Media Updates
Banks and non-bank lenders form alliance to tackle financial abuse
28 January 2026/Mortgage Professional Australia
New Financial Safety Alliance aims to embed ‘safety by design’ across Australian credit and banking products.
Australia’s major banking and finance firms have formed a new alliance to address the misuse of financial products in cases of economic abuse.
Banks And Lenders Unite To Fight Financial Abuse
27 January 2026/The National Tribune
Australia’s banks and finance firms are joining forces with Australia’s leading financial safety by design expert, to prevent financial abuse, with the launch of the Financial Safety Alliance. The Financial Safety Alliance, founded by social enterprise Flequity Ventures, brings together the Australian Banking Association, the Australian Finance Industry Association, the Customer Owned Banking Association and Arca.
New data from Arca reveals credit reporting benefits millions of consumers, but warns Australia risks falling behind global peers
20 November 2025/Australian FinTech
The report, Comprehensive Credit Reporting in Australia: Usage and Benefits, reveals that 92 credit providers are now participating in the system, covering more than 22 million consumer accounts and accounting for the vast majority of the regulated market.
How to better protect yourself from credit fraud and identity theft
24 October 2025/SeniorsNews
As data breaches continue to make headlines, many Australians – particularly older ones – are understandably worried about their personal information falling into the wrong hands. For retired seniors living on fixed incomes, this can be particularly distressing, as the possibility of losing money or having your identity stolen can have significant repercussions on one’s financial stability and overall wellbeing.
Is Australia’s credit reporting system outdated?
8 October 2025 / Broker Daily
Data has revealed a disconnect between Australia’s credit reporting framework and consumers. There are calls to revitalise systems through expanding the data used.
According to research from Arca, the current credit reporting system is limiting. A refreshed approach could ease the friction for both brokers and borrowers.
New data reveals borrowers are avoiding hardship assistance due to credit misconceptions
18 September 2025 / Broker Daily
Rising living costs are putting pressure on households but too many Australians are avoiding hardship assistance because of misconceptions about how it impacts their credit.
In Broker Daily, Elsa Markula dives into Arca’s CreditSmart research, which highlights the disconnect between consumer fears and the reality of lender behaviour.
Call for modernised credit reporting as Financial Inclusion Week begins
4 October 2025 / Australian Broker
Brokers and lenders push for fairer access and stronger productivity
With Financial Inclusion Week now underway (Oct. 6–9), industry leaders are renewing calls to reform Australia’s credit reporting system, warning that outdated frameworks are holding back lenders, brokers, and consumers.
Many young Aussies unaware lenders check credit reports
17 September 2025 / Broker Daily
Research from Arca shows many younger borrowers don’t realise lenders check credit reports when assessing applications for loans, credit cards, or BNPL products.
Arca CEO Elsa Markula says this is a clear red flag for the industry — credit reporting is a fundamental part of responsible lending.
New data reveals Australia's biggest credit report myths
8 September 2025 / Money Magazine
Most Australians use credit in some form, from credit cards to home loans to buy now, pay later (BNPL) services. But despite its everyday role in our finances, recent research commissioned by CreditSmart has found that many of us still misunderstand what's really on our credit reports.
Arca warns Australia's credit reporting system is 'falling dangerously behind'
20 August 2025 / Australian Broker
Industry body urges urgent reform to boost competition and efficiency. Australia’s peak credit reporting association has urged the government to modernise the country’s credit reporting framework, warning that outdated systems are stifling productivity and limiting competition in lending.
How BNPL changes will affect mortgage broker workflows
11 June 2025 / MPA Magazine
Stronger compliance requirements create both clarity and complexity for brokers. The Australian Retail Credit Association (Arca) is actively encouraging BNPL providers to report across the board, regardless of facility size – a move brokers are likely to support.
Big changes are coming to Buy Now Pay Later. Here's how it affects you
10 June 2025 / The Australian
Big changes are coming for Buy Now Pay Later providers as tighter regulations aim to stop consumers being affected by potentially harmful credit contracts.
From Tuesday June 10, BNPL products – including Afterpay, Zip and Humm, will be regulated in the same way as credit cards.
Applying for a loan? You’ll need to know this magic number
6 May 2025 / Sydney Morning Herald
If you’ve ever applied for a loan, credit card, or watched a lot of American TV shows, you’ve probably heard the term “credit score” thrown around. But what are they, and do they really matter in an Australian context?
What FinTechs need to know about the upcoming Buy Now Pay Later regulations
21 March 2025 / Australian FINTECH
The countdown is on. On 10 June this year, the new Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) legislation will take effect. Over the next few months, FinTechs operating in the BNPL space will face a series of challenges that need to be addressed urgently. Find out what all companies can do to navigate these hurdles in time for the deadline.
Lenders ready to further help Australians affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred
6 March 2025 / Arca Media Release
As millions of Australians prepare for Tropical Cyclone Alfred's impact, Arca – the peak industry association dedicated to consumer credit – is reassuring affected customers that financial hardship assistance is available to ease their burden during this challenging time.
To ensure customers are fully informed of their options, Arca is working closely with lenders to provide clear, consistent, and empathetic support to anyone who needs it.
The Savings Tip Jar Podcast - Do credit scores really matter?
5 March 2025 / The Savings Tip Jar
Credit scores and credit reports—what’s the difference? How often should you check yours? And why is it more important than ever to stay on top of your credit health, especially with rising living costs and higher mortgage rates? Elsa joins The Savings Tip Jar podcast to answer these key questions and more, including how to dispute a mistake on your credit report.