Payday loans in Australia
Payday loans in Australia are part of the small loans market, which was valued at around $400 million a year in the 12 months to June 2014.[1]
The growth of this market mirrors the growth in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Because the market for small loans is becoming more defined, the regulatory authorities and the larger financial organizations are beginning to take a much closer interest.
Most fringe lending is now covered by the Uniform Consumer Credit Code (UCCC);[2] but, in the past this industry was not very highly regulated, and some lenders still continue to use loopholes to avoid the UCCC. A report from 4 Corners found that some lenders utilise bait and switch methods to circumvent laws regarding establishment fees and interest.[3] Payday lenders have also come under fire due to accusations of predatory lending and charging excessively high interest rates.[4]
New South Wales and Queensland have imposed a 48%-APR maximum loan rate, including fees and brokerage.[5][6]
References
- ^ Eyers, James. "Payday lenders on notice that ASIC ready to take action". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
- ^ The Uniform Consumer Credit Code, Australia
- ^ Long, Stephen; Richards, Deborah. "Game of Loans". 4Corners. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
- ^ Green, Shane. "Disadvantaged caught in the lender trap". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
- ^ Interest rate cap, QLD
- ^ Annual percentage rates, NSW
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