Banks of Australia List: Types, Big Four, and More

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Australia has a diverse banking system with a range of institutions to choose from. There are over 40 banks operating in the country.

The Big Four banks in Australia are Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB. These banks are the largest and most well-established in the country.

Each of the Big Four has a unique history and business model. For example, Commonwealth Bank is the oldest bank in Australia, dating back to 1911.

The Big Four dominate the Australian banking market, with over 80% of the market share.

Australian Banks Overview

The Australian banking system is dominated by the 'big four' banks: Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, Australia & New Zealand Banking Group, and National Australia Bank.

These four banks hold the majority of loans and deposits in Australia, and they're among the world's largest banks by market capitalization.

Opening an account in Australia is surprisingly simple, and most banks don't even require you to be in the country.

All you'll need to open an account as a foreigner is your passport.

Most banks and accounts in Australia will charge a moderate fee for using the account, so be aware of that.

The Wise account is an alternative that's ideal for international transactions and can save you money.

Types of Banks

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In Australia, banks are regulated by the Reserve Bank of Australia, which controls the nation's monetary policy and money supply.

The Banking Act holds banks in the country to a set standard.

Nationally operating banks are commonly referred to as major banks.

These banks operate across the entire country.

State banks, on the other hand, are specific to their respective states.

Regionally operating banks serve smaller areas within the country.

Foreign banks are those that are owned or operated by international companies.

Banks can be broadly divided into these four categories.

Here's a breakdown of the categories:

  • Nationally operating banks (major banks)
  • State banks
  • Regionally operating banks
  • Foreign banks

Big Four Banks

The Big Four Banks in Australia are a force to be reckoned with, serving over 16.5 million customers through more than 700 branches and 1,950 ATMs.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia is the leading bank, providing a vast range of services including banking, insurance, investment, and wealth management.

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group employs over 40,000 people and operates through more than 570 branches, offering a wide array of personal and business banking services.

National Australian Bank, founded in 1982, offers a variety of services including transaction and savings accounts, personal and mortgage loans, and business lending.

Big Four

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The Big Four Banks in Australia are a force to be reckoned with, and they're a great place to start when looking for banking services. They're made up of Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Australia & New Zealand Banking Group, National Australian Bank, and Westpac Banking Corporation.

These banks have a huge presence in Australia, with Commonwealth Bank having over 700 branches and around 1,950 ATMs. They also offer a wide range of services, from everyday accounts to wealth management and international banking.

One of the standout features of Commonwealth Bank is its Smart Access offer, which combines a comprehensive, low-fee current account with a host of impressive features. This makes it a great option for those looking for a hassle-free banking experience.

The Big Four Banks are also major employers in Australia, with Commonwealth Bank alone having over 52,000 employees working across different time zones. This shows just how big and established these banks are.

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National Australian Bank, on the other hand, has a long history dating back to 1982, and it offers a wide range of services including transaction and savings accounts, personal and mortgage loans, and business lending. Westpac Banking Corporation, meanwhile, has been around since 1817 and was the first bank in Australia.

Westpac is also the best major bank in Australia according to the Mozo Experts Choice Awards, which speaks to its excellent service and offerings.

Westpac

Westpac is one of the oldest banks in Australia, founded in 1817 as the Bank of New South Wales. It was later renamed Westpac in 1982.

Westpac offers a wide range of banking services, including home loans, personal loans, credit cards, and savings accounts. Its customer base is diverse, with over 13 million customers across Australia.

Westpac has a strong presence in the Australian market, with over 1,000 branches and 5,000 ATMs. This makes it one of the most accessible banks in the country.

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Westpac's financial performance is impressive, with a net profit of $4.3 billion in 2020. This is a significant contributor to the bank's overall revenue of $18.4 billion for the same year.

Westpac's commitment to innovation is evident in its digital banking platform, which allows customers to manage their accounts and make transactions online or through the mobile app. This has made banking more convenient and accessible for its customers.

Westpac Corporation

Westpac Corporation is one of the oldest banks in the country, with a rich history dating back to 1817. It's amazing to think about how far the bank has come in over two centuries.

Westpac has a significant presence in the Asia Pacific region, with an office in the UK, making it a truly global bank. This is a testament to its commitment to expanding its services and reach.

The bank is publicly listed, which means it's accountable to its shareholders and the community. This transparency is essential for maintaining trust and credibility.

Westpac has a strong focus on supporting young people, offering to waive the monthly fee for keeping an account if you're under 30. This is a great incentive for students and young adults to start banking with Westpac.

Regional Banks

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Regional banks play a significant role in the Australian financial landscape. They offer a range of services, including personal and business banking, loans, and credit cards.

Westpac's acquisition of St. George Bank in 2008 was a significant event in the Australian banking sector. St. George Bank was one of the largest regional banks in the country at the time.

Regional banks often have a stronger focus on community involvement and local economic development. They tend to have a more personalized approach to banking, with customers often receiving more personalized service.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates all banks operating in Australia, including regional banks. This ensures that they adhere to strict guidelines and standards.

