As many companies strive to stay competitive and agile in a bustling economic landscape, the importance of flexible asset acquisition cannot be understated. - read more
|
| Mezzanine Finance: A Strategic Tool for Business Growth through Acquisition Mezzanine finance represents a sophisticated instrument within the realm of corporate finance, often utilized as a strategic tool when more traditional forms of capital are not ideally suited or are insufficient for a firm's needs. Inherently, it serves as a hybrid between debt and equity financing, tailored to support growth initiatives such as business acquisitions. - read more
|
| Understanding Loan Terms and Conditions: A Guide for New Business Owners Starting a business often requires a substantial amount of capital, which many new business owners may not have readily available. Business loans can provide the necessary funding to help get your startup off the ground, from purchasing equipment to hiring staff and everything in between. - read more
|
|
Maximizing Your Chances of Approval for a Startup Loan in Australia Securing financing is a pivotal step for any startup looking to establish itself and grow. In Australia, the startup lending landscape is buoyant, offering a mix of traditional and innovative financing options. The financial ecosystem is robust yet competitive, and understanding how to navigate it is crucial for new business owners. - read more
|
|
|
Mezzanine Finance: A Strategic Tool for Business Growth through Acquisition Mezzanine finance represents a sophisticated instrument within the realm of corporate finance, often utilized as a strategic tool when more traditional forms of capital are not ideally suited or are insufficient for a firm's needs. Inherently, it serves as a hybrid between debt and equity financing, tailored to support growth initiatives such as business acquisitions. - read more
|
|
|
Understanding Loan Terms and Conditions: A Guide for New Business Owners Starting a business often requires a substantial amount of capital, which many new business owners may not have readily available. Business loans can provide the necessary funding to help get your startup off the ground, from purchasing equipment to hiring staff and everything in between. - read more
|
|
|
Drawing a Roadmap: Effective Planning for Business Loan Utilization in Australia Effective planning is the backbone of any thriving business, and when it comes to leveraging financial products like business loans, this foresight becomes even more crucial. In the dynamic economic landscape of Australia, businesses are continually walking a tightrope, balancing investment, growth, and financial stability. The importance of prudent and strategic planning for business loan utilization cannot be overstated; it can mean the difference between a flourishing enterprise and one that struggles to keep its head above water. - read more
|
|
Alternative Funding Options for Your Australian Business When it comes to starting or expanding a business in Australia, securing funding is often a top priority. However, traditional funding options, such as bank loans or government grants, can be difficult to obtain for small businesses. - read more
|
|
|
Startup Loans vs. Business Lines of Credit: Which is Better for Your Company? Starting a new business is an exciting journey, but it often requires a significant amount of funding to get off the ground. Whether it's for purchasing equipment, hiring staff, or marketing your new venture, securing the right type of financing is crucial for success. - read more
|
|
|
Unlocking the Secrets to Flexible Business Financing in Australia For emerging businesses seeking to navigate the vibrant economic currents of Australia, grasping the startup lending landscape is essential. A myriad of financing options, each with its distinct advantages and caveats, awaits the ambitious entrepreneur. In this sea of possibilities, securing the right funding becomes more than a mere necessity—it represents a decisive factor in charting the course toward business success. - read more
|
A deed instrument in which a borrower conveys all interest in a property to the lender to satisfy a loan that is in default and avoid foreclosure.