ANZ will keep a branch presence in every regional community where it or Suncorp Bank currently operates until at least December 2030 as it works through the integration of the two networks.
The Regional Branch Commitment also sets minimum branch numbers for larger centres. Regional communities with more than 100,000 people will keep at least two branches, and those with more than 200,000 will keep at least three. Once the ANZ and Suncorp Bank regional networks are combined, ANZ has pledged no regional branch closures until at least December 2030.
The commitment doesn’t rule out consolidation. ANZ said there are up to 19 regional locations where ANZ and Suncorp Bank branches sit close to each other, and it may propose merging some of them as the networks come together.
Any changes will be subject to consultation with affected staff and the Finance Sector Union, and none will begin before August 2027.
Suncorp Bank’s agency network will be handled separately. Existing agency owners, who provide third-party face-to-face banking services, will be offered the chance to extend their arrangements until at least December 2030. If an owner declines or exits early, the agency will close and won’t be replaced with a branch.
ANZ also plans to open a new branch in Bendigo, one of regional Victoria’s largest and fastest-growing communities. Earlier this year, it also fast-tracked the reopening of its branch in Chinchilla, Queensland, which opened in May.
The announcement builds on ANZ’s $30 million investment in branches across Queensland and New South Wales and its expansion of Saturday trading to 27 branches nationwide. The bank said the commitment reflects ANZ’s 2030 growth strategy, and that it will keep working with the Australian Banking Association on long-term solutions for regional in-person banking.
Chief executive Nuno Matos (pictured) said the commitment would give customers, staff, and communities greater certainty.
“Branches remain an important part of how many people choose to bank, particularly in regional communities,” Matos said.
“They provide customers with access to cash, face-to-face banking services and trusted support when they need it most.”
Suncorp Bank customers will gain access to ANZ’s larger national network of branches and ATMs, while ANZ customers will benefit from a bigger regional footprint, particularly in Queensland. The branch changes sit within a wider transition, with Suncorp Bank’s customers, brokers and aggregators set to move to ANZ by June 2027.
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