Why ANZ is the Best Private Bank in Australia

ANZ (Australia and New Zealand Banking Group), is one of the best banks in Australia. This Australian Banking Act-accredited bank caters to over 8.5 million retail and business customers with top-quality banking and financial products and services.

According to James Dunlop, the company General manager, Private Banking and Advice, ANZ was ranked as the best bank in three award categories of the Euromoney Private Banking Awards that occurred on 21st March 2024. It emerged as Australia’s Best for Family Office Services, Australia’s Best for Next-Gen, and Australia’s Best for Succession Planning.

In the past decade, private banking across Australia has created numerous portfolios through customized investment strategies and tailored financial advice. Additionally, these banks have shifted to dedicated relationship managers. This has enabled ANZ Private Bank to provide private banking solutions, which ensure that its private clients receive high-net-worth assistance in the most strategic way. 

Overview of ANZ Private Bank

ANZ Private Bank’s story began in the early 19th century (196 years ago). This marked the start of a journey to achieve the global presence it has today. ANZ Private Bank was established in Launceston, Tasmania on 31 March 1828. 

The bank was established as Cornwall Bank, after the people of Launceston wanted a bank to solve their local banking needs. At the time, banks based in Hobart did not cater to the city of Launceston. Thus, the bank was established to be able to cater to the financial needs of the people in the community of Launceston.

In 1835, Scottish businessman, George Kinnear, visited Sydney from London and saw amazing potential for the banking sector. He went ahead to create one of the most noteworthy banks of that time, the Bank of Australasia.

Bank of Australasia found out about the opportunity in the Tasmanian area. However, after news spread that Bank of Australasia would soon open its branches in Tasmania, Cornwall Bank sought acquisition. 

The Bank of Australasia went ahead to acquire Cornwall Bank and began its operations in Launceston and Hobart on January 1, 1836. In fact, the Bank of Australasia retained its name after the acquisition and took over the premises of the Cornwall Bank in Launceston.

Continuing in its quest for growth, the Bank of Australasia reached its most significant landmark in 1951 where it merged with the Union Bank of Australia. The merger created the ANZ Bank and marked its coming of age. 

In 1970, ANZ further grew by merging with the English, Scottish, and Australian Bank – the biggest merger ever done then in the history of Australian banking.

As ANZ expanded, it faced various challenges in the financial sector. Nonetheless, the bank showed its propensity to grow by acquiring and expanding around the world.

ANZ went on to purchase several banks and assets, making it a significant position in core markets across the globe. Currently, the bank has added close to 30 markets to its name across the globe.

This has also placed ANZ Private bank as the top bank in Australia and the biggest in New Zealand and the Pacific. Supported by its market capitalization, the bank is one of the top 100 banks across the globe. 

ANZ Private Bank’s Guiding Principles

ANZ’s main guiding principle is to help people and communities thrive in a better world. The bank aims to contribute to the economy that is balanced and sustainable. It also aims to create opportunities for its clients to build wealth. 

The bank’s guiding principle has implications in every single aspect of the ANZ Private Bank’s approach toward its clients and its role in the wider financial ecosystem.

Additionally, integral to its mission are core values that bring out the culture and interaction at ANZ Private Bank. These core values include:

• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Accountability
• Respect
• Excellence

1. Integrity

ANZ Private Bank is an honest and fair institution. This value can be witnessed through the bank’s careful decisions and outstanding services. Maintaining these principles guarantees that every operation is in line with the bank’s policies of morality.

2. Collaboration

ANZ has a strong belief in bringing together the right people to deliver winning performances. The interaction and sharing of information by various experts working together offers the proper platform necessary for producing the best results for clients and the organization alike.

3. Accountability

The ANZ Private Bank pays huge attention to taking ownership and commitment to promises at the heart of its accountability. This is due to the pledge of the bank in finding effective solutions through rigorous testing and learning. Besides, ANZ is committed to reliability and transparency in its all interactions, for which reliability is necessary to hold onto the trust and credibility of the clients.

4. Respect

The bank puts the interests of its clients first through delivering exceptional customer service. To foster respect ANZ values diversity and the creation of an inclusive environment. The bank also acts considerately to clients, the community, and the environment so as to cultivate a culture of respect. 

5. Excellence

Excellence is pursued due to ANZ’s quest for improvement. Drawing on process simplification, the power of data, and acting on feedback, the Private Bank at ANZ is always at the forefront of innovation and quality in the relentless pursuit of excellence, ensuring that the bank offering is second to none and forward-looking.

