Truck Loans Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

ANZ Slammed for Overcharging Deceased Estates

ANZ Slammed for Overcharging Deceased Estates

ANZ Slammed for Overcharging Deceased Estates?w=400
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) has come under intense scrutiny for a grave oversight: charging fees to the estates of deceased customers.
This makes ANZ the second of Australia's Big Four banks to face formal action from the Banking Code Compliance Committee (BCCC) within a single week.

The BCCC's accusations are centered on ANZ's failure to cease or refund fees charged to deceased customers' estates in a timely manner. The committee also noted that ANZ did not respond to inquiries or instructions from the representatives of these estates within the 14-day period mandated by the 2019 Banking Code of Practice.

The violations, spanning more than four years from July 2019 to September 2023, involved ANZ's inability to quantify the extent to which it was in breach of these code obligations. The bank has since committed to remediating $3.25 million to around 19,000 affected estates.

This action against ANZ follows closely on the heels of a similar sanction imposed on Westpac for its poor handling of a regional branch closure. According to the BCCC, another unnamed bank was given a formal warning for similar issues, though the financial impact and number of affected estates were significantly lower.

The BCCC listed several reasons for its stringent action against ANZ:

  1. ANZ's inability to accurately monitor and report the 14-day obligation breaches.
  2. Delayed internal measures to prevent additional breaches after an audit in September 2022.
  3. Slow response in addressing customer issues identified back in February 2022, with remediation expected to be completed only by July 2024.
  4. Delays in responding to estate representatives, exacerbating the emotional and logistical burdens on bereaved families.

Significantly, the BCCC highlighted that in June 2023, ANZ introduced an automated tool to waive fees upon receiving death notifications. However, this measure came more than a year after the initial problem identification.

The committee pointed out that more than 7,000 delayed cases are awaiting resolution, each requiring manual review to identify potential breaches. ANZ plans to send approximately 10,604 apology letters and pay financial compensation totaling around $667,915 to affected representatives.

BCCC Chair Ian Govey expressed considerable concern over ANZ's Code breaches, describing them as intensely problematic and warranting the severe sanctions imposed. Govey criticized ANZ’s slow remediation process, saying it "did not meet expectations" and that the bank "should have done more to address this more quickly."

The sanction stems from a 2023 inquiry by the BCCC into banks' adherence to the deceased estates provisions in the Banking Code of Practice, implemented to ensure institutions follow best practices in handling such sensitive matters.

Last week, financial regulator ASIC approved updates to the Banking Code that include revised steps for securing accounts following customer deaths. These changes are slated to take effect after 28 February 2025.

This evolving regulatory landscape underscores the importance of timely and compassionate handling of financial matters for deceased estates, an area where ANZ has evidently fallen short.

Published:Thursday, 4th Jul 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Finance News

Improving EOFY Planning: The Call for ATO Portal Access for Advisers Improving EOFY Planning: The Call for ATO Portal Access for Advisers
09 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

In a recent discussion, James O'Reilly, Director and Financial Planner at Northeast Wealth, underscored the benefits that could come from granting financial advisers access to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) portal. Speaking on The ifa Show, O'Reilly proposed that this access would significantly simplify the services financial advisers provide to clients, particularly at tax time and the end of the financial year (EOFY). - read more
RBA Holds Rates Steady, Shocking Markets and Shifting Economic Expectations RBA Holds Rates Steady, Shocking Markets and Shifting Economic Expectations
09 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to keep the official cash rate steady at 3.85%, taking many by surprise after expectations of a 25-basis-point cut had built up in financial circles. This unexpected move comes amid recent data indicating easing inflation and weaker than anticipated economic growth, conflicting with prior predictions of a cut. - read more
RBA to Continue Interest Rate Cuts Amid High Unemployment RBA to Continue Interest Rate Cuts Amid High Unemployment
08 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is anticipated to maintain its trajectory of incremental interest rate reductions, according to insights from leading financial analysts at ANZ. Recent data from the ANZ-Indeed Australian Job Ads series revealed a rise from 114.8 in May to 116.9 in June, suggesting a potential rebound in job advertisements after previous declines. Despite a stable unemployment rate and hours-based underutilisation rate since mid-2024, the Australian labour market remains strained. - read more
RBA Poised for Cash Rate Cut Amid Inflationary Trends RBA Poised for Cash Rate Cut Amid Inflationary Trends
07 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

As the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) prepares for its forthcoming monetary policy announcement, economic analysts anticipate a further reduction in the official cash rate by 25 basis points. This prediction, supported by Finder’s RBA Cash Rate Survey, reveals that 88% of participating experts foresee a cut that would lower the interest rate to 3.6%, aligning the decision with the recent decline in both headline and core inflation to the central bank's target range of two to three percent. - read more
Uncovering the Impact of Unsolicited Solar Sales on Consumers Uncovering the Impact of Unsolicited Solar Sales on Consumers
04 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

