Chalmers sprints on reform while CBA backtracks, and NSW’s housing plan stalls. NOT from the pen of Lady Whistledown but some stories tell themselves cynically, Friend, here's your week in finance....
You may know how the markets are moving, but here's what the media is saying.
Friend,
This is not from the pen of Lady Whistledown but some stories tell themselves cynically, no spilt tea or piercing quill needed. You'll note my increasingly acidic tone as I write this weekly briefing for clients. IMO there's much theatre and many layers of underskirt around the actual news.
My pick of the top two things from the last week were both named in the "top 10 immediate changes" supposedly stemming from the Treasurer's Economic Roundtable. I say supposedly because these things were pretty much underway already.
1. (6th of 10 in the full list) Dropping excessive regulation
Chalmers will ask the Council of Financial Regulators, the co-ordinating body for APRA, ASIC, Treasury and the RBA, to coordinate this. The brief from Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher to regulators is to find specific areas where regulation is no longer needed.
2. (9 of 10 in the full list) A national AI plan was in the works anyway so while this seems a bit cute you should note the brief to Innovation Minister Tim Ayres is to accelerate an AI capability plan.
Finally, we have ONE SPOT LEFT in our CEO or spokesperson AI pilot program. This is a narrative development development session or "CEO or spokesperson stress test". Hit reply to learn more.
Use it to develop or stress test an important communication event like an elevator pitch, investor presentation, adviser PD day talk, conference session, or staff town hall script. You'll work with myself plus our ring-fenced AI tool (working name PRX Counsel, a corporate affairs reasoning engine).
On our radar
Policy and regulatory developments that may shape your risk or return
On Thursday, APRA unveiled its 2025-26 corporate plan, demanding tougher tests on banks, super funds, and insurers. The new plan is a clear signal that regulators expect financial services firms to be sharper, more resilient, and more transparent. The focus will be on how well organisations manage cyber and AI risks, demonstrate strong governance, and deliver genuine value to clients and members.
Scammers drained $945 million from Australian consumers last year. ASIC is now targeting AI-washing, cloned templates, deepfake celebrity promotions, and cloaked ads, with a plan to take down 130 scam sites a week.
Jim Chalmers has outlined 10 “quick wins” after the Economic Reform Roundtable. From housing approvals to AI strategy. Pushing to clear red tape, lift productivity, and modernise the economy.
Know your journo
Our journalist of the week isAnthony Keane - Personal Finance Writer - The Australian
Beat: Personal finance, focusing on investment, superannuation, retirement, debt, saving and consumer advice
Style: Pens a practical and conversational personal-finance column that turns complex financial topics into money saving guidance for readers.
Why Follow? With over 20 years' experience writing about personal finance and business, Keane provides readers with practical advice on saving and investing.
Commonwealth Bank’s reversal of AI-driven redundancies shows how quickly workforce transformation can become a reputational risk. The initial plan to replace 45 call centre roles with an AI bot drew union backlash and forced the bank into a public U-turn. The episode underscores that AI adoption is not just a technology play; it is a people and trust issue.
NSW’s home blitz has stalled, due to lawsuits, council exemptions delivering only 3500 real new applications in year one. For capital: tighter supply, stickier prices, elongated approvals, wider spreads and choppier land until policy settles.
Holly has worked with BlueChip for a mighty 12 years. She's Head of Strategy, has some 20 years in the industry here and offshore, and is our longest serving team member. Having spent her early career in London’s big agencies, Holly's great at developing strategies for clients that deliver cut through in the media, across funds management, superannuation, insurance, broking, banking and wealth management. She is known for her calm and relaxed nature and ability to create news when clients have none. Outside work, she is a keen cheerleader for three sporty kids and is embarking on a quest to conquer pull ups.
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