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Big four bank praises strength of Australian financial system

by Nick Bendel10 minute read

ANZ has revealed it will make a new submission to the Financial System Inquiry and hinted it may oppose one of the inquiry's recommendations.

The inquiry's final report, which was released earlier this month, recommended a narrowing of the risk weighting used by the big four banks and the smaller lenders.

The current rules on risk weighting allow the big four banks to hold less capital than the non-majors, which the smaller lenders regard as unfair.

The inquiry argued that Australia's financial system would become safer if the big banks were required to hold more capital, but such a move could make them less profitable.

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ANZ's last submission to the Financial System Inquiry opposed "arbitrary" increases to the current risk weighting.

Chairman David Gonski said ANZ is "one of the world's strongest banks" at yesterday's annual general meeting.

"Australia has, of course, benefited from having a very stable, strong and conservatively managed financial system," he said.

"This was recognised in the final report of the Financial System Inquiry – often called the Murray Inquiry – released earlier this month."

Mr Gonski said the inquiry should be commended for its principles-based approach and for referring some of its recommendations to APRA.

He also praised APRA and the other government authorities for the way they steered Australia's banking system during the GFC.

"We also support a risk-based approach to capital management and the adoption of measures to maintain a strong domestic financial system," he said.

"At the invitation of the federal government, we'll be making submissions in response to the inquiry's report in the next few months – and we welcome being involved in discussions with them, with APRA and with other interested parties."

[Related: ANZ announces Saturday home loan assessments]

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