The Fin

Angira Bharadwaj and Joyce Moullakis on why CBA ended up in the middle of a billion dollar loan fraud scandal, how its spreading to the other banks and who might be behind it. This podcast is sponsored by Woodside Energy Further reading:Escalating $1b loan fraud scandal threatens to engulf top banksAUSTRAC is investigating a widening mortgage loan fraud scandal, after a syndicate duped Commonwealth Bank into writing $1 billion in loans off fake payslips.AUSTRAC calls in 10 banks for key meeting on spike in mortgage fraudThe agency requested data from the lenders as it works to assess the extent of the fraud and whether properties funded by criminal proceeds should be seized.CBA probes $1b in suspected fraudulent home loans, calls in policeThe country’s largest bank is working to assess how many loans have been secured based on doctored applications, including documents created using AI.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our two-part series, Inside Edge, we go behind the scenes of the corporate regulator's high-stakes war on insider trading. We trace the thin line between a "great piece of gossip" and a federal crime, revealing why this is the easiest law to break-and the hardest to prove. As a massive new crackdown looms, ASIC boss Joe Longo reveals his growing frustration with the courts: "The sentences aren't as strong as we would like." Find out if you're closer to the edge than you think.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin podcast, Jonathan Shapiro and Emma Rapaport on what's behind the Magellan and Barrenjoey merger and whether there's enough room for another homegrown investment bank. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading:Magellan merger delivers billion-dollar bonanza for Barrenjoey staffSince the merger was announced, Magellan’s shares have risen by more than 33 per cent, lifting the paper wealth of Barrenjoey’s 463 staff to over $1 billionBooming Barrenjoey swallows parent Magellan after only 5 yearsBarrenjoey and Magellan are tying the knot to create a mini-Macquarie in a $1.62 billion deal. We’d tip one side to dominate the merger.Lowy family takes major stake in Magellan after merger with BarrenjoeySteven Lowy, a principal of Lowy Family Group, the family’s private investment business and family office, said it had a long history with Magellan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Technology reporter Amelia McGuire and Chanticleer columnist Anthony Macdonald on whether Curtis' AI start-up Firmus can live up to the hype. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading:Firmus lands $600m-plus annual tech giant deal as it eyes ASX floatThe artificial intelligence start-up has already announced a $70 billion plan to work with Nvidia and CDC Data Centres on facilities across the country.Firmus plans mid-year IPO after sealing $14b Blackstone dealThe AI data centre provider co-founded by Oliver Curtis has secured the huge debt facility to build its so-called AI factories across Australia.The new iron ore: Can AI ‘tokens’ become Australia’s next great export?Having exhausted excess power in the US, the tech giants want to have AI factories in Australia. Are we the lucky country again, or is it all a trick?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, media reporter Sam Buckingham-Jones on the radio stars' falling out and whether ARN can use it to exit one of the worst deals in Australian media history.This podcast is sponsored by Aussie BroadbandFurther reading:Kyle Sandilands fires back at ARN: ‘I am not in breach’The high-profile radio personality says his employer denied him due process after it accused him of serious misconduct and cut up a $200 million contract.Jackie O declares: ‘I did not quit’ radio showIn a statement on Friday Jackie Henderson said she was “deeply saddened by the events of the past week” after her radio partnership with Kyle Sandilands ended.Kyle and Jackie O’s radio rift was about more than star powerThe pair’s two-decade run atop broadcasting with the most expensive show of its kind has come to a sudden and acrimonious end. We look inside the implosion.                                                                ‘There is no line’: how Kyle Sandilands thrives in the cancel culture era The radio host on his record-breaking contract, expanding business empire and what the PM did at his wedding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, resources reporter Peter Ker on the challenges ahead for Australia’s iron ore industry, why copper is booming and what miners are doing to ensure the country remains a resources powerhouse. