In this episode, Sarah from the Positive Money team unpacks the latest updates in the lending world as banks and lenders outline what to expect heading into 2026. With news headlines stirring concern—especially around DTI restrictions and lenders stepping back from trust lending—Sarah cuts through the noise to clarify what’s really happening behind the scenes.

She breaks down what DTI (Debt-to-Income Ratio) actually means, why the newly announced cap of six isn’t the massive shift the media makes it out to be, and how banks and non-bank lenders are likely to adapt. Sarah also demystifies the recent announcements from Macquarie and CBA regarding trust lending and explains why it’s not as dire as it sounds.

Most importantly, she highlights why a clear financial strategy has never been more essential—and how brokers are positioned to help borrowers navigate these changes with confidence.

Episode Highlights

• What the new DTI cap of six really means (and why lenders already use it)
• The truth behind headlines on owner-occupied vs. investor lending
• Macquarie and CBA’s changes to trust lending—what’s fact vs. fiction
• How banks will adapt their strategies for 2026 and beyond
• Why brokers may play an even bigger role moving forward
• How media uses emotion to drive clicks (and why you shouldn’t panic)
• The importance of mapping out your financial story and long-term strategy
• Reassurance: why these changes are not “Armageddon” for borrowers