May 13 (Reuters) - Commonwealth Bank of Australia CBA.AX , the country's biggest lender, reported on Monday lower unaudited cash profit for the third quarter, hit by higher customer compensation charges related to a landmark financial sector inquiry.
Cash earnings from continuing operations fell to A$1.70 billion ($1.19 billion) for the three months ended March 31. It reported cash earnings of A$2.35 billion a year ago.
The lender said it set aside an extra A$714 million to compensate aggrieved clients during the quarter.
($1 = 1.4306 Australian dollars)