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RBA rate hold August 2026: energy bill relief now open for claiming
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AI deepfake scams and the five things that matter this week

August 21, 2026 - by Mariyana
AI deepfake scams, RBA rate hold and energy rebates | HFI

This Week at a Glance

AI deepfake scams, an RBA rate hold, and energy relief worth claiming

AI deepfake scams are the story that deserves the most attention this week. It should change how every household thinks about unsolicited investment tips. Away from that warning, the RBA rate hold continued again this month. That was widely expected, and on its own, it is not the most interesting part of the week.

Scam Alert

AI deepfakes are now targeting investors

Scammers are now using AI-generated deepfake videos of well-known personalities and finance commentators. These videos promote fake trading platforms, and the results have been costly. One 74-year-old retiree lost $320,000. Another woman, 56, lost $150,000. She is now living in her granddaughter’s spare room.

Why these fakes are so convincing

The tactic relies on what is known as social proof: the trust placed in a familiar face or brand. Polished production does not make an investment legitimate. Neither does a convincing testimonial. ASIC has removed close to three times as many online scams this year compared with last. This is worth taking seriously because the technology has crossed a threshold. A convincing video is no longer expensive or difficult to produce.

The single best protection against a convincing scam is simple: deal only with a licensed adviser you know, and verify before any money moves.

That caution applies to us too. This technology can clone a real face and voice. If you ever receive a video, an urgent request, or a link to an unfamiliar platform claiming to be from your adviser, stop and call the office to check. A two-minute phone call is all it takes. We would always rather you ask. No question is ever too small.

Before you act If an “opportunity” lands in your inbox, on social media, or in a messaging group, pause and call us before you commit a cent. We are always happy to take a look first.

The rest of the week brought steadier news. The NSW Seniors Energy Rebate has reopened for eligible self-funded retirees, national property prices eased a little further, and Australia held onto its AAA credit rating, a distinction shared by very few countries. Below, we cover what each development means for your own plan.

Five things that matter this week, and why they matter to you

1

The RBA rate hold continues for a second straight meeting

The Board left rates on hold on 11 August. Almost every economist expected this after inflation came in softer in June. Governor Bullock said the RBA still wants more evidence that inflation is under control. Its own updated forecasts now show unemployment drifting toward 4.5% by the end of the year.

What it means for you If you are on a variable mortgage, your repayments are not changing this month. The Board has not ruled out another rise later in the year. It is worth checking your budget has room if that happens.
2

NSW Seniors Energy Rebate applications are open, and other state rebates are worth checking

Applications for the 2026-27 NSW Seniors Energy Rebate opened on 10 August. This rebate is for eligible self-funded retirees who hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. Pensioner Concession Card holders are not eligible for this particular rebate, though they may qualify for the separate Low Income Household Rebate. Other states offer their own concessions, and eligibility rules vary.

What it means for you If you or a family member hold a concession or seniors card, check your state’s energy rebate page before assuming a rebate applies. Some rebates are automatic, while others require an application, and eligibility differs between card types.
3

National property prices eased further in July, giving buyers a little more room

PropTrack’s Home Price Index shows national home values fell 0.3% in July, the fourth straight monthly decline. Every capital fell except Darwin, with Sydney recording the largest drop. This follows a long run of strong price growth. Higher borrowing costs and stretched affordability are tempering buyer demand.

What it means for you If you are looking to buy, conditions are gradually more favourable than a year ago. If you are selling, price to your own suburb rather than the national headline. Local markets are moving at different speeds.
4

Australia has kept its AAA credit rating, one of very few countries to hold it

Ratings agency S&P Global has reaffirmed Australia’s top credit rating. It points to sound fiscal settings and recent tax and spending reforms supporting the budget over the next decade. Australia remains one of only nine countries worldwide to hold the top rating from all three major agencies.

What it means for you A strong credit rating keeps the government’s own borrowing costs low. That flows through to broader financial stability. It is a steady, reassuring signal when other economic news feels uncertain.
5

A client’s story: turning an unexpected payout into a lasting plan

*Sarah came to us after receiving a compensation payment following a workplace injury. She was unsure how to make it work for her family long term. Together we worked through what portion could go into superannuation. We looked at a realistic budget for a family home in Melbourne’s outer suburbs. We also structured the rest so it could support her if she returned to work only part-time. Her lawyer handled the legal side of her claim. Our role was turning the payment into a lasting plan, not a series of decisions made under pressure.

*Name and details changed to protect client privacy.

What it means for you A lump sum on its own does not create security. A plan does. Whether it is a compensation payment, an inheritance, or a redundancy payout, the value comes from turning a single event into a lasting structure. If you or someone you know has recently come into money and is not sure what to do next, that first conversation is exactly what we are here for.

The common thread this week

Each story above points to the same idea. Steady conditions can still hide real risk, and real opportunity, if you are not paying attention. AI deepfake scams are a reminder to slow down and verify before money moves. The RBA rate hold gives borrowers a breather, but not certainty. Energy rebates and easing property prices are genuine, practical wins if you act on them.

If anything in this update has raised a question about your own situation, please get in touch. That is exactly what we are here for.

Frequently asked questions

Did the RBA raise interest rates in August 2026?
No. The Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Board met on 11 August 2026 and held the cash rate at 4.35% for a second consecutive meeting. Governor Bullock said the RBA wants more evidence inflation is under control. The Bank’s forecasts show unemployment drifting toward 4.5% by year end.
Am I eligible for the NSW Seniors Energy Rebate?
Applications for the 2026-27 NSW Seniors Energy Rebate opened on 10 August 2026, for self-funded retirees who hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. Pensioner Concession Card holders are not eligible for this rebate, though they may qualify for the separate Low Income Household Rebate. Check your state’s energy rebate page to see which scheme applies to you.
Are property prices falling across Australia?
PropTrack’s Home Price Index shows national home values fell 0.3% in July 2026, the fourth straight monthly decline. Every capital fell except Darwin, with Sydney recording the largest drop. This follows a long run of strong price growth, as higher borrowing costs and stretched affordability temper buyer demand.
Does Australia still have a AAA credit rating?
Yes. S&P Global Ratings has reaffirmed Australia’s top AAA credit rating, citing sound fiscal settings and recent tax and spending reforms supporting the budget over the next decade. Australia remains one of only nine countries worldwide to hold the top rating from all three major agencies.
How can I protect myself from AI deepfake scams?
ASIC has warned that scammers are using AI-generated deepfake videos of well-known personalities to promote fake trading platforms. The best protection is to deal only with a licensed adviser you know, check for an Australian Financial Services Licence number, verify it on ASIC’s registers, and call the office directly before moving any money if something feels unfamiliar or urgent.

Ready to review your plan?

Book an Annual Review or a Power Call with your HFI adviser. We are here to help you navigate the months ahead with confidence.

Book an Annual Review Email HFI

Sources

Important information

This article is general information only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Economic conditions, interest rates, super rules and rebate eligibility change over time. You should obtain financial advice from a qualified professional before making any decisions about your superannuation, borrowing, investments or related financial arrangements.

Opinions in this article are attributable to Health & Finance Integrated only and do not constitute financial advice. Any advice in this document is general in nature and does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. Health & Finance Integrated takes no responsibility for, nor gives any endorsement or warranties in relation to any third-party information referred to herein.

Health & Finance Integrated is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Able Financial Services, ABN 27 646 319 164, AFSL 530596, Shop 6, 23 Hassall St, Parramatta 2150 NSW.

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