Opening Address

Katherine McConnell and Diante Tate

• AFIA’s shared vision is to have a more prosperous Australia.

• There are challenges in balancing the interests of a diverse finance sector.

• AFIA does not exist without our members, and we represent you.

• Post COVID-19, focus on cybersecurity, climate, digital innovation, and open banking.

• Australia’s finance sector has always been early adopters of digital technology.

• We need to shape change instead of being shaped by it.

• Industry data is essential to promoting our industry to regulators and government.

• Must ensure there are incentives from government to change behaviour, not penalties.

• Codes are crucial in providing a basis for future regulation. Self-regulation works.

• Everything we do is guided by our strategic priorities – proportionate regulation, data and innovation, sustainability, financial inclusion and diversity and a safe financial system.