Australian Banking Association Limited

The ABA is seeking authorisation to enable the ABA, its member banks, and other industry participants who distribute and/or utilise cash in their businesses to discuss and implement business continuity measures in the event of, or in reasonable anticipation of, a disruption to the supply of cash.

Late last year, the ACCC granted interim authorisation (AA100654) to the ABA and other industry and regulatory stakeholders to collaborate on development of short, medium and longer term responses to support ongoing access to cash, the implementation of which would be the subject of separate applications to the ACCC. This application is an anticipated outcome of those discussions.

 Authorisation is sought until 30 June 2025.

The ABA also requested interim authorisation to enable industry participants to engage in the proposed conduct while the substantive application for authorisation is being assessed by the ACCC.

On 28 March 2024 granted interim authorisation with conditions. The ACCC has granted interim authorisation with reporting and transparency conditions to ensure that the ACCC is informed of the progress of discussions, including consultation with stakeholders.

The ACCC invites the views of interested parties on this application. Submissions are requested by 18 April 2024.

If you wish to make a submission in relation to this matter, please lodge it via this web form.

An indicative timeline for the ACCC’s assessment is set out below.