New power couple? Rumours swirl about romantic ties between Commonwealth Bank boss Matt Comyn and TV journalist Laura Jayes

Rumours have emerged in Australia linking Commonwealth Bank chief executive Matt Comyn with television journalist Laura Jayes, following news that he has separated from his wife and offloaded a substantial parcel of bank shares. A bank spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that Comyn and his British wife, Lucy-Ellen Comyn, have been apart for "some time", with the split coming after the couple spent three years renovating their multimillion-pound Sydney mansion. The story has drawn attention given Comyn's prominence as one of Australia's most highly paid executives and the timing of a large share sale shortly before the separation became public.

Comyn has reportedly been seen twice with News24 journalist Laura Jayes, including on a December holiday and again in Bondi, according to the Australian Financial Review, though neither party has commented. The couple's mansion, bought for A$3.3 million, underwent an estimated A$1 million refurbishment and could now be worth more than A$10 million. Comyn also sold A$8.4 million worth of Commonwealth Bank shares across two transactions this week, though the bank declined to say whether this was linked to the marital breakdown; it is unclear how long the couple have been separated, though his estranged wife registered a sole trader business in September, and the pair still jointly own the property.