Apple closing on Australian payments prey

The stubborn dance that is the banking industry's engagement with a credible outsider, Apple, may be stepping to its denouement.

National Australia Bank is on the lips of some as the bank most open to, and thus closest to, a commercial arrangement with Apple over its payments product.

Bragging rights as first mover will be one motive informing the bank's thinking.

Though any other bank may yet steal its thunder.

If Apple has plans for Apple Pay in Australia at all, the details cannot be far off.