Who Does ANZ Private Bank Serve?

ANZ Private Bank’s clientele is limited to high-net-worth individuals who require custom financial solutions. The bank’s customers have a minimum of $3m to invest or borrow. Some of its customers include:

• Business owners
• Executives and professionals
• Family offices
• International investors
• Investors
• Liquidity beneficiaries
• The next generation

1. Business Owners

ANZ helps and supports business owners or entrepreneurs in running and selling their enterprises. The bank, through various services like investment solutions, credit services, and estate planning, to name but a few, allows entrepreneurs to make important decisions regarding their finances. 

2. Executives and Professionals

Cash flow management and investment planning are two prime areas where executives and professionals lay maximum focus. ANZ Private Bank has tapped into this segment by providing executives and professionals customized mortgage lending, insurance, and equity protection measures. Additionally, the bank also offers specialized counseling for global citizens returning home, so that they never face the scarcity of money from any corner. 

3. Family Offices

Family offices benefit from fresh perspectives and substantial expertise available through the ANZ Private Bank. In very close collaboration with the family office teams, the bank offers specially tailored transaction services and cash flow management solutions, which help meet the targeted needs of the businesses of wealth management and protection.

4. International Investors

The ANZ Private Bank works with international investors seeking to invest in Australia. It does so by providing multilingual experts who help in the structuring of finances, the facilitation of the purchase of the investment, and guaranteeing a smooth transition into the Australian financial systems.

5. Investors

ANZ Private Bank provides investors with solutions that are tailored to the management of cash flow, commercial lending, asset allocation, estate planning, and many more. Through these services, the bank is able to address diverse financial goals with effective means of enhancing investment strategies.

6. Liquidity Beneficiaries

Liquidity beneficiaries, or rather individuals in newfound money courtesy of inheritance, lottery winnings, settlements, or major asset sales can rely on the ANZ Private Bank. The bank provides these liquidity beneficiaries with expert strategic advice on cash management. It provides a disciplined framework that helps align newfound liquidity with long-term wealth and investment goals.

7. Next Generation

ANZ is fully focused on helping protect family wealth for the future generation. It offers end-to-end solutions that include estate planning, business succession, and the protection of assets. These strategies pertain to the preservation and growth of financial legacies to benefit future generations.

How ANZ Beat the Odds to Emerge the Best Bank in Australia

From the Cornwall Bank to one of the global banks today, ANZ has had a history full of challenges and adaptations. This bank has stood through some hard economic times, with depressions and wars. However, its timely innovations and adaptability have been key to its success.

For instance, ANZ highly fosters innovation and digital transformation. In recent years, amid changing requirements in the modern financial sector, the bank has created new digital banking platforms and services to improve its services.

As of today, ANZ Plus is among its most profound innovations. This online banking service is underpinned by a new platform that aims to make banking more convenient with a collection of features that aim to appeal to contemporary needs.

Besides the focus on digital transformation, ANZ has been concerning itself with sustainability and social responsibility. The financial institution plays a crucial role in promoting better financial well-being and environmental sustainability.

The bank also facilitates and supports initiatives that revolve around affordable housing, sustainable business, and better management of finances. ANZ’s commitment to these areas reflects its broader goals of creating a positive social and environmental impact.

Reason Behind the Growth of ANZ

One of the major highlights of ANZ’s success is technological innovation. ANZ was one of the very first banks to adopt new technologies; for instance, in 1999, it established Australia’s very first Internet banking. The bank went on to introduce mobile banking apps with electronic platforms to further develop services in line with changing customer needs.

Other major drivers of its growth include the commitment of ANZ to sustainability and social responsibility. It is one of the first-ever Australian banks to have issued a Sustainable Development Goal bond, thus really pegging its commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

Key Services Offered by ANZ Private Bank

ANZ has a team of specialist bankers and advisers that offer highly personalized services to its customers while also acting as a bridge to a greater ANZ group and external experts in its network. Here are the key areas where ANZ lends a fillip to addressing solutions: 

• Investment strategy 
• Family wealth strategy 
• Personal banking 
• Risk protection 
• Debt-driven strategies 
• Superannuation 
• Exclusive insights and networking 
• Philanthropy and impact investing 

Investment Strategy

ANZ aims to help its clients grow their wealth through the exploration of both local and international opportunities. This comes by way of managed equity portfolios, diversified discretionary investment strategies, and enhanced yield strategies.

Family Wealth Strategy

The bank offers specialized advice to manage inheritance or estate planning. Its focus mainly revolves around family succession and inter-generational wealth transfer so that the clients can leave a meaningful legacy to be enjoyed by their legatees.