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading:Iron ore giants face billion-dollar hit from China-backed price switchA new index for the country’s most lucrative export has been lower than the long-time benchmark for the vast majority of days since it was launched this year.Size counts in mining’s game of relevance, but not that much GlencoreBHP and Rio shares are at record highs and their bosses are being courted at the White House. So how can Glencore boss Gary Nagle say they’re irrelevant?Copper displaces iron ore as BHP’s best earner, supercharging profitsThe Big Australian, like its rivals, pivoted towards commodities critical to the energy transition, with production of the red metal to grow 25 per cent by 2035.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Technology editor Paul Smith and Chanticleer columnist James Thomson on why financial markets are suddenly spooked, which businesses are most at risk from AI disruption and whether the concern is overblown. This podcast is sponsored by Vanta Further reading:WiseTech drops Australia’s first AI jobs bombRapid, large-scale deployment of artificial intelligence is happening, with the companies most at risk of disruption leading the charge.AI comes for the software giants, and Australia is no safe havenOne venture capitalist warns there will be “roadkill”. Another says the market is “schizoid”. Artificial intelligence is making tech increasingly turbulent.Anthropic co-founder Dario Amodei warns AI has the potential to tear society apartDario Amodei’s Anthropic is behind the most popular AI platform for businesses worldwide, but he has serious worries about the technology tearing society apart.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political editor Phillip Coorey and former Labor adviser and columnist Lidija Ivanovski on Angus Taylor’s big move, the threat from One Nation and why this might not be the last leadership contest before the next election. This podcast is sponsored by Vanta Further reading:It’s Timmy v Jimmy, with CGT the first battlegroundJim Chalmers and Tim Wilson both harbour leadership ambitions. Treasury will be their sparring ring, and both will be determined not to come off second best.Taylor’s big advantage could be 35pc of voters don’t know who he isThe new opposition leader is standing at the bottom of a mountain and there is doubt among many in his own party that he can climb it.Jane Hume has become the Liberals’ woman problem by tearing down LeyThe new deputy leader might be able to charm some with her confidence and presentation, but her record does not look like that of a champion for working women.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin podcast: journalist Lucy King on the global scam operators targeting Australian investors, how the brother of Olympic breakdancer Raygun came to be working for them and why they are so hard to shut down. This podcast is sponsored by Vanta Further reading:Raygun’s brother linked to global scam network with nearly 40,000 Aussie victimsAn AFR investigation unravels corporate registries to link Brendan Gunn, brother of “Raygun”, with a global network that has fleeced victims of millions.‘Devastated’: How I lost $500k in a crypto ATM scamMary, 85, is one of thousands of victims of Australia’s boom in crypto ATM’s, which suck in $275 million a year, and are the “getaway cars” for scammers.Modern money laundering explained: Inside a $2.2b crypto heistThe washing of money through digital tokens is fuelling global crime. We trace the funds from the robbery to its final “integration” and explain why Australia needs stronger international rules.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, James Eyers on why key executive and eldest son Peter Fox has taken an unexpected break from the company, what it means for the Linfox succession plan and why handing over mult-billion dollar family fortunes is so hard to do. This podcast is sponsored by Vanta Further reading: Peter Fox’s long absence puts Linfox succession plan in the spotlightFor seven decades, billionaire businessman Lindsay Fox has loomed large over the empire he built from one truck. Who will succeed him is an open question.Peter Fox on extended leave at Linfox as non-family directors step upThe son of the trucking magnate has been on sabbatical since December, with others outside the family appointed chairman of various logistics businesses.‘We’re not going anywhere’: Peter Fox says Armaguard’s future assuredThe Linfox boss hopes an independent pricing model is swiftly approved by the competition regulator, so a new enterprise deal can be struck with the union.