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BANJO PRESENTS

NAB Economic 
Update 2026

Register now

28 April | 11:00AM AEST
Australia’s economic outlook is shifting again in 2026, with business confidence cooling even as underlying activity holds up. Join Gareth Spence, Head of Australian Economics at NAB, and Banjo CEO Guy Callaghan as they unpack what the latest data really says about the year ahead for Australian SMEs.

Drawing on NAB’s regular business surveys, the Banjo x NAB Economic Update webinar cuts through sentiment and headlines to focus on cost pressures, labour constraints, investment signals, and what all of this means for growth, funding, and decision‑making across the SME sector.
Join Guy and Gareth as they unpack
Why confidence is falling, but conditions remain resilient
Business confidence has slipped to its weakest level in over a year, yet business conditions remain positive overall — signalling caution rather than contraction for SMEs.
What’s really happening with labour and wage pressures
Wage costs and labour availability continue to be the biggest constraints for businesses, pointing to a labour market that remains tight well into 2026.
Where inflation risks still exist for SMEs
After easing, cost and price pressures have picked up again in parts of the economy, meaning margin pressure hasn’t disappeared, it’s just become more uneven.
What the data signals for rates, investment and planning ahead
Forward orders and capital investment intentions are improving, raising important questions about interest rates and how SMEs should plan for the next phase of the cycle

Meet our speakers

Gay Callaghan for Banjo's Economic Update 2026
Gareth Spence for Banjo's Economic Update 2026
Guy Callaghan
Chief Executive Officer
Banjo Loans
Guy, brings extensive industry experience and a passion for empowering his team and clients. Dedicated to building a positive culture and cultivating a nurturing workplace environment, he finds motivation in helping others succeed, drawing from his experience as an ex-Olympic swimmer to drive excellence in himself and those around him. 

With a background in banking, financial advice, and funds management, Guy took the role of CEO after joining Banjo as head of sales and marketing in 2018. Guy maintains a strong focus on his health and outside of work prioritises quality time with family and friends. ​
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Gareth Spence
Head of Australian Economics
National Australia Bank
Gareth Spence is the Head of Australian Economics at National Australia Bank (NAB). He leads the team responsible for the bank's analysis and forecasting of the Australian economy. With a deep understanding of the structural and cyclical forces driving the nation's financial landscape, Gareth is a leading voice on monetary policy, inflation trends, and business conditions.

Gareth oversees the widely respected NAB Quarterly Business Survey, providing data-driven insights into business confidence and the broader labour market. He is a frequent commentator in the national media and a regular contributor to NAB’s "Forward View" economic reports, helping businesses and investors navigate complex market shifts. Gareth is highly regarded for his ability to translate complex economic data into actionable insights for the Australian business community.

Register now

FBAA, CAFBA and MFAA CPD Points Available
There will be a survey at the end of the webinar for you to complete in order for you to receive your CPD Points.

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