For the
first time the Australian Banking Association (ABA) Council of CEOs, its
governing body, has held its quarterly meeting in a regional centre.
The Council
met with local community leaders and groups, including Bendigo Mayor Margaret
O’Rourke, local business chamber Be.Bendigo, the Salvation Army and Rural
Financial Counsellors.
ABA Chair and
ANZ CEO Shayne Elliott said the meeting was an important milestone for the
Association, that is determined to listen to communities outside capital
cities.
“Regional
communities have always been, and remain to this day, an important focus for
any bank in Australia,” Mr Elliott said.
“Holding our
Council meeting outside of a capital city for the first time is another way we
are ensuring we remain close to regional communities, listening first hand to
any issues they have and the changes that could be made to make banking easier,”
he said.
ABA CEO Anna
Bligh said the meeting was an important way for bank CEOs to hear firsthand the
concerns of local groups such as financial counsellors, small businesses and
community leaders who see firsthand the issues faced by customers.
“Local leaders,
community groups and businesses were represented today and gave full and frank
feedback to CEOs about where banks are doing well and also where they can lift
their game in servicing regional centres such as Bendigo,” Ms Bligh said.
At today’s
Council meeting Shayne Elliott foreshadowed the end of his two year term as
Chair of the ABA at the end of the year. The Council noted that CEO of the
Commonwealth Bank Matt Comyn would assume the role of Chair at the ABA’s AGM in
December.
The Council
also thanked outgoing chair Shayne Elliott who has led the Association over the
last two years.
Council has
also confirmed that Deputy Chair and CEO of Suncorp Bank, David Carter’s term will
be extended for another year.
