Research & Advocacy

Financial Exclusion Indicator

In May 2011, NAB and the Centre for Social Impact completed the first detailed measurement of the extent of financial exclusion in Australia. The research aims to define and deepen understanding of financial exclusion in Australia and its relationship with social and economic disadvantage. To date, this study is the largest and most detailed examination of financial exclusion undertaken in Australia, and one of the largest studies of this type in the world. This national financial exclusion indicator is an annual measurement which will be publicly released each year.

Partnering in Research & Advocacy

NAB has also partnered in a number of research projects and initiatives focused on addressing financial exclusion.

In 2012 the Centre for Social Impact conducted an evaluation on the social and economic impacts of NAB’s Microenterprise Loans program. The report provides insights into the key findings of the research.

In 2011 RMIT University, the University of Queensland, NAB and Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service launched the Caught Short Interim Report, a research report about the experiences of people accessing small, short-terms loans in Australia. The Caught Short Interim Report provides some initial findings for the project. The research partners will present a final report in early 2012.

A pilot study was also released in 2010.

In 2011 we showed our support for Consumer Representatives in a campaign against the exploitative practice of payday lending.

We ran a NAB Small Loans Pilot in 2008 with Money Fast to explore the costs of offering short-term, small loans in the fringe credit market and draw attention to the high interest rates and charges prevalent in that market.

A report launched by Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service and NAB reported that getting a microfinance loan gave them the confidence and breathing space to embark on a course of education, training and employment or simply look after the needs of their family.

NAB regularly publishes reports and reviews on our financial inclusion programs, including NAB microfinance initiatives and our Reconciliation Action Plan.