CBA pays $180k breach penalties


The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has paid $180,000 following four infringement notices as a result of breaches of responsible lending laws when providing personal overdraft facilities.
CBA incorrectly approved 9,577 customers for overdrafts and 1,152 customers for high overdrafts between July 2011 and September 2015.
CBA reported the matter to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) following an ASIC surveillance and off the back of an internal review, which identified a programming error in the automated calculator, used to assess personal overdraft applications.
Consumers within the four year period were approved for overdrafts or increased limits, despite their declared expenses being greater than their declared income.
ASIC said that the conduct breached responsible lending laws, as consumers were clearly placed in a position whereby they would be unable to comply with overdraft terms.
ASIC has issued four separate infringement notices in the last month totalling $180,000 for breaches of the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 (Cth).
Recommended for you
As advisers risk losing two-thirds of FUA during the $3.5 trillion wealth transfer, two co-founders underscore why fostering trust with the next generation is vital to retaining intergenerational wealth.
As advisers seek greater insights into FSCP determinations, what are the various options considered by the panel and can a decision be appealed?
Amid the current financial adviser shortage, advice firm Link Wealth is looking to expand its financial literacy program for high school students across the country.
TAL Risk Academy has updated its range of ethics courses to help financial advisers meet their CPD requirements following adviser feedback, including interpreting FSCP determinations.