The Australian Banking Association’s membership is comprised of 20 banks from across Australia. ABA member banks are some of Australia’s most recognisable and historic brands. They include the four major banks, iconic regional banks and international banks with an Australian banking licence.
The Australian Banking Association advocates for a strong, competitive and innovative banking industry that delivers excellent and equitable outcomes for customers.
We promote and encourage policies that improve banking services for all Australians, through advocacy, research, policy expertise and thought leadership.
About the ABA
The ABA is an association of 20 member banks in Australia. The ABA works with government, regulators and other stakeholders to improve public awareness and understanding of the industry’s contribution to the economy and to ensure Australia’s banking customers continue to benefit from a stable, competitive and accessible banking industry.
The ABA is led by Anna Bligh, Chief Executive Officer, who is supported by a team of senior public policy staff. Anna started in the role in April 2017 and is focused on strengthening trust and confidence in banking and delivering better outcomes for customers.
The ABA is governed by a Council which comprises Chief Executive Officers of member banks. Read more.
The ABA Constitution is available here.
What we do
The ABA addresses a large range of public policy issues to help build a regulatory environment that promotes growth in the banking industry and the wider economy. We work to ensure banking is affordable and accessible and enables customers to get the right products and services for their banking needs.
The ABA ensures the banking industry’s views are put forward when governments determine policy or legislation. Many areas of Commonwealth and State law and in some cases international law, impact upon the interests of Australian banks.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) all regulate banks.
Many areas of law, for example taxation or financial sector reform, affect the trading environment for Australian banks and the ABA consults its members to form industry positions on these and many other issues.
Our History
The Australian Banking Association traces its history back to the late 1940s when a national organisation was formed to oppose a Government proposal to nationalise the banking system. Since then, it has taken on many roles and responsibilities on behalf of its membership, but the modern organisation reflects major restructures that occurred in 1985 and 1997.
In the mid-1980s it was decided that the ABA’s role was too limited and that it would be broadened in favour of having a fully representative organisation of all licensed banks in Australia. Three existing organisations were merged to form the new association. Those organisations were the Australian Banking Association-Research Directorate, the Australian Banking Association and a Banking Education Service. Subsequently, the Banks’ Industrial Association was also integrated into the ABA.
A new constitution was drafted in 1985, and in 1997 there were further changes to the mission of the ABA to focus the association on its principal benefits to members, that is, an advocate for the banking industry when dealing with Governments, the media and public.
In 2014, the ABA underwent a process of review and renewal to ensure the banking industry is recognised widely as an essential and responsible contributor to Australia’s prosperity.
ABA Annual Report 2022
Introduction
For many Australians, 2022 has been a challenging year. We’ve experienced catastrophic floods, the global pandemic, and more recently the hip-pocket impact of high inflation.
Through it all, the Australian Banking Association and its member banks have helped customers, businesses, and communities to manage these difficult times.
ABA Chair, Peter King
ABA Ltd Annual Report 2022
Download reportCEO’s report
As Australia transitions to a digital, low carbon economy there are many opportunities for the nation’s banks to lead and shape the transition.
Reform of Australia’s payments system, sustainability, climate change mitigation, the prevention of scams
and an improved use of data to benefit customers are among some of the industry’s priorities in the year ahead.
ABA CEO, Anna Bligh
ABA Ltd Annual Report 2022
Download reportInvesting in productivity
“We had some thoughts around how we could best reduce the stress on our staff by implementing some new machinery. So, we spoke with our bank manager. They knew our situation, they knew our business. They were there for us.”
“We knew what would benefit our business not just today and tomorrow but also long into the future. I bought the machine of my dreams!”
ABA Ltd Annual Report 2022
Download reportReview of the Banking Code of Practice
As part of our ongoing commitment to the Code, the ABA commissioned an independent review led by Mike Callaghan AM PSM.
He was supported by a Consumer Advisory Panel made up of representatives from the Council of Small Business Organisations (COSBOA), the Consumer Action Law Centre and the Financial Rights Legal Centre.
ABA Ltd Annual Report 2022
Download reportFlood Support
The ABA continues to encourage all flood impacted customers to contact their bank to find out about support that may be available.
As the worst of the emergencies from the most recent floods have now come to an end and the clean-ups continue, we want Australians who have been impacted, some multiple times, to know their bank is ready with tailored support to assist them as they recover.
ABA Ltd Annual Report 2022
Download reportPrevious annual reports:
Annual Report 2021
“More than 65,000 individuals and businesses received hardship assistance in 2021.”
Annual Report 2020
“2020 is a year none of us will ever forget. It began under a haze of smoke, and ended in the grip of a global pandemic.”