MELBOURNE, Australia—Australia’s regulatory and legislative environment was the topic of focus Wednesday for a delegation of U.S. credit union industry executives participating in a World Council of Credit Unions’ study trip taking place this week, as CUToday.info reported here.
The delegation is in Australia to hear about the country’s financial services sector and the lessons that can be learned following the findings of the Royal Commission, according to WOCCU.
Australia’s primary organization for credit unions, mutual banks and building societies—the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA)—is hosting the delegation, and facilitated a series of presentations and discussions from leading figures in the sector.
According to WOCCU, the presentations have discussed far ranging issues, such as:
- The Australian regulatory landscape
- Challenges facing the sector
- COBA’s approach to advocacy and significant campaigning wins
- An overview from COBA’s largest members
- The New Payments Platform and Open Banking
‘Unique Case Study’
Customer Owned Banking Association CEO Michael Lawrence told the delegation Australia’s current regulatory environment is a unique case study for other nations to learn from.
“Australia’s financial services sector is in an uncommon position right now,” said Lawrence. “There is unprecedented regulatory scrutiny on the entire financial services sector, innovation in new forms of payment like the New Payments Platform as well as a looming federal election where banking reform will be a key election commitment. We’re thrilled to be able to host our international colleagues and introduce them to some of the aspects of financial services regulation in Australia.”
‘Fascinating to Hear’
WOCCU President and CEO Brian Branch said the discussions fostered by COBA have been extremely valuable.
“It has been fascinating to hear about Australia’s regulatory landscape after such a significant inquiry like the Royal Commission. Australia’s customer owned banking institutions are certainly operating in unusual circumstances and provide a terrific example for our global colleagues,” said Branch.
Added CUNA CEO Jim Nussle who is part of the delegation, “There is much to learn from the Australian example. The presentations and insights from COBA have demonstrated how important effective advocacy is towards achieving competition in a financial sector.”
The trip runs through April 15.