Many regional banks have a strong presence in rural and regional areas, where they provide essential banking services to local communities. They often have a more flexible approach to banking, with services tailored to meet the specific needs of these communities.

Financial Institutions

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Australia has a robust and well-flourished banking sector, with banks being the backbone of the economy.

The operational headquarters of the top banks in Australia are primarily located in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia, one of the top banks, is headquartered in Sydney, the country's largest city.

Here are the top banks in Australia, listed in no particular order:

Macquarie

Macquarie is a public bank listed on a stock exchange. It was established in 1970.

The bank is headquartered in Sydney and offers a wide range of services, including Investment Banking, Wealth Advisory, Private Equity, Risk advisory, and retail banking.

As of 2018, Macquarie has around 15,000 employees.

The bank has an operating income of 10.9 billion AUD and a net income of 2.6 billion AUD.

Macquarie operates in more than 25 countries worldwide.

Financial Institutions

Australia has a robust banking sector, with banks being a vital part of the country's economy.

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The largest bank in Australia by assets is the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, with over A$1.25 trillion in total assets.

The top 10 Australian banks hold combined assets of over A$5.3 trillion, making them a significant force in the country's economy.

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia is the largest bank in Australia by assets, deposits, market capitalization, and number of branches and ATMs.

Here are the top 10 Australian banks ranked by total assets:

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has its operational headquarters in Sydney.

Bank Accounts

If you're looking for a reliable online bank account in Australia, ING Australia is a great option to consider. They offer a wealth of great options for their Australian audience.

ING Australia is one of the biggest online banks in the world, making them a trusted choice. ME Bank is another ethical option, offering a range of personal, business, and business accounts.

For a no-fee spending account with an impressive app, UBank is worth checking out. Their award-winning app and features will turn your head.

The top 5 Australian banks hold deposits of approximately A$2.5 trillion, according to the latest data from the APRA report 2023.

What to Choose

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Choosing the right bank account can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. First, consider whether you need to visit a local bank branch. If so, look for a big bank with a branch near where you live, or a local bank or credit union with a branch nearby.

If you're looking for convenient online access and a banking app, there are plenty of online banks that don't even have physical branches. Some of them have great apps, but don't count out larger banks either - they often have very well designed apps.

Read reviews and trust word of mouth. If you hear lots of bad things from customers of one bank, you might want to steer clear. Check out the Finder customer satisfaction awards to see which banks have the best customer service.

Consider what you need from your bank account. Look closely at a bank's products and services, such as high-interest savings accounts, transaction accounts, credit cards, home loans, and business banking. Some banks have different strengths and weaknesses, so it's essential to find one that meets your specific needs.

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Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a bank account:

Ultimately, the best bank account for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Take the time to research and compare different options to find the one that's right for you.

Online Accounts

If you're looking for online bank accounts in Australia, ING Australia is definitely worth considering - it's one of the biggest online banks in the world.

ING Australia offers a wealth of great options for their Australian audience.

If you're looking for an ethical online bank, ME Bank is a great choice - it's based in Melbourne and offers a range of personal, business and business accounts.

ME Bank is committed to being an ethical bank, which is great for those who care about the impact of their banking.

ING Australia's online account options are very reliable, but ME Bank's ethical approach is something to consider.

Here are some online bank accounts in Australia that are worth looking into:

  • ING Australia
  • ME Bank
  • UBank

Deposits

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The largest banks in Australia hold deposits of approximately A$2.5 trillion. This staggering amount is a testament to the country's thriving banking industry.

The top 5 Australian banks, as per the latest data from the APRA report 2023, are the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Westpac Banking Corporation, National Australia Bank, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, and Macquarie Bank Limited. These banks hold a significant portion of Australia's deposits.

Here's a breakdown of the top 10 banks in Australia by domestic deposits:

The largest bank in Australia by domestic deposits is the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, with deposits amounting to A$707.414 billion.

Bank Ownership

Bank ownership in Australia can be complex, but let's break it down. There are several types of bank ownership, including customer-owned banks, subsidiaries of larger banks, and banks owned by other organizations.

Some banks, like Australian Mutual Bank and Bank Australia, are customer-owned, meaning they are owned by their members rather than shareholders. These banks often have a strong focus on community and customer service.

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Other banks, like Bank of Queensland and ME Bank, are subsidiaries of larger banks. This means they are owned by a parent company, but still operate independently.

Some banks, like RACQ Bank, are owned by a larger organization, in this case, the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland.

Here's a breakdown of the types of bank ownership:

These different types of ownership can affect the way a bank operates and the services it offers to customers.

Greg Brown

Senior Writer

Greg Brown is a seasoned writer with a keen interest in the world of finance. With a focus on investment strategies, Greg has established himself as a knowledgeable and insightful voice in the industry. Through his writing, Greg aims to provide readers with practical advice and expert analysis on various investment topics.

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