Includes special features of this country’s banking system and rules/laws that might impact U.S. business.

The four largest retail banks in Australia are Westpac Banking Corporation, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ), and National Australia Bank (NAB). They all have AA – ratings.  Nevertheless, trade finance liquidity is an issue here as in the rest of the world.

While the banking system in Australia is reliable and transparent, there are structural and operational differences from the American system. Historically, Australian banks have not operated under the restrictions that limited US bank operations between 1933 and the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act. In Australia, the distinction between retail banks and investment banks has become increasingly blurred.

The Australian banking system is undergoing progressive deregulation and privatization. Foreign banks are allowed to enter the financial market. Retail banks, in general, now provide a wider range of financial services, including: life and general insurance, stock brokering, and security underwriting to retail customers, in addition to making corporate and consumer loans. This places them in competition with brokerage houses and merchant banks.

The Australian Government permits non-Australian banks to operate as branches to serve the wholesale market. However, banking regulations only allow retail banking activities through a locally-incorporated subsidiary.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) sets monetary policy and regulates the payment system. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) oversees banks, credit unions, building societies, general insurance and reinsurance companies, life insurance, private health insurance, friendly societies (co-ops), and most members of the superannuation industry. APRA currently supervises institutions holding approximately USD3.7 trillion in assets for almost 24 million Australian depositors, policyholders, and superannuation fund members (APRA).
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.