Personal Banking

The customer service team at ANZ attends to individual banking needs. These experts help the bank’s customers in the opening of accounts, application of credit cards, and arranging transfers. This enables its clients to conduct all the banking needs without necessarily having to visit any branch.

Risk Management

ANZ provides insurance products that protect customers from eventuality. The bank also works on developing strategies that will considerably lower risk and offer support in developing business succession strategies to ensure assets are passed. 

These strategies and support that clients are offered assist them in developing an optimal financial position through several borrowing products and interest rate strategies. Anz also helps with effective cash flow management while helping its high-net-worth clients leverage an array of assets.

Exclusive Insights and Networking

ANZ offers valuable strategies and provides connections with other like-minded individuals through exclusive investment seminars, networking events, and webinars, in person and online.

Philanthropy and Impact Investing

The ANZ Private Bank helps clients to find meaningful ways of giving and impact investment. It offers a totally customized impact investment proposition done in partnership with one of Australia’s top impact investment advisors- taking in education, portfolio assistance, sourcing opportunities, and reporting.

Superannuation and Retirement Planning

ANZ helps clients plan their superannuation contributions and pensions. The bank also helps in the development of a solid plan for reaching the retirement lifestyle goals.

Estate Planning at ANZ

The whole process of estate planning is done to give assurance that your assets will be taken care of and distributed according to your desire upon your death. Through effective estate planning, ANZ assures its clients reduced taxes and legal complications, while securing and caring for their loved ones, as well as preserving their legacy.

ANZ realizes this type of planning is important and provides specialized help to guide one through the complexities. Its team offers individually tailored insights on family succession and intergenerational wealth transfer, addressing unique needs and goals.

Be it making a will or setting up of trusts, its advisers work with the clients in charting out a detailed plan. With their expertise, ANZ assures clients about structuring their estates in an efficient manner, so that their assets are protected and financial stability assured for the next generation.

The overall process of estate planning at the bank involves an evaluation of the entire financial situation of the client, identification of potential hurdles, and designing of solutions keeping in mind the personal and family-based goals of the individual concerned. 

ANZ also enables the client to understand the legal and financial aspects of estate planning and makes all relevant arrangements to ensure the easier transition of the wealth.

ANZ Custom Lending Solutions

The Bank offers its private banking clients secured lending solutions. The bank offers the following lending solutions: 

Car Loan

ANZ offers car loans that are tailored with the intention of helping customers fund the purchase of a new, used, or demo car. The process is normally carried out by determining loan options and guiding the clients through making informed decisions when buying a car.

Electric Car Loan

For customers who are considering hybrid or electric vehicles, ANZ offers personal loans that even accommodate these types of cars. This goes on to include financing for home energy solutions, such as solar panels and battery packs, that help support clients in minimizing their energy costs and impacts on the environment.

Debt Consolidation Loan

ANZ’s debt consolidation loans enable customers to more effectively manage multiple debts. It can help clients take all their several debts to one set of payment with a debt consolidation loan and probably take less time to service their repayment and pay a relatively cheaper price in the end.

Home Renovation Loan

Clients use ANZ’s Home Renovation Loans while they do home improvements to finance their home renovation projects. These loans enable clients to access funds they need for renovation works and at the same time, balance their finances and be on the go with renovations.

Holiday or Travel Loan

ANZ provides personal loans for people who are planning to have a vacation for the travel and accommodation expenses. The bank provides its clients with direction in calculating for the needed amount, application of a loan and provides other suggestions in making the process of travel planning easier.

Wedding Loan

ANZ also offers personal loans to support events such as weddings. This support helps the customer finance various facets of the wedding, by facilitating how much to borrow, common wedding costs, and ways to keep expenses under control.

Insurance Solutions Offered by ANZ Private Bank

ANZ’s home and contents insurance is designed to ensure the highest degree of protection of the assets that clients have worked hard to own.  The insurance-based solution offered by the company ensures that such assets and investments are protected, thus bringing financial security under varied circumstances.

The ANZ Private Bank offers full home and contents insurance aimed at safeguarding your home and the possessions that matter in it. The bank guarantees a provision that allows its clients to have a policy for just buildings, just contents, or a combination of the two. Such insurance is taken to help control the financial impact of repairs or rebuilding if the destruction or loss is highly severe.

Home and Contents Insurance

Contents Insurance

Content insurance covers people who would like to replace personal items in the event of a crash or even theft. With the assurance of financial protection against a variety of sudden losses, ANZ ensures its customers get back the money invested in their possessions.

