Commonwealth Bank says its chief executive is willing to front a Senate inquiry into its insurance operations, despite his failure to attend a hearing on Thursday.
CBA and Ian Narev were advised a week ago of the Sydney hearing into CommInsure and allegations it mishandled life insurance payouts, but told the committee they couldn't appear until "early next week".
That would coincide with the federal budget.
Committee chairman, Labor senator Chris Ketter, labelled the bank's response "audacious and shameless".
CBA said it was not possible to rearrange Mr Narev's diary at such short notice, and he had other commitments.
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"Our CEO Ian Narev has always said that he is willing to appear before the committee to discuss our submission, and answer any further questions the committee members may have," a CBA spokesperson said.
