Finance Australia's Weekly Money and Business News
Each week, we round up the biggest money and business stories across Australia — from rate moves and market shifts to policy updates and consumer trends. Expect clear context, concise takeaways, and what it could mean for households and SMEs. No fluff, no hype — just trustworthy headlines, quick explainers, and signals to watch so you can stay informed and make organised decisions.
This Week:
This week: Revolut becomes a licensed Australian bank, increasing competition in business banking; new RBA research links higher public trust to lower inflation expectations, easing rate pressure; ASIC proposes simpler guidance to support capital raising and IPO research; and the government outlines a Fair Work Court to speed up workplace disputes. The episode explains why these shifts matter for households and SMEs, with practical prompts to compare accounts, stress‑test repayments, get funding‑ready, and review workplace policies.
EPISODE 2472 | Finance Australia\'s Weekly Money and Business News | Sun, 26th Jul 2026
30 Jul 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Welcome to Finance Australias Weekly Money and Business News, Im Paige Estritori, and its Sunday, 26 July 2026.
First up, a new player just turned up the heat in business banking. Revolut is now an authorised deposit‑taking institution, or ADI, after a licence from APRA, the banking regulator. Its rolling out interest‑earning business accounts with daily compounding and standard government deposit protection on eligible deposits. Why it matters: more competition for everyday banking and cash management. If you hold surplus cash, compare business accounts and fees, check payment limits, and review how your deposits are protected; we can help with a free eligibility assessment and side‑by‑side comparisons.
Next, the Reserve Bank released new research this week showing that higher public trust in the RBA is linked to lower inflation expectations. That can ease pressure on future interest rates by keeping expectations anchored. For households and SMEs, the move is simple: plan, dont panic. Use calculators to stress‑test repayments at a few rate points, and keep an eye on the August decision without reacting to every headline.
Meanwhile, ASIC, the corporate regulator, proposed a simpler, principles‑based update to its guidance on sell‑side research that supports capital raising. The draft would shrink the rulebook and encourage more research around IPOs—initial public offerings—while keeping conflict controls. For founders eyeing equity as part of a funding mix, start tidying governance, forecasts and disclosures now; a cleaner story can mean better access when markets open.
And the government plans a new Fair Work Court to resolve workplace disputes faster and at lower cost, alongside the existing Fair Work Commission. Consultation will run over coming months. For employers, quicker outcomes could reduce downtime and surprise legal bills. Review contracts, policies and dispute pathways now so youre ready.
Thats the wrap. For organised next steps—free eligibility checks, quote comparisons, calculators and access to independent brokers—head to finance-australia.
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