BankSA

Office address: 97 King William Street, Adelaide, SA 5000 
Website: banksa.com.au 
Year established: 1848 
Company type: banking 
Employees: 800+ 
Expertise: home loans, business banking, personal banking, agribusiness, insurance, investment services, digital banking, community support 
Parent company: Westpac Banking Corporation 
Key people: David Firth (state general manager), Jamie Rosenthal (regional GM), Andrew Dallisson (state GM, mortgage broking), Daniel Crowden and Frank Canale (relationship directors) 
Financing status: corporate-backed 

BankSA (also known as Bank of South Australia) offers a wide range of personal, business, and corporate banking products. It has the largest branch and ATM network in South Australia. The bank is known for its strong local focus, community support, and commitment to helping one in four South Australians manage their money. 

History of BankSA 

BankSA was founded in 1848 to help South Australians save and manage their money safely. The first office was a single room in Adelaide, run by John Hector, who welcomed its first depositor, an Afghan shepherd. 

Early on, the bank supported local farming and housing, with its first loan helping a young businessman buy land and a home. Many well-known South Australians, including premiers and business leaders, helped guide the bank’s growth. 

After merging with the State Bank in 1984, BankSA faced tough times when the State Bank collapsed in 1991. The bank was later acquired by Advance Bank, then St. George Bank, and finally became part of Westpac in 2008. 

Products and services 

BankSA provides a range of home loan options, tools, and support to help customers buy, refinance, or invest in property: 

• home loans: basic variable rate home loan with unlimited extra repayments and no ongoing fees 
• variable home loan with offset: standard variable rate home loan with an optional offset account and no break costs 
• fixed rate home loan: fixed interest rate for a set term on all or part of the loan 
• home loan package: bundled features with savings on interest, credit card, and fees for an annual package fee 
• calculators and tools: repayment calculators, borrowing power estimators, and split repayment tools 
• application support: online application, appointment booking, and dedicated lender support 
• guides and resources: property reports, suburb guides, and information on refinancing, costs, and financial stress 
• loan management: tools to manage loans, make changes, and access support 

BankSA provides resources and support to guide customers through each stage of the home loan process. Lending is subject to certain conditions and credit criteria.  

Company culture and values 

BankSA’s culture encourages staff to help South Australia thrive, with a focus on agile work and innovative spaces. Employees are supported by flexible practices and a mission to make a difference in their community, offering a range of benefits: 

• flexible work options: remote work, job share, and flexible hours 
• paid and lifestyle leave: up to 12 weeks’ purchased leave, career breaks, and wellbeing days 
• parental and family leave: paid parental leave, grandparental leave, and family pathways leave 
• superannuation support: super contributions on unpaid parental leave 
• wellbeing and support: free nutrition advice, counselling, and wellbeing resources 
• community and volunteering: paid volunteering leave and Jawun secondments 
• employee discounts: savings on banking, insurance, and partner brands 
• diversity and inclusion: employee action groups and support for all backgrounds 

BankSA’s commitment to its people is shown through support for professional development, sustainability initiatives, and community programs. Staff are also encouraged to participate in workplace giving and unique secondment opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. 

About State General Manager David Firth and key people 

David Firth is the state GM at BankSA, leading business banking teams across South Australia and Western Australia. He has 25 years’ experience in business and corporate banking which cover relationship management, business development, risk, and leadership. 

Here are some of the key people who help drive Bank of South Australia’s business and support its clients: 

• Jamie Rosenthal is regional GM and leads regional teams and branch operations 
• Andrew Dallisson serves as state GM for mortgage broking, managing broker distribution and mortgage sales 
• Daniel Crowden works as relationship director, supporting business clients and key relationships 
• Frank Canale is a relationship director. He joined BankSA in 2021 and was previously associate director at NAB 

This team provides expert advice for home loans, business lending, and everyday banking needs. Their leadership ensures clients receive local support, fast decisions, and solutions matched to South Australian businesses and households. 

The future at BankSA 

The bank’s April 2025 State Monitor Survey found a notable rise in consumer confidence across South Australia. Many people feel more positive about their financial outlook for 2026.  

Business confidence eased a little but still sits at a healthy level. BankSA leaders credit strong job numbers, housing activity, and big local events for this upbeat mood, even with global challenges in play.