Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ)

ANZ (Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited) is an Australian multinational banking and financial services company. It is headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria, and is the second-largest bank in Australia based on assets. ANZ was established on October 1, 1970, through the merger of the Australia and New Zealand Bank (ANZ) and the English, Scottish & Australian Bank (ES&A). This merger was the largest in Australian history at the time.

The bank's history can be traced back to the founding of the Bank of Australasia in London in 1835 and the establishment of the Union Bank of Australia in 1837. Over the years, ANZ grew through acquisitions and expansion into new markets. It became one of the Big Four Australian banks, along with the Commonwealth Bank, NAB, and Westpac.

ANZ operates primarily in Australia and New Zealand, where it has a significant presence in commercial and retail banking. It is also the largest bank in New Zealand, having acquired the National Bank of New Zealand in 2003. In addition to its operations in Australia and New Zealand, ANZ has a presence in 34 other countries.

The bank offers a wide range of financial products and services, including consumer banking, corporate banking, private banking, investment banking, investment management, global wealth management, private equity, mortgages, and credit cards. As of 2022, ANZ reported an operating income of A$19.43 billion, a net income of A$7.12 billion, total assets of A$1.09 trillion, and total equity of A$66.40 billion. It has a workforce of approximately 39,196 employees and serves around nine million customers worldwide.

ANZ, which stands for Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, is an Australian multinational banking and financial services company. Its history dates back to the 19th century when its predecessor banks were established.

The Bank of Australasia was founded in London in 1835 and opened its first branch in Sydney, Australia, in 1835. In 1837, the Union Bank of Australia was established in London. In 1852, the English, Scottish and Australian Bank (ES&A) was founded in London and opened its first branch in Sydney in 1853. These banks played significant roles in the development of banking in Australia and New Zealand.

In 1951, the Bank of Australasia merged with the Union Bank of Australia to form the Australia and New Zealand Bank (ANZ Bank). Over the years, ANZ expanded its operations and established a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

In 1970, ANZ merged with the English, Scottish and Australian Banks, forming the present organization, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group. This merger was the largest bank merger in Australian history at the time.

ANZ continued to grow and acquire other banks and financial institutions. In 1984, it purchased Grindlays Bank, expanding its operations in Asia and the Middle East. In 1989, ANZ acquired PostBank from the New Zealand Government.

During the 1990s, ANZ made several acquisitions, including National Mutual Royal Bank, the Town and Country Building Society, Lloyd Bank's operations in Papua New Guinea, and the Bank of New Zealand's operations in Fiji.

In the 21st century, ANZ focused on expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. It established the ANZ Royal Bank in Cambodia in 2005 and formed a joint venture with ING Group for wealth management and life insurance business in Australia and New Zealand in 2002. In 2012, ANZ retired the National Bank brand in New Zealand.

Under the leadership of CEO Shayne Elliott, who took office in 2016, ANZ continued to adapt to changing market conditions and technological advancements. It partnered with Apple to offer Apple Pay to its customers in 2016 and acquired REALas, a property price predictor start-up, in 2017.

However, ANZ also faced challenges. In 2018, it was revealed that ANZ had failed to accurately verify the living expenses of home loan customers and had charged incorrect interest rates to some customers. The bank was also fined for charging fees it was not entitled to between 2003 and 2015.

In recent years, ANZ has focused on digital innovation and customer-centric services. It launched a digital bank called ANZ Plus in 2022 and entered a joint venture named Lygon, which focused on blockchain technology.

ANZ's commitment to responsible banking and sustainable practices has also been evident. The bank has set targets to reduce its carbon emissions and support renewable energy projects.

Today, ANZ is one of the Big Four Australian banks, along with the Commonwealth Bank, NAB, and Westpac. It is Australia's second-largest bank by assets and serves millions of customers worldwide. ANZ continues to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of its customers in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

ANZ's mission statement focuses on its commitment to customers, shareholders, employees, and the communities it serves. ANZ's mission and vision statements reflect the bank's goals, aspirations, and values

"To be a leading bank that delivers exceptional value to our customers creates sustainable returns for our shareholders, provides a supportive and inclusive workplace for our employees, and actively contributes to the well-being of the communities we operate in."

"To be the bank of choice for our customers, renowned for our innovative products and services, trusted for our integrity and reliability, and recognized for our positive impact on society and the environment."

ANZ's vision is to focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences, embracing technological advancements, maintaining a strong ethical foundation, and promoting sustainability and social responsibility.

• Personal Banking:
  Everyday Banking: ANZ provides various accounts such as savings accounts, transaction accounts, and term deposits to manage day-to-day finances.
  Home Loans: ANZ offers a variety of home loan options, including variable-rate loans, fixed-rate loans, and equity loans.
  Personal Loans: ANZ provides personal loans for various purposes such as travel, education, and debt consolidation.
  Credit Cards: ANZ offers a range of credit cards with different features, benefits, and rewards programs.
  Insurance: ANZ provides insurance options for home and contents, motor vehicles, travel, and life insurance.
• Business Banking:
  Business Accounts: ANZ offers business transaction accounts, savings accounts, and term deposits to support the financial needs of businesses.
  Business Loans: ANZ provides business loans and financing options to help businesses manage cash flow, invest in expansion, or purchase assets.
  Merchant Services: ANZ enables businesses to accept payments through various channels, including EFTPOS, credit cards, and online payments.
  Business Insurance: ANZ offers insurance solutions tailored to the needs of businesses, including asset protection, liability coverage, and workers' compensation.
• Investments and Wealth Management:
  Investment Accounts: ANZ provides options for individuals and businesses to invest in managed funds, shares, and term deposits.
  Superannuation: ANZ offers superannuation and retirement planning services to help individuals secure their financial future.
  Financial Advice: ANZ provides financial advice services to assist customers in making informed investment decisions.
• International and Trade Services:
  Foreign Exchange: ANZ offers foreign exchange services, allowing customers to manage currency conversions and international payments.
  International Trade Finance: ANZ assists businesses engaged in international trade with solutions such as letters of credit, trade loans, and export finance.
• Institutional Banking and Financial Markets: 
  Corporate Banking: ANZ serves corporate clients with a range of banking solutions, including lending, transaction services, and advisory services.
  Capital Markets: ANZ provides access to capital markets, assisting clients in areas such as debt issuance, equity raising, and risk management.