In a concerning revelation, Australian retiree Christine Hirchfield shares her ordeal with an unsolicited solar installation that turned into a financial nightmare. Despite her initial enthusiasm for cheaper energy bills and a greener home, the project remains incomplete more than a year later. Consumer groups are now advocating for a nationwide prohibition on deceptive sales practices that target vulnerable consumers like Ms Hirchfield. - read more


Truck Loans Articles

How to Budget Effectively for Commercial Vehicle Loan Repayments How to Budget Effectively for Commercial Vehicle Loan Repayments
Managing repayments for a commercial vehicle loan is a critical aspect of running a successful business. Without a solid plan, unexpected costs and missed payments can create financial strain. - read more
Key Insurance Policies Every Truck Owner Needs Key Insurance Policies Every Truck Owner Needs
Truck insurance plays a critical role in safeguarding your valuable assets. For truck owners, having the right insurance coverage can mean the difference between financial security and devastating loss. - read more
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Applying for Commercial Truck Financing Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Applying for Commercial Truck Financing
Securing the right financing is a crucial step for any commercial trucking business. With the right loan, businesses can acquire the essential vehicles and equipment needed to expand their operations and improve efficiency. However, navigating the landscape of commercial truck financing can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the process. - read more
Preventive Maintenance: Keeping Your Truck on the Road for Years Preventive Maintenance: Keeping Your Truck on the Road for Years
Keeping your truck in top condition through preventive maintenance is crucial for extending its longevity. Regular check-ups and timely repairs can save you from unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs, keeping your truck on the road for years. - read more
Trucking finance: How leasing can help grow your business Trucking finance: How leasing can help grow your business
Running a successful trucking business in Australia can be a challenge, but with the right financing options, you can grow your business and increase profits. One popular financing option for truckers in Australia is leasing. Leasing allows trucking businesses to acquire vehicles and equipment necessary for their operations without incurring the high costs of outright purchase. - read more
Truck Financing 101: How to Choose the Right Loan for Your Commercial Vehicle Truck Financing 101: How to Choose the Right Loan for Your Commercial Vehicle
With the bustling economy and expanding trade routes, Australia's commercial vehicle market is experiencing significant growth. Truck financing has become a cornerstone for businesses looking to capitalize on this boom, providing a conduit for fleet expansion and upgrades. Understanding the nuances of commercial vehicle financing options, regulations, and market trends is essential in making informed decisions for the betterment of your business. - read more
Dealer Negotiations: Smart Tips for Australian Commercial Truck Buyers Dealer Negotiations: Smart Tips for Australian Commercial Truck Buyers
Navigating the used truck market in Australia can be as complex as the rugged terrains these vehicles traverse. With the market growing steadily, the need for savvy bargaining and well-informed purchases has never been more critical. The significance of due diligence escalates when considering the investment at stake and the pivotal role these trucks play in driving businesses forward. - read more
Balloon Payments, Residuals and Their Place in Your Truck Loan Balloon Payments, Residuals and Their Place in Your Truck Loan
The pursuit of a quality truck or fleet can be a significant undertaking for any business, especially within the dynamic and ever-expanding Australian transport industry. An understanding of the variety of financing options available within this sector is crucial, as it allows businesses to strategically acquire heavy vehicles that are vital to their operations. - read more
Avoiding the Potholes: How to Select the Right Truck Loan for Your Fleet Avoiding the Potholes: How to Select the Right Truck Loan for Your Fleet
Selecting the right financing for your fleet can be as crucial to your business's success as the trucks themselves. The journey for the perfect truck loan is fraught with potential pitfalls that can impede your business growth and financial stability. In this introductory section, we will delve into the significance of making informed choices when it comes to truck loans and how they impact your operations. - read more
10 Essential Tips to Improve Your Chances of Loan Approval for Commercial Trucks 10 Essential Tips to Improve Your Chances of Loan Approval for Commercial Trucks
Securing a loan for commercial trucks is a crucial step for businesses in the transportation and logistics industry. Without a reliable fleet, companies may struggle to meet the demands of their clients and risk losing valuable contracts. This is why obtaining loan approval is not just beneficial, but essential for many Australian businesses aiming to expand or update their operations. - read more


Start Here

Get a free truck loan eligibility assessment and compare truck finance and leasing options without accessing your credit file!!
Loan Amount:
Postcode:

Quotes are offered free & without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Foreclosure:
The legal process by which a lender takes control of a property, evicts the homeowner, and sells the home after the homeowner fails to make mortgage payments.