APRA Ends International Bank of Australia's Restricted Licence
APRA Ends International Bank of Australia's Restricted Licence
1
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has complied with a request by International Bank of Australia Pty Limited to terminate its restricted licence as an authorised deposit-taking institution (ADI).
Similarly, IBOA Group Holdings Pty Ltd (IBOA Holdings) has rescinded its status as a non-operating holding company (NOHC).
This information is according to a recent update from APRA's official channels.
Previously, in November 2022, APRA granted the licences under the Banking Act 1959, providing International Bank of Australia the restricted ADI status and offering IBOA Holdings NOHC credentials. Despite these opportunities, the bank never moved forward with launching any products, nor did it establish customer relationships or attract any deposits during this period.
The specific reasons behind International Bank of Australia’s decision to relinquish its restricted ADI licence remain speculative. However, industry experts suggest it could be a strategic shift in focus or re-evaluation of the Australian market landscape. It is important to note that this decision does not close the door for any future applications the bank might make to re-enter the ADI or restricted ADI landscape.
This instance highlights a rare, yet noteworthy, event where a financial institution pulls back after initial regulatory approval but before market penetration. It provides a contrast to other emerging banks that take swift action post-approval to acquire market share and customer base.
For those keeping an eye on regulatory activities and ADI listings, APRA maintains updated records of all such authorised entities. The registers of authorised deposit-taking institutions and non-operating holding companies can be accessed openly on the APRA website. Financial services observers will find these registers an essential tool for staying updated on the operational status of various financial institutions.
Published:Tuesday, 1st Oct 2024 Source: Paige Estritori
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
In November 2025, Australia's residential mortgage market achieved a new milestone, with authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) collectively holding $2.41 trillion in home loans. This represents a 0.67% increase over the month and a 6.36% rise over the preceding year, as reported by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). - read more
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating emerging risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will impose a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting banks to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans with DTI ratios of six times or higher. This measure applies to both owner-occupier and investor loans, excluding new housing developments. - read more
In December 2025, Australia's housing market reached a new peak, with the national median home price climbing to $880,000, reflecting an 8.8% increase compared to the previous year. This growth was driven by varying performances across different regions, with regional areas outperforming capital cities. - read more
In the third quarter of 2025, the Australian mortgage market experienced unprecedented growth, with new home loans totaling $191.1 billion. This marks an $8.3 billion increase from the previous quarter, setting a new record in the housing finance sector. - read more
Following the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) decision to maintain the cash rate at 3.60%, major banks have adjusted their fixed mortgage rates. Westpac has increased its fixed home loan rates by up to 35 basis points, with the lowest standard fixed rate now at 5.79% per annum. This marks a significant rise from 5.54% earlier in the week and 5.19% in early November. - read more
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial commitments you will make in your lifetime. Without a solid savings plan, you may find it challenging to gather the necessary funds for a home deposit. This can delay your home-buying journey and add unnecessary stress to an already high-stakes process. - read more
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on home loan refinancing. Whether you're a first-time homeowner or a seasoned property investor, understanding the ins and outs of refinancing can save you a significant amount of money and anxiety. - read more
Buying a home is a significant milestone for many Australians, but it often involves securing a mortgage, which can be a complex process. An essential part of this process is understanding mortgage insurance. Mortgage insurance is a type of insurance policy that protects lenders from the risk of defaulting borrowers. - read more
Welcome to our guide on simple steps to boost your home deposit savings! We’re thrilled to have you here as you embark on the exciting journey towards home ownership. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to upsize, saving for a home deposit is a crucial step. - read more
Need Help Finding a Home Loan?
Get your free home loan eligibility assessment and compare offers tailored
specifically to your circumstances.
All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without
obligation. We respect your
privacy.
"Mastering Home Loans: Navigating the Australian Mortgage Market"
