Neobanks make a promising start
APRA's monthly ADI statistics are showing up early results for the neobanks that have entered the market over the past couple of years.The bulk of activity is in the deposit market. Judo Bank claims the biggest share among the neobanks. It has A$345 million of household deposits in December, up from $105 million in October and $214 million in November.86 400 had $99 million of household deposits in December. While the number is small the growth rate is impressive, with the bank doubling its deposits over two months.Figures for Xinja and Volt are yet to show up in the APRA statistics.Total retail bank deposits, which stood at $929.7 billion in December, grew by 6.1 per cent over the 12 months to December.The big banks all grew below system last year, due to the relatively low rates they have been offering.Commonwealth Bank's household deposit book grew by 0.8 per cent to $264.1 billion. Westpac's grew by 1.1 per cent to $217.1 billion, ANZ's by 3.5 per cent to $123.3 billion and NAB's by 2.5 per cent to $134 billion.86 400 and Judo also show up in the mortgage data. 86 400 reported a mortgage book worth $6 million in December and Judo had $59 million.Reserve Bank figures released on Friday show lenders' housing credit balances grew by 0.3 per cent in December, compared with the previous month, and by 3.1 per cent over the 12 months to December.Lending to owner-occupiers was up 0.5 per cent month on month and by 5 per cent for the 12 months. Lending to investors continues to be a drag - flat over the month and down by 0.3 per cent over 12 months.The personal loan market continues its decline, with a 0.5 per cent fall in balances in December and a 5.1 per cent fall over 12 months.Business credit balances were up 0.2 per cent in December and up 2.5 per cent over 12 months.