Briefs: NAB urged to expand bank fees settlement, CBA prices $2bn senior debt
The Consumer Action Law Centre has called on National Australia Bank to broaden the scope of its bank fees class action settlement and include those who were not able to register for the class action. Last week the Federal Court made orders approving the settlement of a class action brought against NAB over bank fees, which will result in a payout of A$6.6 million by the bank. CALC said NAB should offer a settlement to "those experiencing illness or disability or older consumers who were less likely to be aware of the requirement to opt in to the class action." CALC chief executive Gerard Brody said: "In our casework experience, it's the most disadvantaged who are charged regular and multiple bank penalty fees." The Commonwealth Bank of Australia, (rated Aa2 by Moody's and AA- by S&P and Fitch) yesterday priced a new A$2 billion 3.25 year senior unsecured benchmark transaction. The floating rate notes, due for redemption on 18 July 2019, will pay a coupon 98 basis points over 3-month bank bill swap rate. This is just inside the 100 basis points over the reference rate indicated at launch. The transaction was self-led, with a settlement date of 18 April.