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, United States correspondent Jessica Gardner on Trump’s first year back in the White House and Mark Carney's viral speech. This podcast is sponsored by Acenda  Further reading: Rudd’s replacement is no political animal. That’s a good thingMany believe the role of US ambassador requires a sharp politician, but Greg Moriarty is the technocrat that Australia needs to meet the challenges of the times.Trump softens on Minneapolis, but Dalio warns of slide to civil warThe US president has signalled a shift in strategy on immigration after the deadly chaos, but global investor Ray Dalio says the “United States is now a tinderbox”.Carney declares rules-based order dead as Greenland row escalatesThe Canadian prime minister warned the world order was breaking, and French President Emmanuel Macron vowed not to give in to “bullies”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, health editor Michael Smith on why baby-making is such big business and how private equity firms are reshaping the IVF sector. This podcast is sponsored by Acenda  Further reading:Ill-conceived: Inside Australia’s IVF money-making machineThe commercialisation of the industry as private equity owners take over from pioneering doctors has many people very worried.Monash IVF rejects $300m takeover bid from Genesis Capital as too lowShares in the fertility group have fallen more than 40 per cent since mistakes were disclosed earlier this year, prompting the PE-led consortium to swoop.Monash IVF says market share, patients down since embryo mix-upsStiff competition and pricing pressure in Victoria has hurt the fertility group’s performance so far this fiscal year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rear Window columnists Mark Di Stefano and Hannah Wootton look back on the action-packed year that was and ahead to what 2026 might bring. This podcast is sponsored by Acenda  Further reading: Cannon-Brookes now travels by private jet Mike Cannon-Brookes, Atlassian co-founder and leading climate change crusader, has recently picked up a private jet.Dutton left ‘very serious’ cyclone area for Hemmes’ Sydney mansion The opposition leader said people wanted the prime minister “governing, not campaigning” as Queensland braced for Tropical Cyclone Alfred.Billionaires, boardrooms and office romances: Rear Window’s 2025 year-in-reviewThere was no shortage of hypocrites in corporate and political life in 2025, and a veritable surfeit of illicit office romances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin podcast political editor Phillip Coorey and NSW political correspondent Paul Karp on the carnage at Bondi, what is being done to make sure it never happens again and whether it’s enough. This podcast is sponsored by Acenda  Further reading:  ‘When is the shooting gonna stop?’ 9 minutes of terror on Bondi BeachAt first, the crowd thought it was fireworks; but as the bloodied bodies dropped around them, they realised this was a shooting and they were the targets.Minns wants new laws to block protests after terror attacksThe NSW government has recalled parliament to legislate caps on gun ownership and new protest restrictions, despite federal Nationals rejecting a gun crackdown.Just like that, the nation grew accustomed to antisemitismThe government did act to ward off “the long shadows of the past” for Jews, but not enough. And for that, it is exposed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin podcast: Greg Bearup and Carrie LaFrenz on what’s behind Australia’s retail crime wave, why Victoria is ground zero and whether facial recognition technology is the answer.  This podcast is sponsored by Acenda  Further reading:We met a professional shoplifter to understand this crime’s popularityRetailers are contending with a new type of player in their industry. Here’s how such offenders became a nationwide phenomenon and scourge of the country.Facial recognition tech vital to protect staff and shoppers: retailersBusiness leaders are ramping up efforts to combat surging crime rates, but their use of new tech is running up against privacy concerns.Victoria accounts for half the rise in crime at Woolworths storesThe supermarket giant is the latest retailer to use profit season to highlight an increase in crime and aggression against staff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chanticleer columnist James Thomson and technology editor Paul Smith on the multi-trillion dollar AI investment boom, where the opportunities are for Australia and what happens if it goes wrong. This podcast is sponsored by Acenda  Further reading:  OpenAI in Australian blitz as it woos start-ups, corporatesThe Silicon Valley giant behind ChatGPT will offer free services to major venture capital-backed tech companies as it attempts to steal a march on rivals. Burry, Buffett and boomers: How markets drive our ugly generation gapWhile investors love the contrarian wisdom of Michael Burry and Warren Buffett, capital-soaked markets mean the world they won in is gone, creating deep societal problems. Reasons the AI bubble doesn’t look like the dotcom crash (yet)It’s the biggest spending spree in history. Is the AI boom a bubble, and what does it mean for investors and the Australian economy if it bursts?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior reporter Jonathan Shapiro on the rise of DroneShield, why its CEO just dumped all his stock and whether the company can restore the faith. