0028 GMT - Details are scarce but Bendigo & Adelaide Bank could benefit significantly if Australia's government implements a levy on banks to support services in regional areas, says Morgan Stanley analyst Richard E. Wiles. He tells clients that a system under which banks are rewarded for having a larger regional branch and ATM network relative to the size of their household deposits would be positive for Bendigo. Wiles sees NAB as the next best-placed lender, followed by Bank of Queensland. That said, neither banks nor government have commented on media reports about such a scheme, so Wiles warn investors against drawing firm conclusions. (stuart.condie@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
November 18, 2024 19:28 ET (00:28 GMT)
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