Westpac is Australia’s oldest bank and company, one of four major banking organisations in Australia and one of the largest banks in New Zealand.
Our businesses
Westpac is Australia’s oldest bank and company, one of four major banking organisations in Australia and one of the largest banks in New Zealand. We provide a broad range of banking and financial services in these markets, including consumer, business and institutional banking and wealth management services.
Westpac Group’s portfolio of financial services brands and businesses is focused on our purpose, which is Helping Australians and New Zealanders Succeed. It’s what we do, who we are and why we come to work every day.
From ensuring individuals can save, transact and borrow with confidence, to supporting the financial needs of small businesses, multi-national corporates, institutional and government clients, our customers are at the centre of everything we do.
Our business comprises four key customer-facing divisions which operate a unique portfolio of brands including Westpac, St.George, Bank of Melbourne, BankSA, BT and RAMS. Through these brands we serve over 13 million customers.
The Group’s four customer-facing divisions are:
Consumer & Business – responsible for sales and service to consumer customers in Australia under the Westpac, St.George, Bank of Melbourne, BankSA, BT and RAMS brands. In addition, responsible for sales and service to micro, small-to-medium enterprises, commercial business and Private Wealth clients in Australia under the Westpac, St.George, Bank of Melbourne, BankSA, BT brands and Capital Finance. The division also provides specialist services for cash flow finance, trade finance, automotive and equipment finance, property finance, treasury and auto finance loans.
Westpac Institutional Bank (WIB) – delivers a broad range of financial products and services to commercial, corporate, institutional and government customers with connections to Australia and New Zealand. Customers are supported through branches and subsidiaries located in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the United States and the United Kingdom. WIB is also responsible for the Group’s Pacific Banking operations providing a full range of banking services in Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
Westpac New Zealand –responsible for sales and service of banking, wealth, and insurance products for consumer, business and institutional customers in New Zealand, operating under the Westpac New Zealand, Westpac Life and BT Funds Management (NZ) brands.
Other Group divisions include:
Treasury – responsible for the management of the Group’s balance sheet including interest rate risk, funding and capital.
Core Support – comprises functions performed centrally, including Australian banking operations, technology, property services, strategy, finance, risk, legal, secretariat, financial crime, compliance & conduct, customer solutions, remediation, corporate relations, and human resources.
HERE'S A SNAPSHOT...
14 MillionCustomers
35,000+Employees
1817Founded
RAMS
BT Financial Group
Banking, Insurance & Finance
St. George
Banking, Insurance & Finance
Bank of Melbourne
Banking, Insurance & Finance
Bank SA
Banking, Insurance & Finance
Born to Help
When you join Westpac Group, you’ll be empowered to make a difference, speak your truth and discover what success means to you. But best of all, you’ll be joining a whole organisation of people who love helping others find their success.
Westpac Group’s purpose is Helping Australians and New Zealanders Succeed. It’s what we do, who we are and why we come to work every day. What’s most important to us is understanding what success means to our customers and helping them get there.
Our strategy seeks to deliver on this purpose by building deep and enduring customer relationships, being a leader in the community, being a place where the best people want to work and, in so doing, delivering superior returns for shareholders.
In delivering on our strategy, we are focused on our core markets of Australia and New Zealand, where we provide a comprehensive range of financial products and services that assist us in meeting the financial services needs of customers. With our strong position in these markets, and over 13 million customers, our focus is on organic growth, growing customer numbers in our chosen segments and building stronger and deeper relationships.
A key element of this approach is our portfolio of financial services brands, which enables us to appeal to a broader range of customers and provides us with the strategic flexibility to offer solutions that better meet individual customer needs.
In delivering our strategy, we have three priorities that help guide our activities.
Our strategic priorities
Fix
Addressing our shortcomings by materially improving our management of risk and risk culture, reducing customer pain points, completing historical customer remediation program, and reducing the complexity of our technology
Risk management
Risk culture
Customer remediation & pain points
IT complexity
Simplify
Returning to our core businesses of banking in Australia and New Zealand, including exiting some businesses and international locations. Rationalising products and simplifying processes to make it easier for customers.
Exit non-core businesses and consolidate international
Reduce products, simplify customer offers
Lines of Business operating model
Transform using digital and data to enhance the customer experience
Perform
Improving performance by building customer loyalty and growth through service, sharpening our focus on returns, and resetting our cost base. A strong balance sheet and engaged workforce form the foundations of performance.
Our company’s values
Our values are what we believe in at Westpac Group. Our values are based around helping as it’s at the heart of what we do. They are:
Helpful – Passionate about providing a great customer experience
Ethical – Trusted to do the right thing
Leading Change – Determined to make it better and be better
Performing – Accountable to get it done
Simple – Inspired to keep it simple and easy
Focus on Sustainability
We believe that as one of Australia’s largest companies, we have a role to play in helping to create positive social, economic and environmental impact.
Our 2021-2023 Sustainability Strategy sets out how we can best serve our customers, communities and nation, and contribute to solving global challenges.