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading:  Oleg Vornik defends $50m DroneShield share sale, citing risk to lifeWhile the businessman has been circumspect about the reasons for offloading his entire stake, privately he has given an explanation to some investors.Inside the two-week unravelling of high-flying tech stock DroneShieldA $70 million share sale by the chief executive, chairman and a third director has opened up a Pandora’s box of questions about its products, and accounts.DroneShield dream run comes to abrupt end after CEO dumps $50m stakeShares in the defence technology business crashed almost 30 per cent after Oleg Vornik and two directors sold considerable holdings with little explanation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phillip Coorey and Tony Barry on the decision to dump net zero, the Coalition’s existential crisis and whether Sussan Ley’s leadership can survive. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading:  Andrew and Angus who? Leadership rivals a blank canvas, says pollMore than a third of voters have never heard of Andrew Hastie or Angus Taylor, the men who could challenge Sussan Ley for the Liberal leadership.One Nation seen as party best suited to handle immigration: pollWhile cost of living remains the most important issue for voters, they believe One Nation is the party best suited to deal with immigration policy.‘Lowest since Federation’: Dire poll for Liberals and Ley as One Nation surgesVoters are more disillusioned than ever with the Coalition after a week of infighting over climate policy, and as support for One Nation hits a new high.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Kehoe and Michael Bleby on the RBA’s inflation dilemma, why the next interest rate move might be up and how that will affect the property market. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading: Investors are flocking back to the property market Three interest rate cuts, double-digit price rises and tepid new housing supply have convinced investors that property is once again a sure bet. If you’re waiting for another rate cut, read this first The lower speed limit means the economy cannot afford as much income growth for people, and that living standards will increase by less than in the past. Housing market tipped to cool as rate cut hopes diminish Home prices grew 1.1 per cent in October, the fastest monthly pace in two years but some of the heat may come out soon as borrowing costs stay on hold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health editor Michael Smith discusses CSL’s remarkable story, why investors have lost faith in the healthcare giant and what Trump has to do with it. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading: How CSL went from 'bloated bureaucracy' to $145b global behemothWhen Brian McNamee took on the top job at Commonwealth Serum Laboratories, the government-run entity was barely worth the land it was built on.McNamee vows to stay CSL chairman despite growing investor disquietThe pharmaceutical giant has avoided a board spill, but a market bloodbath arising from declining US vaccine rates has investors seething.‘We have to fix this’: Brian McNamee on turning around CSLCSL was once a market darling, now it’s out of favour and pressure is on board and management to convince sceptical investors of a plan to restructure the business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin, Lucy King and James Eyers on Australia’s crypto ATM boom, how they are being used for investment scams and why Australia is being targeted.This podcast is sponsored by Salesforce Further reading: ‘Devastated’: How I lost $500k in a crypto ATM scamMary, 85, is one of thousands of victims of Australia’s boom in crypto ATM’s, which suck in $275 million a year, and are the “getaway cars” for scammers. Consumers, banks urge outright ban on crypto ATMsHome Affairs Minister Tony Burke will give AUSTRAC powers to restrict the machines, but consumer groups say this won’t stop the danger to older Australians. Labor to crack down on crypto ATMs amid scam surgeNew powers will be handed to regulators to restrict the use of crypto ATMs, which have become a hub for scams and illegal money laundering.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin podcast, Edmund Tadros and Paul Karp on Deloitte’s stuff-up, why it became a global story and what it means for the way we use, and value, AI.This podcast is sponsored by SalesforceFurther reading: ‘Oversight was not followed’: Deloitte apologises for AI reportThe firm will discipline personnel over a report that had to be reissued after they failed to vet incorrect AI-generated material in the document.  