Invest
NAB’s neobank acquisition gets ACCC green light
NAB has been shown the green light to complete its acquisition of Aussie neobank 86 400 in a $220 million deal.
NAB’s neobank acquisition gets ACCC green light
NAB has been shown the green light to complete its acquisition of Aussie neobank 86 400 in a $220 million deal.
The ACCC has confirmed that it will not oppose NAB’s proposed acquisition of 86 400, having deduced that while the neobank is innovative, other competitors continue to bring a similar disruptive influence to the market.
“Innovative fintechs play an increasingly critical role in the market, challenging the established banks, leading to more innovative and cheaper banking for consumers. We therefore examined the proposed acquisition particularly closely, including extensive consultation with industry participants, given the important role of that innovation,” ACCC chair Rod Sims said.
“Supporting our decision is that we have seen several banks and non-bank lenders outside the big four invest heavily in their technology and service offering to improve user experience,” said Mr Sims.
According to a press release issued by NAB in January this year, the acquisition is meant to accelerate its offshoot UBank and deliver a “market-leading digital experience and new product propositions to customers”.
NAB commenced discussions with 86 400 in late 2020. To support 86 400’s growth, NAB subscribed for a minority stake in 86 400 and currently holds an approximate shareholding of 18.3 per cent in 86 400.
In January, 86 400’s independent directors unanimously recommended that its shareholders vote in favour of NAB’s proposed takeaway by way of a scheme of arrangement.
86 400 CEO Robert Bell said at the time: “Over the past 18 months, we’ve challenged the status quo of banking through innovative products, services and technology. 86 400 and its customers will benefit from NAB’s capital and balance sheet strength and investment spend to support accelerated growth and continued innovation, helping even more Australians take control of their money.”
Founded by Cuscal Ltd and led by Mr Bell, 86 400 has built and launched a mobile-led digital bank and was granted an ADI licence in July 2019. As at 15 January 2021, 86 400 had more than 85,000 customers, $375 million of deposits, $270 million in approved residential mortgages and 2,500 accredited brokers.
RELATED ARTICLES
About the author
About the author
Economy
Inflation concerns grow as consumer price index rises, prompting potential interest rate hikes
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data has sparked fresh concerns about inflation in Australia, with experts suggesting that further interest rate hikes may be on the horizon. The CPI, a key ...Read more
Economy
State Street economist comments on latest labour force data amid market anticipation
The latest labour force data, released today, has prompted a measured response from financial experts, with insights provided by Krishna Bhimavarapu, APAC Economist at State Street Investment ...Read more
Economy
RBA's interest rate hike impacts Australian employment landscape
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to increase interest rates by 25 basis points, raising the cash rate to 3.85%. This move, aimed at controlling inflation, has elicited responses from ...Read more
Economy
RBA’s latest rate hike sparks debate over economic impact
In a surprising move, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the cash rate, signalling a significant shift in its monetary policy approach. This decision comes amid a backdrop of unexpected ...Read more
Economy
When inflation reopens the rate door: A broker-sector case study in defending margins, clients and share
Australia’s latest trimmed-mean inflation reading at 3.3% has revived the prospect of another Reserve Bank move and put lenders, brokers and borrowers back on a tightening footing. This case study ...Read more
Economy
Inflation rise dampens hopes for interest rate cuts as employment dynamics shift
In a development that has dashed hopes for an interest rate cut, Australia's Consumer Price Index (CPI) has surged back to 3.8%, erasing the progress made since October. This unexpected rise in ...Read more
Economy
Inflation surge poses challenges for small businesses and consumers
The latest inflation figures have sparked concern among Australian businesses and consumers alike, with the rising costs expected to influence the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) upcoming interest ...Read more
Economy
Australia’s spending surprise raises the odds of a February rate move — here’s how to protect margin and momentum
Household outlays are running hotter than economists expected, with the latest ABS readings showing broad-based gains across services and goods. That resilience is exactly the kind of demand impulse ...Read more
Economy
Inflation concerns grow as consumer price index rises, prompting potential interest rate hikes
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data has sparked fresh concerns about inflation in Australia, with experts suggesting that further interest rate hikes may be on the horizon. The CPI, a key ...Read more
Economy
State Street economist comments on latest labour force data amid market anticipation
The latest labour force data, released today, has prompted a measured response from financial experts, with insights provided by Krishna Bhimavarapu, APAC Economist at State Street Investment ...Read more
Economy
RBA's interest rate hike impacts Australian employment landscape
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to increase interest rates by 25 basis points, raising the cash rate to 3.85%. This move, aimed at controlling inflation, has elicited responses from ...Read more
Economy
RBA’s latest rate hike sparks debate over economic impact
In a surprising move, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the cash rate, signalling a significant shift in its monetary policy approach. This decision comes amid a backdrop of unexpected ...Read more
Economy
When inflation reopens the rate door: A broker-sector case study in defending margins, clients and share
Australia’s latest trimmed-mean inflation reading at 3.3% has revived the prospect of another Reserve Bank move and put lenders, brokers and borrowers back on a tightening footing. This case study ...Read more
Economy
Inflation rise dampens hopes for interest rate cuts as employment dynamics shift
In a development that has dashed hopes for an interest rate cut, Australia's Consumer Price Index (CPI) has surged back to 3.8%, erasing the progress made since October. This unexpected rise in ...Read more
Economy
Inflation surge poses challenges for small businesses and consumers
The latest inflation figures have sparked concern among Australian businesses and consumers alike, with the rising costs expected to influence the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) upcoming interest ...Read more
Economy
Australia’s spending surprise raises the odds of a February rate move — here’s how to protect margin and momentum
Household outlays are running hotter than economists expected, with the latest ABS readings showing broad-based gains across services and goods. That resilience is exactly the kind of demand impulse ...Read more
