JEFF OUGHTON - ACTING CEO FOR THE AUSTRALIAN BANKERS' ASSOCIATION Sydney, 17 May, 2000:Jeff Oughton has been appointed as the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Bankers' Association (ABA). The chairman of the ABA, Frank Cicutto, said Mr Oughton, Senior Economist at National Australia Bank, has been be seconded from the bank to this leadership role. "Jeff Oughton is highly qualified for this role being well versed in financial and regulatory conditions that affect the banking and financial services industry. Pending the appointment of a permanent Chief Executive Officer, he will lead the ABA as the industry navigates its way through the many challenges affecting the financial services sector," said Mr Cicutto. Prior to his appointment to National Australia Bank in 1992, Mr Oughton spent a number of years with the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). He also spent two years as the Reserve Bank's deputy chief representative in New York. Mr Oughton will take up his new role on Monday, May 22. For further information contact: Heather Wellard ABA PR Phone: 02 8298 0411 Mobile: 0409 830 439     ENDS May 17, 2000, 05/00