Who is... ANZ

If it’s time to find a new financial institution to do business with, you might want to read up first about the various companies. Here we take a look at the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ).

The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, usually referred to as ANZ, is the third largest bank in Australia, and is big across the Pacific region with a presence in 25 countries. This international presence, in many cases, is the result of recent expansion into emerging markets such as China. ANZ is also the outright largest bank in New Zealand. In 1835 the ANZ began life as The Bank of Australasia, established in London under Royal Charter. With the merger with the Union Bank of Australia in 1951, the modern day ANZ was formed, going on to merge with the English, Scottish and Australian Bank in 1970 to form the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited. This was largest merger in Australia’s banking history. In 2002 ANZ formed a joint venture with the Dutch ING Group for funds management and life insurance in Australia and New Zealand. In 2003 the National Bank of New Zealand was acquired by ANZ.

ANZ products and services 

For individuals, ANZ has a whole range of account options, loans and credit cards, as well as financial planning, superannuation and a range of investment products. ANZ is also a major player in business banking, dealing with transaction banking and supporting the financial activities of a range of many small and corporate scale customers, from banking to managing structured finance and other services.

ANZ was awarded “Number One Lead Bank in Australia and New Zealand” by Peter Lee Associates in 2006, as well as being named “Best Domestic Commercial Bank” in Australia by AsiaMoney, and “Best  Bank, Sydney” by an FX EuroMoney survey.