RBA Financial Stability Review - March 2026

RBA Media Releases

Published March 19th, 2026

Detected March 19th, 2026

Summary

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released its March 2026 Financial Stability Review. The review notes increased global financial system risks due to geopolitical conflict and cyber threats, but finds Australia's financial system remains resilient.

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What changed

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has published its March 2026 Financial Stability Review, highlighting increased global financial system risks stemming from geopolitical conflict in the Middle East and heightened operational, cyber, and security disruptions. The review specifically notes sharp movements in global financial markets.

Despite the uncertain global environment, the RBA assesses Australia's financial system as well-placed to manage these challenges. It indicates that most borrowers are in a solid financial position, and Australian banks are strong. The RBA emphasizes the importance for financial institutions to continue building resilience to shocks and maintain prudent lending standards.

What to do next

Review the March 2026 Financial Stability Review for insights into global and domestic financial system risks.
Ensure financial institutions maintain resilience to liquidity, operational, and geopolitical shocks.
Maintain prudent lending standards in light of an uncertain global environment.

Source document (simplified)

Media Release Release of Financial Stability Review – March 2026

Number 2026-09 Date

19 March 2026

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) today released its March 2026 Financial Stability
Review.

The Review highlights that risks to the global financial system have increased. The
escalation of conflict in the Middle East has contributed to sharp movements in global
financial markets, while the risk of operational, cyber and security disruptions is
heightened.

The RBA finds that Australia’s financial system is well placed to handle an increasingly
uncertain global environment.

Most borrowers are in a solid financial position and remain able to manage increases in cost pressures, though some will face growing challenges.
Australian banks are in a strong position to continue supporting the economy, even if conditions deteriorate sharply. In this environment, it is important that financial institutions continue to build both resilience to liquidity, operational and geopolitical shocks and maintain prudent lending standards.