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Google Scares Aussie Banks

mask.of.sanity writes "Google could be the biggest threat to Australia's big four banks because of the trust online users place in it and its ability to engage with customers, banking executives say. They told an audience from the finance sector that companies like Google and PayPal are more responsive and trusted than banks, and cited emerging technology with an emphasis on online applications as a means for the smaller credit unions to challenge the position of incumbent banks. It's welcome news for Australia's credit unions: the nation's banks have taken turns in being the first to lift interest rates above the official reserve bank rate, with others collectively following suit, leading some to speculate they are in collusion."

6 of 150 comments (clear)

  1. Not supprising by XMode · · Score: 5, Insightful

    When you put up fees and interest rates well above the RBAs increase, make up some excuse about not having enough income and then post profits in the billions of dollars, people tend not to trust what you say.

  2. All I can say is... by SeaFox · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Australia's banks must be pretty bad if people trust PayPal more.

  3. Re:"Responsive and trusted" by Barefoot+Monkey · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Perhaps there's some cause and effect going on there. Companies that are more responsive to customer demands and concerns are, in my experience, more trusted by the customers. Perhaps the banks have already figured out how to compete and just don't realize it yet because being competitive cuts into profit margins.

    Being uncompetitive is far more profitable until competition comes and ruins everything.

  4. Re:"Responsive and trusted" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Perhaps there's some cause and effect going on there. Companies that are more responsive to customer demands and concerns are, in my experience, more trusted by the customers. Perhaps the banks have already figured out how to compete and just don't realize it yet because being competitive cuts into profit margins.

    You have to wonder just how bad these Australian banks are when PayPal is "more responsive and trusted".

    PAYPAL?!?!?! "more responsive and trusted"!!?!?!

    Is dealing with these banks like handing your money over to the first meth fiend you can find laying in a ditch?

  5. Re:Raise Rates? by kramulous · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I'm currently earning a 6.51% on the cash that is not invested (probably will raise another 0.25% at least in the next few weeks). So, you are right. I am earning a nice, guaranteed rate on idle cash deposits. Not as good as shares, after the biggest drop in 80 years, but a bankable rate.

    It's a predictable two edged sword ... those that are debt addicted suffer, those that are not are happy.

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  6. Re:"Responsive and trusted" by Yvanhoe · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I also used to complain a lot about paypal and the ridiculous fees they impose to some transfers and then I compared to what banks offers. It was in 2009. These banks apparently STILL DON'T KNOW THAT INTERNET EXISTS. Paypal may have exaggerated fees, but regular banks have blatant racketing schemes (that you have to sign for 4 years minimum). It is actually that bad and Paypal IS very competitive compared to the usual bank sharks.

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    The Wise adapts himself to the world. The Fool adapts the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the Fool.