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On this episode of The nestegg Podcast, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic and three experts discuss the ups and downs of online auctions, the power of activist short-sellers, and tax time 2021.

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Steve Waters, director of Right Property Group, chats about online auctions and why they resemble “a bad Zoom meeting”, the growing resilience of the property market, and how Sydney’s lengthy lockdown could shake things up.

RMIT’s senior lecturer of finance, Dr Angel Zhong, delves into short selling – the original trade that sent GameStop stock soaring – and how activist short-sellers are impacting markets.

And lastly, tax and super guru Timothy Munro talks about those early tax lodgers and possible ramifications, as well as detailing the temporary shortcut method, which you may be able to use this tax time.

Have a question for our experts? Get in touch at [email protected] and you might get featured on the next episode.

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From financing a credit card debt to deciding on a home loan, Nest Egg’s got your back! " ["secure"]=> int(0) ["page_description"]=> string(7) "nestegg" ["page_rights"]=> NULL ["robots"]=> NULL ["page_heading"]=> string(66) "Borrow Money - Your Guide to Loans and Credit Management | nestegg" ["access-view"]=> bool(true) } ["initialized":protected]=> bool(true) ["separator"]=> string(1) "." } ["displayDate"]=> string(19) "2021-07-13 07:55:25" ["slug"]=> string(123) "17060:do-lockdowns-boost-property-prices-are-short-sellers-levelling-the-playing-field-did-you-lodge-your-tax-returns-early" ["catslug"]=> string(11) "302:podcast" ["link"]=> string(136) "/resources/podcast/do-lockdowns-boost-property-prices-are-short-sellers-levelling-the-playing-field-did-you-lodge-your-tax-returns-early" ["image"]=> string(65) "images/podcasts/230221_Angel_Zhong_Steve_Waters_Timothy_Munro.jpg" ["image_alt"]=> string(0) "" } }

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BOQ sets sights on big 4 banks with latest merger

By Cameron Micallef

February 23 2021
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Borrow

BOQ sets sights on big 4 banks with latest merger

By Cameron Micallef
February 23 2021

The Bank of Queensland has announced that it will buy ME Bank for $1.3 billion in a bid to challenge the dominance of the big four banks.

BOQ sets sights on big 4 banks with latest merger

By Cameron Micallef

February 23 2021
Share

The Bank of Queensland has announced that it will buy ME Bank for $1.3 billion in a bid to challenge the dominance of the big four banks.

Members Equity Bank (ME Bank) has announced that it would join the Bank of Queensland (BOQ) in order to create a “genuine banking alternative powerhouse”.

Combined, the group will have total assets over $88 billion, with total deposits of more than $56 billion.

Together they will serve over 1.3 million Australians, with BOQ servicing 900,000 customers, while ME Bank has 450,000.

ME Bank’s shareholders, who represent 26 of Australia’s industry super funds, unanimously endorsed BOQ’s offer, which was recommended by the board.

The chairman of ME Bank, James Evans, described the merger as a natural fit, as both homegrown banks have a range of easy to understand products and services.

“Today’s decision represents a permanent shift for the better in the Australian banking landscape. This agreement brings together two culturally aligned organisations to form what will be an enhanced and influential banking alternative for customers,” Mr Evans said.

“The increased scale and complementary offerings will benefit customers and employees alike. The combined group will be able to offer a wider network of service options, deeper resources, and the added reassurance that comes with a larger banking organisation.

BOQ chief executive George Frazis said the partnership is “highly complementary” due to similar customer-centric cultures.

“The acquisition of ME Bank will create a compelling alternative to the big banks, providing better customer experience, greater opportunities for our people and, importantly, increase value to our shareholders,” Mr Frazis told media on Monday.

The acquisition will roughly double the size of BOQ’s retail bank and increase that segment’s earnings from 36 per cent to more than 50 per cent.

The acquisition will also diversify BOQ’s portfolio and build out its east coast presence – ME Bank will remain based in Melbourne and retain its branding – as it enters the second year of its multi-brand digital transformation strategy.

“I have to say it’s truly an exciting time for BOQ. The strategy is already delivering meaningful results and has laid the foundation for this game changing acquisition,” Mr Frazis said.

The transaction is expected to be finalised by August, and ME Bank emphasised that it will not affect or change existing customers’ accounts or arrangements, nor their relationship with ME Bank.

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About the author

Cameron Micallef

Cameron is a journalist for Momentum Media's nestegg and Smart Property Investment. He enjoys giving Aussies practical financial tips and tricks to help grow their wealth and achieve financial independence. As a self-confessed finance nerd, Cameron enjoys chatting with industry experts and commentators to leverage their insights to grow your portfolio.

About the author

Cameron Micallef

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