Latest Banking News

Westpac Banking Corporation posted a statutory net profit of AUD 3.414 billion for the half year ended March 2026, marking a 3% increase on the prior corresponding period despite a 5% decline from the previous half. The bank maintained a strong capital position and declared a fully franked interim dividend of 77 cents per share.

National Australia Bank’s half year to March 2026 saw revenue climb 8.7% to $11.16 billion while net profit dropped 19.3%, hit by a $949 million accelerated software amortisation. Excluding this, cash earnings edged 2.3% higher, underpinned by strong business banking growth and cautious credit provisioning amid geopolitical uncertainty.

Bank of Queensland has finalised the sale of its equipment finance portfolio to Challenger for $3.62 billion, marking a pivotal step in its strategic transformation. The transaction sets the stage for potential shareholder returns through a buyback and special dividend, pending approvals.

Kina Securities has successfully closed an oversubscribed PGK 235 million subordinated bond, set to list on the PNGX Debt Market on 6 May 2026, offering a fixed 7.55% coupon over ten years.

ANZ Group Holdings Limited posted a 14% rise in cash profit for 1H26 to AUD 3.78 billion, driven by cost reductions and steady revenue, while declaring an 83-cent interim dividend with 75% franking.

Judo Bank reported solid Q3 lending growth and stable asset quality, maintaining its FY26 profit before tax guidance between $180m and $190m despite increasing credit loss provisions due to economic uncertainty.

Heartland Group Holdings Limited maintains its FY2026 guidance, reporting expanded net interest margins and improved asset quality in 3Q2026, while navigating geopolitical uncertainties affecting New Zealand and Australian markets.

Bank of Queensland’s statutory profit fell 20% to $136 million in 1H26, weighed down by a $31 million loss on its equipment finance portfolio sale. The bank advances its digital transformation and plans a $3.7 billion capital release with Challenger Limited, maintaining strong capital and dividend guidance.

National Australia Bank is adjusting its credit provisioning and capital policies in response to market volatility from the Middle East conflict, with significant impacts on its 1H26 earnings and balance sheet.

Westpac Banking Corporation reports steady lending and deposit growth alongside stable margins despite geopolitical headwinds, while transaction costs from its RAMS mortgage portfolio sale weigh on first-half profits.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank has announced new long-term partnerships with Infosys and Genpact to enhance technology and operational efficiency, alongside a 7.6% increase in cash earnings for the third quarter of 2026.

Bank of Queensland (ASX: BOQ) has announced a strategic capital partnership with Challenger Limited (ASX: CGF), involving a $3.7 billion whole-of-loan sale and a forward flow arrangement for equipment finance assets. The deal aims to optimise BOQ’s funding base, support SME equipment finance growth, and enable capital returns to shareholders.