Podcast
Financial Services News Wrap
Hosted by Paige Estritori · EN
Financial Services News Wrap, hosted by Paige Estritori, is your definitive source for the latest and most significant news in the Australian Financial Services sector. We meticulously search for important news to bring you updates in insurance, mortgages and loans, superannuation, and money management, including budgeting and financial planning. With a keen focus on the developments from the past week, our podcast selects news items that resonate most with Australian business and personal consumers. After conducting in-depth research, we craft original articles on each chosen news story, summarizing the crucial information into a concise, engaging podcast. Whether you are a professional navigating the financial services industry or a personal consumer seeking to stay informed, Financial Services News Wrap offers the insights you need to stay ahead in the fast-moving world of finance.
88episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Sun, 24th May 2026
3d agoTap to summarizeIn this episode, Paige Estritori covers four key topics from Australia's financial sector. HESTA, a leading superannuation fund in Australia, plans to reduce insurance fees by 12% across all coverages starting from July 1st. The Queensland Law Society (QLS) has announced a 15% reduction in professional indemnity insurance levies for 2026-27. Volvo Trucks launched its next-generation, heavy-duty electric vehicles in Australia, promising improved performance, versatility, and up to 400 km range. Finally, Cohabit is poised to revolutionize strata insurance management with a new digital platform that simplifies the review and comparison of personalised insurance options. These stories highlight advancements in insurance, sustainability, and technology in the Australian financial landscape.
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Sat, 23rd May 2026
4d agoTap to summarizeIn this episode of Daily Financial Services News Wrap, Paige Estritori discusses key happenings in Australia's finance industry. Highlights include HESTA's decision to cut insurance fees for its superannuation fund members by up to 12%, and 23.5% for income protection cover from July 1. This specifically benefits self-employed individuals and freelancers looking for financial security. The podcast also covers changes in legislation with initiated reviews for the Emergency Services Levy which may lead to reduced insurance premiums for small and medium enterprises. Additionally, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority finalizes amendments aimed to bolster the retirement income product market. Finally, Estritori reveals CHU Underwriting Agencies' move to include cyber protection in residential strata insurance policies. Stay updated via financialservicesonline.com.au.
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Fri, 22nd May 2026
5d agoTap to summarizeThis episode of the Daily Financial Services News Wrap presents notable updates from the Australian financial sector. It leads with ACCC's intervention in the proposed $1.3bn acquisition deal between IAG and RAC WA's insurance department due to potential competition threat in the motor and home insurance markets. The episode then highlights Austal Ltd's $4bn contract to manufacture eight vessels for the Department of Defence, reflecting the government's commitment to strengthen maritime defence and domestic shipbuilding. Further, it reports on the non-bank lender Firstmac's new offering of secured caravan loans for homeowners, catering to increased lifestyle finance demands. Lastly, it discusses AUSTRAC's 2026 Financial Crime Risk Snapshot, emphasizing a rising threat from sophisticated criminal methods exploiting digital platforms and the need for stronger compliance frameworks to safeguard Australia's financial integrity.
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Thu, 21st May 2026
6d agoTap to summarizeIn this episode of the Daily Financial Services News Wrap, host Paige Estritori discusses AUSTRAC's 2026 Financial Crime Risk Snapshot, revealing an increasing trend of digital platforms being used for criminal activity. She highlights the call for financial institutions to increase their digital security measures. The resilience of Australia's non-life insurance sector is also discussed, with a significant revenue increase of 11.1% in the last fiscal year. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's continued examination of Insurance Australia Group's proposed acquisition of RAC Insurance is emphasized alongside an exploration of the booming life insurance sector based on data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. Despite certain challenges, the report points to a promising future for the financial industry.
