(Reuters) – Down Under, the big shots at Australia’s corporate watchdog are giving the country’s banks a firm nudge, demanding they spill the beans on the fees they’re slapping on Indigenous consumers. This comes after a review uncovered the sobering truth that the banks are falling short when it comes to steering First Nations folks towards those desirable low-fee accounts.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has come across a rather disturbing revelation. Turns out, plenty of Indigenous consumers are forking out a staggering A$3,000 ($2,007) a year in overdraw fees because they’re using high-fee transaction accounts. The ironic twist? They’re fully eligible for those low-fee basic accounts.
So, what’s the difference? Well, the low-fee accounts are kind to your wallet, only asking for a wee monthly charge to cover account-keeping and small transactions like withdrawing cash from an ATM. On the other hand, high-fee accounts will hit you with extra fees if you accidentally dip into the red or don’t have enough funds to cover scheduled payments.
In a rather alarming statement, ASIC highlighted that the banks were fully aware that a huge number of customers qualified for low-fee accounts. But here’s the kicker: most of the banks’ attempts to switch these eligible customers over to low-fee accounts were nothing short of a flop. Yup, ineffective is the word.
To make matters worse, ASIC revealed that the migration rates from high-fee to low-fee accounts were staggeringly low, ranging from a pitiful 0.5% to a measly 3%. Talk about dropping the ball!
“We’re getting in the banks’ faces and demanding answers. When are they gonna get off their backsides and migrate all these eligible customers to low-fee accounts? And while they’re at it, they better start fixing the damage they’ve caused to these poor souls,” exclaimed a fired-up ASIC Commissioner Danielle Press, clearly not mincing her words. Banks, you’ve been warned!
Now, the largest bank in the land, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (OTC:CMWAY), has stepped up and taken note of ASIC’s tough stance. They’ve promised to step up their game, vowing to improve the financial situation of their Indigenous customers. Good on ya, Commonwealth Bank! ASIC will be keeping a close eye on them, that’s for sure.
As for the other three major banks, they’re as quiet as a mouse, ignoring Reuters’ requests for comment on the situation facing Indigenous consumers. Seems like they’re hoping to fly under the radar on this one. But ASIC won’t let ’em off the hook that easy!
All this talk about better banking outcomes for Indigenous consumers is happening at an opportune time. See, there’s this referendum brewing in Australia, where they’re considering changing the constitution to recognize Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people. They even want to create a committee in parliament to give advice on matters affecting First Nations people. It’s a big deal, mate!
Interestingly enough, Commonwealth Bank of Australia is throwing its weight behind this campaign. They’re right there, cheering and fighting for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. They’re not just talking the talk, they’re walking the walk! At least according to a poll by Reuters conducted in June. Good on ya, Commonwealth Bank! We need more champions like you.
($1 equals 1.4945 Australian dollars)
Well, folks, it’s time for the banks
