P2P lender says ANZ penalty too low

On Tuesday, ASIC announced that it had reached a confidential in-principle settlement with ANZ resolving the dispute over alleged BBSW misconduct.

Commenting on the matter, RateSetter chief executive Daniel Foggo said the corporate regulator’s activity in this area of the market bodes well for a more transparent financial system.

“The BBSW rigging scandal is serious and ASIC is right to pursue the banks in the interest of all Australians. Let’s not forget that the manipulation of BBSW and Libor has arguably cost homeowners and other borrowers billions of dollars,” Mr Foggo said. “We commend our regulator for standing up to these powerful incumbents.”

However, the fintech executive said the misconduct penalty in ANZ’s case does not fit the crime.

“The fine agreed with ANZ just doesn’t measure up,” he said. “Compared to the billions of dollars in profit the bank makes every year, and the billions in fines handed out to UK banks for similar misconduct, the $50 million penalty is just a light slap on the wrist.”

Mr Foggo added that Australia’s “inherently conflicted” bank model will likely produce more problems for consumers in the future.

The comments come as ANZ reports group profits were up 12 per cent over the year ending 30 September 2017.