Deloitte’s AI scandal shows consultants need a new strategyThe saga also raises existential questions: for consultants, AI is both a major opportunity and a threat that directly undermines their premium fees. Deloitte to refund government, admits using AI in $440k reportDeloitte will issue a partial refund to the government after admitting that artificial intelligence had been used in the creation of a report littered with errors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, senior writer Greg Bearup and Lowy Institute senior fellow Richard McGregor on China's dominance of the local EV and battery market and why that's a security risk. This podcast is sponsored by Salesforce Further reading: Is your Chinese EV a ‘ticking time bomb’?The rapid uptake of electric cars and home batteries from the Asian nation has put Australia’s energy infrastructure at risk of foreign hijack, experts warn.China could disable or detonate Aussie EVs, warns top cyber expertMalcolm Turnbull’s former cybersecurity tsar says Australian government officials should not ride in Chinese-made EVs because of the surveillance risk.‘Crying shame’: Inside the demise of Australia’s only battery makerBrian Craighead spent a decade trying to build an industry. He blames a cash crisis, a glut of Chinese product and shambolic federal policies for its failure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Hobbs and Tony Boyd on how investors lost $1.2 billion in Shield, First Guardian and Australian Fiduciaries, and how the gatekeepers let it happen.This podcast is sponsored by AcendaFurther reading:The ‘easy peasy’ approval: Shield exposes $850b super wrap industryThese funds told us they were toxic: how did Macquarie miss it?How Macquarie ignored its own advice on Shield (and lost $100m)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior reporters Jonathan Shapiro and Primrose Riordan on what ASIC's crackdown on LaTrobe Financial and the Jon Adgemis saga tells us about the private credit market, the risks for super investors and whether the golden run is over. This podcast is sponsored by AcendaFurther reading: Private credit faces tougher regulation after damning report La Trobe investment products hit with stop orders by ASIC Deutsche Bank appoints receivers for Adgemis pubs See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canberra bureau chief Nicola Smith and Washington correspondent Jessica Gardner on the Pacific defence deals and what to expect when Albanese sits down with Donald Trump.This podcast is sponsored by AcendaFurther reading: Trump and Albanese meet, as PM finally lands White House visitDonald Trump and Anthony Albanese met at a UN reception in New York as it was confirmed they would finally sit down together at the White House next month.China looms large over PM’s embarrassing setbackAustralia faces a diplomatic setback after failing to secure PNG defence treaty, but what it really signals is a growing influence of China in the Pacific.Tears, forgiveness and fury: Kirk remembered as martyr for free speechAllies of Charlie Kirk have vowed to carry on his mission to defeat leftist ideology at a packed service that at times looked more like a campaign rally.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chanticleer columnist James Thomson and banking reporter Angira Bharadwaj on ANZ’s overhaul, why banks are cutting jobs and whether management has lost control of the message. This podcast is sponsored by Acenda Further reading:ANZ’s pragmatic deal for ‘betraying’ Australia deserves no applauseANZ has stitched up a pragmatic settlement with ASIC to give Nuno Matos room to launch his reset. But it shouldn’t distract from what has been shabby governance.‘It’s long overdue’: The cull wiping out thousands of bank jobsAfter a spike in staff numbers since the royal commission, three of the big four banks are wielding the axe, with more than 5000 people exiting the industry.It’s the age of turbulence as Nuno Matos turns ANZ upside-downKnown among some staff as El Nuno, the Lisbon-born chief executive is attracting fear, intrigue and admiration as he cuts staff and overhauls the bank.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NSW political correspondent Paul Karp and deputy property editor Michael Bleby on the political leaders declaring war on NIMBYs, whether it will help the country meet its housing supply target and why the bigger problem might be a tradie deficit.This podcast is sponsored by CMC Markets Further reading: How the Woollahra development could redraw politics in Sydney’s eastUrban infill doesn’t just reshape the local environment; it can change the political landscape as well.NSW planning minister says NIMBYs ‘vying to create childless suburbs’Paul Scully has been pushing for higher densities in Sydney, creating a backlash from residents. He says resistance to housing has become “institutionalised”.Property supply chief targets capital gains tax breaks in housing ‘war’As the country begins a discussion about tax, the property industry veteran says the crucial role of housing also demands a big-picture review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.