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Similarly, IBOA Group Holdings Pty Ltd (IBOA Holdings) has rescinded its status as a non-operating holding company (NOHC).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 June 2025, Australian business lending experienced a notable increase, with loans to non-financial businesses reaching $1.14 trillion, marking a 9.2% year-on-year growth. This expansion significantly outpaced the 5.6% growth observed in housing loans, which totaled $2.34 trillion during the same period. The data, released by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), highlights a renewed appetite for corporate borrowing and investment. - read more
In July 2025, Australia's top 10 authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) reported a combined business loan book of $925 billion. Notably, Japanese banking giants Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) emerged as significant contributors to this growth, outpacing traditional Australian lenders in percentage growth rates. - read more
Business credit refers to the creditworthiness of a business, distinct from personal credit. It enables businesses to establish a credit history that is linked to their EIN (Employer Identification Number) rather than the owner's personal SSN (Social Security Number). - read more
Starting a small business is an exciting venture, but it requires careful planning to ensure long-term success. One of the foundational steps in this journey is creating a solid business plan. A business plan serves as a roadmap, guiding your actions and decisions as you build and grow your business. - read more
Need Help Finding a Loan?
All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation. We
respect your
privacy.
Knowledgebase
Interest Rate Lock: An agreement between a borrower and a lender that allows the borrower to lock in the interest rate on a mortgage for a specified time period.
