Briefs: Call for ANZ CEO to go, low rates not encouraging corporate investment, CBA launches credit

Banking Day staff
  • Herald Sun columnist Terry McCrann has called on the ANZ board to find a new chief executive. CEO Mike Smith was appointed eight years ago to drive the bank's expansion into Asia but with those expansion plans under a cloud because of the slowing of the Chinese economy, it is time for the bank to change its priorities, McCrann wrote. His column also argues that, after eight years, Smith's tenure has gone beyond the useful life of most CEOs.
  • A survey of business leaders found that only a minority would take advantage of low interest rates to invest. BNP Paribas asked corporate leaders how they would respond to low rates: 32 per cent said they would not increase their investment, 38 per cent said they were undecided and 30 per cent said they expected to use the low rates to invest.
  • Commonwealth Bank has launched a credit card campaign based around a cashback offer. The bank of is offering to give back five per cent of the value of contactless purchases, up to A$50 a month for three months. The offer is open to new credit card customers.