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AFR: Sedgwick commends banks, reminds them to stay vigilant

1 July 2021

James Frost

An independent review has commended banks for making significant moves away from models of pay that produce bad outcomes for consumers, but says the sector must take care not to fall back into bad habits.

Former Australian Public Service commissioner Stephen Sedgwick was tapped by the Australian Banking Association in 2016 to conduct a thorough review of remuneration practices for customer-facing bankers. He delivered 21 recommendations a year later.

Report author Stephen Sedgwick says banks have come a long way in a short time. Louie Douvis

Following his third review of remuneration practices and a survey of frontline workers, Mr Sedgwick has been buoyed by the “massive” changes implemented – with one caveat.

“I’m impressed by the change that has been achieved,” Mr Sedgwick said.


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