The Federal Government has announced the withdrawal of the Guarantee for Large Deposits and Wholesale Funding, which will come into effect from 31 March 2010.
In announcing the decision, Treasurer Wayne Swan noted that the Government relied on the advice of the Council of Financial Regulators:
“The Council – consisting of the heads of the Reserve Bank, Treasury, ASIC and APRA - has advised that bank funding conditions have improved such that the Guarantee is no longer needed, and that no Australian institution will need the Guarantee to fund themselves.”
The decision does not affect the Financial Claims Scheme which guarantees deposits up to $1 million. This Government has advised that this scheme will remain in place until the cap is reviewed in October 2011.
What has changed?
The Large Deposit and Wholesale Funding Guarantee will cease to have effect from 5pm on 31 March 2010.
Existing large deposits that have been guaranteed under the scheme will continue to be guaranteed as follows:
- For term deposits – up to the maturity date of the term deposit;
- For at call funds – up to October 2015.
The credit union's industry body, Abacus, has spoken to Treasury and it has advised that the announcement requires changes to the Scheme rules. A consultation paper will be provided to Abacus today about the proposed Scheme rule changes and Abacus will provide a copy of that paper to credit unions when it becomes available.
Abacus is meeting with Treasury on Tuesday 16 February to discuss the paper and will be seeking feedback from credit unions.
FAQs
What is the Government deposit guarantee?
Deposits in APRA regulated Authorised Deposit-Taking Institutions (ADIs) - banks, building societies and credit unions - are guaranteed by the Australian Government. This means that a full Government guarantee stands behind deposits in all Australian banking institutions - credit unions, banks and building societies.
What has changed?
On 7 February 2010, the Government announced the withdrawal of the Guarantee Scheme for Large Deposits and Wholesale Funding on 31 March 2010. This scheme applies to wholesale funding raised by financial institutions and to large deposits in excess of $1 million. A wide range of deposit accounts are covered by the scheme, including savings transaction accounts, cheque accounts, term deposits, online savings, pensioner deeming accounts, retirement savings accounts and first home saver accounts.
How am I affected?
Members of credit unions and building societies will continue to have a government guarantee for all deposits up to $1 million. This has not changed and will continue up to at least October 2011. There is no charge for this guarantee.
If you have less than $1 million on deposit with your credit union or building society, you are not affected by this change.
After 31 March, members with existing deposits over $1 million will continue to have access to the Government Guarantee as follows:
- For term deposits - up to the maturity date of the term deposit;
- For at call funds - up to October 2015.
Do I have to guarantee deposits over $1 million?
No - the guarantee is optional and should be discussed with your credit union or building society.
There is a fee payable for the guarantee of large deposits. The fee will only apply to the portion of the deposit above $1 million.
What is the last date I can get the Government Guarantee on a large deposit?
The last day to apply for a Government guaranteed large deposit is 24 March 2010.
