Office address: 6 O'Connell Street, Level 18, Sydney, NSW 2000
Website: ausbanking.org.au
Year established: 1985
Company type: financial services industry association
Employees: 40+
Expertise: advocacy, policy development, industry research, regulatory affairs, public affairs, member engagement, financial sector analysis, risk management, consumer protection, digital banking
Parent company: N/A
Key people: Simon Birmingham (CEO), Vanessa Beggs (deputy CEO), Chris Taylor (chief of policy), Fiona Landis (chief of corporate affairs), Andrew Irvine (chair), Melanie Evans (deputy chair)
Financing status: industry association (non-profit, member-funded)
The Australian Banking Association (ABA) is a leading industry group for 21 banks, including the four majors, regional and international banks with local licences. It helps shape banking policy, gives expert advice and supports a safe, stable banking system for Australia. The ABA is known for its advocacy, research and work to improve banking for people and the economy.
The Australian Banking Association was established in 1985 after three banking organisations merged. Its roots go back to the late 1940s when banks united to oppose nationalisation.
The association broadened its role in the mid-1980s to represent all licensed banks in Australia, and later integrated the Banks’ Industrial Association. These changes set the stage for a modern, unified voice for the banking sector. Other important events for ABA are included below:
In 2025, Simon Birmingham was appointed as CEO, taking over from Anna Bligh. This leadership change marked a new chapter for the ABA.
The ABA gives analysis, advice and advocacy for banks. It develops policies, guidelines and industry codes. The group also shares research, runs campaigns and offers resources for customers and small businesses.
Key initiatives include:
The Australian Banking Association is a not-for-profit, member-funded association. It does not offer banking products but shapes policy and supports the industry. Its work helps keep banking stable, fair, and responsive to community needs.
Banks in Australia work hard to earn public trust and meet strict government standards. The Australian Banking Association’s culture puts customers first and values a strong, honest approach.
Members focus on clear rules and always look for ways to improve. This commitment shapes their public policy principles. Here is a list of those principles:
In terms of environmental rules, the Australian Banking Association follows all standard laws set by state and federal authorities. The banking sector does not have extra environmental limits beyond these. Directors have checked and found no breaches of these regulations in recent years.
Simon Birmingham is the CEO of the Australian Banking Association, leading a group of around 21 top Australian banks. He was previously ANZ’s head of Asia Pacific Engagement and chair for South Australia. Birmingham also served as a Senator for 18 years and worked on national education and water policy.
The ABA’s leaders have strong experience and guide the group’s strategy:
The Australian Banking Association’s executive leadership team works closely with government and regulators to build public trust in banking. The ABA Council provides direction on key policy issues in the financial sector.
In 2025, the ABA rallied for the Payments System Modernisation Bill. The Australian Banking Association urged the Senate to approve the bill quickly to update payment rules for the digital age. By backing this reform, it helped ensure digital wallet and new payment platform transactions, including mortgage payments, receive the same consumer protections as traditional methods.
This benefits banks and their clients by creating fair and consistent standards for all payment providers. The ABA’s advocacy keeps Australia’s payment system safe and current as technology evolves. This support highlights its ongoing commitment to protecting consumers and helping banks adapt to digital trends.
Industry welcomes steps to restrict crypto ATMs and broaden visa checks
Industry seeks swift update to payments regulation for digital age
Urban centres and growth areas are most affected by rising scam activity
Regulator set to introduce changes aimed at supporting smaller banks
Small businesses urged to verify payments as scammers exploit emails to divert funds
Scammers likely to exploit election activity to steal personal and financial data
Report shows nearly 30 banks enhancing policies and terms as preventive measures
Bank executive also highlights key other drivers to Australia's economic growth
Rules may help some, but questions of efficacy mount
Banks pledge to keep rural branches open and support Bank@Post services until 2027
