National Australia Bank this morning said it remains in talks with the competition regulator over its plans to acquire Axa Asia Pacific Holdings.The comments came as AXA AP this morning placed its shares under a trading halt while the ACCC considers whether to allow the bank’s $13.3bn takeover bid to proceed. (The Age)

Hot on the heels of a report suggesting Macquarie bankers should be shivering in their seats, the bank is instead adding to its ranks. Veteran banks analyst Craig Turton will join in coming weeks and lead the team comprising Michael Wiblin and Cameron Pierce. (The Australian)

Bank of Queensland is providing additional debt forgiveness to owner operators of select franchised branches of the bank, the Financial Review reported. (Banking Day)

Legal experts say the multi-million-dollar sexual harassment lawsuit brought against retail giant David Jones by former employee Kristie Fraser-Kirk is unprecedented. (ABC)