MAFS star slams big banks over mortgage rate hikes

News Corp AustraliaFirst published 10 Nov 2026, 11:22amFormer Married At First Sight contestant Richard Sauerman has taken aim at Australia’s big banks, questioning why they continue to pass interest rate hikes on to mortgage holders while raking in billions of dollars in profits. The former advertising executive, who now brands himself as “That Brand Guy”, believes banks are overlooking a major opportunity to build customer loyalty by absorbing an increase instead. Season 11 of Married at First Sight. Groom Richard Sauerman. Photo: Nine / Supplied. In a newsletter circulated to media, Sauerman challenged the banking industry’s response to the Reserve Bank’s latest interest rate rise. “The RBA raised interest rates. Again. What if your bank didn’t?” he wrote. “The Reserve Bank raises interest rates. The banks pass them on. Mortgage holders pay more. “Same story. Every time.” Sauerman argued that while banks routinely increase variable mortgage rates following an RBA decision, they are not legally required to pass on the full increase. “Who says the banks have to pass on the increase? They don’t. It’s a commercial decision,” he wrote. CBA booked a $10.87 billion annual profit this y...