Landlord Insurance

ANZ’s landlord insurance covers the building only, contents only, or combined, in case one is a landlord. This cover provides protection for the possible damage or loss of the investment property and is extremely important to landlords for financial security.

Car Insurance

ANZ offers a variety of options for car insurance: Comprehensive, Third Party Fire and Theft, and Third Party Property Damage. The bank gives you the ability to choose what you want out of your coverage-inclusive protection to more basic insurance to meet your coverage, needs, and personal choices.

Life Insurance

ANZ’s Life Insurance provides the much-needed financial support in the unfortunate event of death or diagnosed terminal illness of the policyholder. By covering many of the most important expenses faced by your family, ANZ provides peace of mind and stability for your loved ones, such as home loan repayments and school fees.

Income Protection

In case of injury or illness that makes a person unable to work, income protection insurance with ANZ ensures ongoing financial stability. The insurance ensures clients have coverage for lost income, thereby enabling them to cope with their daily expenses and maintain their standard of living during the period of incapacity.

Comparing ANZ with Other Private Banks in Australia

Situated in Sydney, ANZ Private Bank is an integral part of ANZ Bank, which takes the lead in the private banking industry, providing a diversity of wealth management solutions to help affluent clients. It requires its clients to have $3 million in account balance to offer a chance of being a client with ANZ Private Bank.

The bank offers full-service wealth management, investment management, and estate planning. While it offers most of the services that the other key private banks do, ANZ has an upper hand over the others. 

Its strength comes from the fact that it can draw on the vast resources that ANZ Bank has made available to the clients through its network of immense magnitude and diversified financial solutions.

Comparison with Other Private Banks

On average, ANZ compares very well with many of the banks available in Australia. For instance, the Commonwealth Private Bank and NAB Private Wealth have minimum account balance requirements of $2 million and $3 million, respectively.

While both provide wealth management and investment services, ANZ Private Bank differentiates itself through personalization and tight integration with the greater ANZ Bank financial ecosystem.

On the other hand, Westpac Private Bank requires clients to invest a minimum of $5 million, and at Macquarie Private Bank, clients are also required to invest a minimum of $5 million. This, therefore, limits access but, on the contrary, defines and focuses on ultra-high-net-worth individuals. 

Compared to the two, ANZ’s competitive advantage is vested in the relatively more accessible minimum balance requirement while giving a high level of service and expertise.

Another global private banking operation is HSBC Global Private Banking, which also has a $5 million minimum balance. It also has very comprehensive international financial services and is of particular interest to clients with international needs.

However, on the domestic front, ANZ shrugs off competition by offering competitive services and thus is the best private bank for high-net-worth individuals in Australia. This appeals to most clients who desire quality service and a strong presence in their home country.

How to Become a Client of ANZ Private Bank

To become an ANZ Private Bank client, you have to pass the bank’s eligibility criteria. The bank has a minimum mandatory account balance. This minimum account balance requirement is $3 million, which is an indicator of the high-net worth the bank targets to provide specially designed financial services.

Steps to Open a Private Banking Account

• Initial Enquiry: The application process initiates with an initial enquiry through the callback form on ANZ’s private banking website or through calling their customer service. The prospective clients may seek an overview of the services and benefits accorded by ANZ Private Bank.
• Personal Consultation: Upon the initial inquiry, a personal consultation will be set up with an ANZ Private Bank representative. The financial needs and goals of the client, as well as eligibility, are discussed. This step helps both parties determine if the services provided align with the client’s requirements.
• Paperwork: Once the consultation establishes eligibility, the client will be required to provide relevant documentation. Most often this includes identification, proof of income, and details of assets and liabilities. This documentation helps ANZ assess the financial position of the client and provide services appropriately.
• Account Establishment: Upon successful screening, ANZ Private Bank will proceed to open the private banking account. This is undertaken directly through ANZ Private Bank with the signing of necessary documentation together with the agreements. The client can henceforward access the comprehensive services of ANZ Private Bank that comprise customized wealth management, investment guidance, and estate planning.
• Ongoing Relationship: Following the opening, clients enter into an ongoing relationship with their private banker to help manage their wealth and financial strategies appropriately.

Conclusion

ANZ Private Bank offers personalized private banking solutions that sets it apart in the Australian private banking sector. The bank provides its high-net-worth clients with customized services such as wealth management, expert investment advice, and estate planning services. Additionally, its presence both locally and internationally has further cemented its place as a top private bank.