APRA Ends International Bank of Australia's Restricted Licence

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Previously, in November 2022, APRA granted the licences under the Banking Act 1959, providing International Bank of Australia the restricted ADI status and offering IBOA Holdings NOHC credentials. Despite these opportunities, the bank never moved forward with launching any products, nor did it establish customer relationships or attract any deposits during this period.

The specific reasons behind International Bank of Australia’s decision to relinquish its restricted ADI licence remain speculative. However, industry experts suggest it could be a strategic shift in focus or re-evaluation of the Australian market landscape. It is important to note that this decision does not close the door for any future applications the bank might make to re-enter the ADI or restricted ADI landscape.

This instance highlights a rare, yet noteworthy, event where a financial institution pulls back after initial regulatory approval but before market penetration. It provides a contrast to other emerging banks that take swift action post-approval to acquire market share and customer base.

For those keeping an eye on regulatory activities and ADI listings, APRA maintains updated records of all such authorised entities. The registers of authorised deposit-taking institutions and non-operating holding companies can be accessed openly on the APRA website. Financial services observers will find these registers an essential tool for staying updated on the operational status of various financial institutions.

Published:Tuesday, 1st Oct 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Hotter Inflation Puts Car Loan Budgets Back in Focus

29 Oct 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s latest inflation data has put car loan budgeting back under pressure, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics reporting on 28 October 2026 that annual CPI rose to 4.3% in September and trimmed mean inflation lifted to 3.6%. Coming after the Reserve Bank of Australia raised the cash rate target to 4.60% on 29 September, the figures give vehicle buyers another reason to plan around uncertain borrowing costs rather than assume cheaper finance is just around the corner. - read more

Green Car Loan Deals Are Growing, But the Fine Print Still Matters

17 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori

Green car finance is becoming a more visible part of Australia’s car loan market, with lenders continuing to promote discounted rates for eligible electric, hybrid and other lower-emission vehicles. For buyers weighing up a new EV, plug-in hybrid or fuel-efficient model, the headline appeal is obvious: a lower rate can reduce the cost of borrowing and may make a higher purchase price feel more manageable. - read more

Why Sharper New-Car Offers Still Need a Loan Check

03 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s new-car market is showing more signs of competition, with recent industry updates pointing to sharper drive-away offers, run-out campaigns and finance-led promotions across selected brands. For buyers, that can make the showroom feel more attractive than it did during the tight-supply years, when wait times and limited stock gave sellers more pricing power. - read more

Softer Used-Car Prices Could Shift Finance Decisions

27 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia's used-car market appears to be moving into a more balanced phase, with recent industry updates pointing to improved vehicle availability and less pressure on prices across some mainstream segments. That is welcome news for buyers who spent the past few years dealing with limited stock, long new-car wait times and unusually firm second-hand values. - read more

What the Latest RBA Rate Hold Means for Car Buyers

13 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia's latest decision to leave the cash rate unchanged keeps car buyers in a familiar holding pattern: borrowing costs are not rising sharply, but they are not easing quickly either. For households planning a new or used vehicle purchase, that means the focus should remain on preparation, comparison and affordability rather than waiting for a dramatic rate shift. - read more

Click for more Finance News