The Fin

Join Jonathan Shapiro, a senior reporter at the Australian Financial Review, as he delves into the changing landscape of private credit in Australia. The discussion centers on ASIC's crackdown on La Trobe Financial and its implications for super investors. Shapiro emphasizes the risks involved, including the issues with La Trobe's disclosures and the high percentage of subprime mortgages. The conversation also explores whether non-bank lenders are essential or too risky, highlighting the balance between opportunity and caution in the private credit market.

Nicola Smith, a Canberra bureau chief specializing in Australian politics, and Jessica Gardner, a Washington correspondent focused on US relations, discuss the implications of Anthony Albanese's upcoming meeting with Donald Trump. They examine Australia’s diplomatic setbacks in securing defense treaties with PNG and Vanuatu, highlighting growing Chinese influence in the Pacific. The duo also offers insights into the strategic stakes of these issues, emphasizing how they could shape regional power dynamics and Australia's role in Pacific security.

James Thomson, a banking expert from the Australian Financial Review, teams up with Angira Bharadwaj, a savvy reporter on financial services, to discuss the seismic shifts at ANZ. They delve into the sharp job cuts affecting thousands of employees and analyze the bank's recent $240 million settlement with ASIC. Angira reveals how CEO Nuno Matos is making waves with a controversial overhaul, and they ponder whether the banking sector is teetering on the edge of a major transformation as cost pressures mount and new leaders emerge.

Paul Karp, NSW political correspondent at The Australian Financial Review, and Michael Bleby, its deputy property editor, dive into the escalating war on NIMBYism in Australia. They discuss the urgent housing crisis, revealing a staggering shortfall of 1.2 million homes looming by 2029. The conversation highlights how local resistance impacts development efforts, particularly in Willara. Labor shortages and shifting demographics complicate the landscape further. Both guests provide insights into potential solutions, including tax reform, to tackle these pressing issues.

Sam Buckingham-Jones, Media Reporter at The Australian Financial Review, dissects Lachlan Murdoch's monumental $5 billion settlement, securing control of the family’s media empire. He walks listeners through the tumultuous legal battles that shaped this outcome and the complex family dynamics within the Murdoch clan. Buckingham-Jones explores the implications for News Corp and Fox, the emotional toll on family relationships, and how these changes might influence the future of media under Lachlan's leadership.

David Marin-Guzman, a workplace correspondent for the Australian Financial Review, dives into the alarming case of a company using employee laptops as covert listening devices. He unpacks the tension between remote surveillance and personal privacy, emphasizing how such practices can erode trust. Discussions also touch on proposed legislation to secure the right to work from home in Australia and the evolving implications of AI technology in monitoring. The conversation raises vital questions about the future of worker rights and the balance needed between oversight and privacy.

Phillip Coorey, the political editor for the Australian Financial Review, delves into pressing issues affecting Australia. He discusses the looming debt crisis and the challenges it poses for future generations. Coorey sheds light on the 'Braveheart' situation in parliament, highlighting shifts in power dynamics following recent elections. He also addresses Iran's influence in Australia, particularly how ASIO's revelations have forced government action. Furthermore, he critiques the lack of innovative solutions in economic reforms and explores tensions surrounding electric vehicle road charges.

Greg Bearup, a senior writer at The Australian Financial Review, investigates the Mormon Church's staggering $500 million investment in Australian farmland. He dives into the church's motivations and the potential impact on local agriculture. The discussion highlights concerns over transparency and ethics, revealing fears among farmers about foreign influence on food production. Bearup also shares stories of disillusioned former church members who grapple with the church’s corporate practices, raising important questions about community interests versus institutional greed.

Myriam Robin, a senior writer at The Australian Financial Review, dives into the pressing issue of declining fertility rates in Australia. She discusses the potential economic consequences, like labor shortages, and the societal challenges they pose. Robin examines the reluctance of politicians to tackle this topic and explores the controversial idea of reinstating baby bonuses. The conversation touches on historical perspectives on population growth and innovative policy responses that could encourage higher birth rates for a sustainable future.

Jemima Whyte, a senior reporter at The Australian Financial Review, and Joyce Moullakis, an associate editor at the same outlet, dive into the tumult at Macquarie Bank. They discuss the bank's struggle with executive pay and investor dissatisfaction amid increasing scrutiny and a controversial AGM. Speculation about leadership succession arises while the impact of a recent remuneration strike on company culture and employee morale is examined. The conversation highlights the challenges of balancing growth with accountability in an ever-competitive financial landscape.