1 October we become SureStone CapitalSame team, same ABN. Our website and email addresses move to surestone.com.au.
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The Bank of Queensland saw a jump in annual cash profit after a strong surge in commercial lending and the shift of retail customers to its digital bank. The regional lender saw a 12-percent rise in cash earnings to $383 million dollars for the 2025 financial year. That's on an increase in revenue to nearly $1.7 billion dollars and its net interest margin increased 8-basis points to 1.64 percent. Also helping the bottom line, was the conversion of owner-managed branches to the Bank of Queensland.
And Australia's prudential regulator has removed the extra half a billion dollars that Westpac was required to hold on its books. That's after the bank completed a multi-year risk overhaul program. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority imposed the extra capital in 2019 after a money laundering scandal.
Evolution Mining has strengthened its outlook for FY26. Operationally, it delivered record net mine cash flow of $366 million and the second-highest operating mine cash flow on record of $676 million, with prices aligned to FY26 guidance. Production remains on track, while deleveraging accelerated, with gearing at 11% and all bank term loans repaid.
And 29-Metals saw a rise in copper production over the September quarter despite having to suspend operations at two mines. Copper production increased to 5,800 tons for the third quarter, and zinc production came in at 2000 tons. The company had to temporarily cease mining at Golden Grove in Western Australia because of seismic activity.
Droneshield is launching a new software platform designed to control large-scale counter-drone operations. The first use of its DroneSentry-C2 platform will be made by an existing Eastern NATO customer
Jumbo Interactive is set to acquire Dream Car Giveaways in the UK, which will see it enter the Prize Draw market in the country. Jumbo will acquire the B2C company for $110 million, with just under three quarters of this paid with upfront cash.
Commonwealth Bank chairman Paul O’Malley says chief executive Matt Comyn will remain in the role for at least three more years, likely extending his tenure to 2029.
Inflation in Australia could be higher than first thought says the Reserve Bank's chief economist Sarah Hunter.
