ANZ CEO Nuno Matos (pictured) has been appointed as the new chair of the Australian Banking Association (ABA) Council, as the sector maintains its focus on supporting customers and underpinning the Australian economy.
Matos, who became ANZ CEO in July 2025, brings more than three decades of international banking experience across retail, wholesale, and commercial operations.
At the ABA’s Annual General Meeting in Melbourne, ING CEO Melanie Evans was also reappointed as deputy chair for a further term.
Matos paid tribute to outgoing chair and NAB CEO Andrew Irvine for his leadership over the past two years.
“Andrew has provided steady and effective leadership during an important period for our sector, guiding the industry through significant policy and commercial issues,” he said in a media release.
Outlining his agenda, Matos said ABA’s priorities include strengthening competition, preserving access to core services, and tackling the growing threat of scams.
He said priorities for ABA included building a competitive banking system that meets the needs of all Australians, safeguarding access to essential banking services, and protecting banking customers from the threat of scams.
“The ABA plays an incredibly important role in supporting the ability of our industry to deliver for our customers, employees, shareholders, and the community. I look forward to working with the ABA and members to continue this essential work,” Matos said.
ABA CEO Simon Birmingham, a former federal finance minister and senate leader who succeeded Anna Bligh as ABA chief executive after her eight-year tenure, welcomed Matos’ appointment and said he looks forward to working closely with him over the chair’s two-year term.
“The way people bank is changing rapidly, and strong industry leadership is essential to ensure we maximise the economic contribution of banks while continuing to deliver safe, reliable and accessible banking services for all Australians,” Birmingham said.
He also thanked Irvine for his contribution over the past two years, noting that: “Andrew has shown exceptional leadership over the past two years, guiding the industry through complex challenges while keeping the needs of customers firmly at the centre.
“His collaborative approach and strategic focus have strengthened the ABA’s work and delivered meaningful outcomes for the sector."
Stepping down as chair, Irvine said it has been a privilege to lead the ABA Council.
“Over this time the banking sector has supported customers through shifting economic conditions, implemented the Scam-Safe Accord, extended Bank@Post services and supported changes to the payments system," the NAB chief said.
“Importantly we have worked together to ensure cash remains part of Australia’s payments landscape for years to come, in a sustainable and cost-effective way.
“I congratulate Nuno Matos on his appointment and look forward to continuing to work together as we take the industry forward.”
ABA chairs are appointed by the ABA Council for a period of two years.
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