Genuine barriers to foreign bank investment in Australia should be investigated and the FSI may recommend relaxation of impediments. Parochial interests rather than prudential concerns have made a foreign bank takeover in Australia pretty unlikely. Again, political reality and vested interests may prolong this protectionist attitude to banking in Australia.But one or more Australian banks might command great interest if it were known it was for sale. However it may be a more acceptable option to tackle high industry costs and end what is, in effect, a protection regime in Australian banking.Hopefully the drive will be found within the Australian banking industry to transform, shine - and go global.