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Wed, 20th May 2026
1w agoTap to summarizeIn this podcast, Paige Estritori delves into the robust performance of the Australian insurance sector, particularly non-life insurance, which showed an 11.1% revenue increase in fiscal 2025. Key contributors to this growth were top insurers, premium rate hikes, reduced catastrophe losses and an uptick in investment income. However, potential risks from the Middle East conflict make the industry somewhat cautious. The proposed acquisition of RAC Insurance by the Insurance Australia Group is facing scrutiny from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission over concerns of decreased competition. The life insurance industry also showed growth, mostly from individual disability income insurance profits. Additionally, the forthcoming Australian Superyacht, Marine Export, and Commercial Marine Conference on the Gold Coast is highlighted. The podcast concludes reminding listeners to stay tuned for more updates and directs to the Financial Services Online website for more resources.n
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Tue, 19th May 2026
1w agoTap to summarizeIn this episode, Paige Estritori discusses key industry updates, starting with the upcoming Australian Superyacht Marine conference focused on maritime strategies and innovations. The event also includes the prestigious Australian Marine Industry Awards Gala Dinner and a tour of Volvo Penta. In business news, Mastercard and MYOB announce Open Banking for Australian SMEs, allowing businesses to securely link their bank accounts to MYOB's platform. This signifies a step towards greater financial automation. CFMOTO prepares to release its robust new model, the MY26 1000MT-X, which targets Australias adventure motorcycle enthusiasts. Finally, IAG details its strategy for a softening commercial insurance market, leveraging AI technology for enhanced risk pricing and service delivery. Stay tuned for more daily industry news.
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Mon, 18th May 2026
1w agoTap to summarizeIn this episode, Paige Estritori presents updates from Australia's financial services and marine industry. The Australian Superyacht, Marine Export and Commercial Marine Conference (ASMEX) announces its upcoming event featuring key discussions on AI in marine technology, marketing strategies, and an economic update. Also in news, MYOB teams up with Mastercard to empower Australian SMEs by launching an Open Banking solution. This is expected to streamline financial management and enhance control. CFMOTO is set to enter the Australian adventure motorcycle market with the new MY26 1000MT-X offering competitive features and price points. Lastly, the Insurance Australia Group (IAG) reaffirms its commitment to delivering efficient risk pricing and service delivery through technology adaptation. The podcast rounds off emphasizing the role of IAG in providing a stable and reliable safety net for tradespeople and businesses.n
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Sun, 17th May 2026
1w agoTap to summarizeThis Sunday, May 17th, 2026 edition of Financial Services Online's daily news podcast brings the latest in Australian finance. Key points include the new Open Banking capabilities by MYOB and Mastercard under the Consumer Data Right framework, which are revolutionizing financial operations for small to medium enterprises. Additionally, the podcast highlights the forthcoming Australian Superyacht, Marine Export and Commercial Marine Conference on the Gold Coast, which seeks to elevate Australia's marine industry. It also discusses how Insurance Australia Group plans to mitigate market fluctuations through strategy and artificial intelligence. Lastly, it reveals CFMOTO's aggressive entry into the Australian adventure motorcycle market later this month.n
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Sat, 16th May 2026
2w agoTap to summarizeIn today's Daily Financial Services News Wrap, we discuss key financial updates from Australia. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission progresses with its second phase investigation into Insurance Australia Group's acquisition of RAC Insurance over potential competition concerns. The Motor Trades Association of Australia urges consumers and tradespeople to review their policies to ensure competitive rates. In court news, Allianz Australia's attempt to cap sexual misconduct coverage under the Uniting Churchs policy was denied by the Federal Court, stressing the need for meticulous policy review. On a global front, QBE Insurance Group plans to divest its trade credit and surety business to Swiss Re Corporate Solutions aiming to streamline operations and boost revenues. Lastly, marine maintenance facility The Boat Works announces its ambitious Pier 25 project as part of its growth and innovation strategy in the marine services industry.n
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Fri, 15th May 2026
2w agoTap to summarizeOn this edition of Financial Services Online hosted by Paige Estritori, key topics discussed include the continuance of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's investigation into the A$1.35 billion merger proposal by Insurance Australia Group to acquire RAC Insurance. Concerns focus on potential market competition impacts, consumer options and potential premium increases. Insurers are strategically adjusting to operational cost rises and climate event impacts, revising coverage limits, risk assessments, and terms for financial sustainability and consumer accessibility. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission have released their Life Insurance Claims and Disputes Statistics, emphasizing consumer trust. The show also discusses the impact of Victorian bushfires on future insurance premiums, reinforcing the importance of risk management and communication with your providers.n
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