It focuses on three priority areas:
Helping when it matters most
Backing a stronger Australia
Collaborating for impact
Westpac Scholars
100 scholarships every year. Forever
In 2017, Westpac celebrated its 200th anniversary not by looking back, but by looking forward. They created a $100 million scholarship fund – the Westpac Scholars Trust – exclusively to benefit a new generation of brilliant young Australians to challenge, explore and set new benchmarks in innovation, research, and social change.
Not just for today. But for tomorrow too.
Westpac Scholars Trust awards 100 scholarships every year, forever. Investing in those who will actively contribute to a better, fairer and more inclusive Australia – for everyone.
Scholarships range from undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to early-career research fellowships. There are also 10 development fellowships available for social entrepreneurs.
A network of opportunities awaits every Westpac Scholar
One of the most valuable rewards of this scholarship program is one that will stay with you for the rest of your life – membership to the Westpac 100 Scholars Network. Growing by 100 scholars a year, here you won’t just meet like-minds. You’ll meet people who will inspire, invigorate and open up new possibilities year after year.
A scholarship experience that shaped my career path
University of Adelaide graduate, Natalie Omond talks about how her experiences with Westpac have helped her realise the unique set of skills she brings to her new role with the Australian Defence Force.
At the start of my double degree in Law and Arts at The University of Adelaide, I had trouble envisaging a career path that combined both my academic interests and the ability to make meaningful change in my chosen field. I was particularly excelling in Chinese studies, with high grades in International Relations electives, and commendations in overseas language courses; however, my interest in the politics of Sino-Australian relations did not seem relevant when considering future career prospects within a domestic law firm. Certainly, Westpac was not even on my radar as a prospective career option, as without proficiency in mathematical modelling, statistics and computer programming, I was unable to see what I could offer the banking sector.
Receiving the Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship changed everything. It opened my eyes to the fact that my skill set was required for success in the new reality of the twenty-first century. Beyond financial support, the scholarship offered opportunities to gain insight into the practical challenges facing regional government and business leaders, as well as their implications for the Australian banking sector.
I discussed Australian investors’ uncertainty surrounding local regulatory frameworks at the Westpac office in Singapore, debated current challenges and opportunities in Sino-Australian relations with academics and journalists in China’s Jiangsu Province and studied perspectives on the formative underpinnings of the Chinese political system in Beijing and their implications for Chinese foreign-policy makers. With Asia playing such a critical role in Australia’s continued prosperity, it became evident throughout my semester abroad that cultural awareness, language competencies, as well as comprehensive knowledge of Asia’s different political, economic and regulatory regimes, would become highly sort skills in the future Australian workforce.
My positive experience as a Westpac Scholar influenced my decision to apply for Westpac Group’s internship program. I was drawn to apply for Group Operations in particular, as the stream appeared to provide the chance to challenge myself, receive exposure to different aspects of the Group’s operations, and develop a stronger understanding of the financial sector as a whole.
During my 10-week placement, I was assigned to produce a report evaluating existing processes within the Discharge and eSettlements teams in the transition to the new eConveyancing system. Through observation and interviews with colleagues, I identified key challenges by mapping out the customer journey with reference to both the old conveyancing system and new eConveyancing platform. The process made me value the roles played by automation and digitalisation in revolutionising existing industries through providing integrated platforms for improved transparency, communication and transaction costs. In addition, the workplace experience made me discover my preference for analytical-based roles, informing my choice of suitable graduate programs for the future.
As my internship came to a close, I received strong support from my team leaders to apply for the position of Customer Service Advisor with BankSA, which I undertook while completing my studies at the University of Adelaide. I also received support through the Westpac Scholars Trust to attend events and workshops to build my knowledge base and support my career path, the highlight so far of which has been the privilege of attending Westpac Chief Economist Bill Evans’ address in Adelaide in 2019, in which he discussed global financial trends and their impact on Australia’s economic system.
Overall, my engagement with the Westpac Group has shaped my career path by giving me the opportunity to build skills in leadership, analytical performance and cross-cultural communication. With this experience, I’ve gained the confidence to pursue an analytical and linguistic-focused role with the Australian Defence Force, joining a team of driven, talented and innovative people that play a crucial role in protecting Australia’s national security. With the ongoing support of the Westpac Scholars Trust, I feel more equipped than ever to reach my career goal of combining my language skills, analytical ability and knowledge of Indo-Pacific regional geopolitics within a role serving to protect Australia, its people and its interests in a complex and changing world.
Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship
Are you intrigued by technology and how it can change the world for the better?
Westpac Young Technologists Scholarships are designed specifically for high school graduates who are passionate about technology and eager to explore its potential for good. We’re looking for curious young minds, open to new ideas and untapped opportunities. If this sounds like you, let’s make it happen.
Recipients receive $5,000 per year over three years to go towards any costs associated with your studies. But that’s just the start. Westpac Scholars Trust will help you develop into a stronger leader, provide internships and introduce you to unique networking opportunities; including a 5-day leadership program in Singapore.
The Westpac Scholars Trust awards 35 Young Technologist scholarships every year across our five university partners. Our university partners include; University of Wollongong, Western Sydney University, Queensland University of Technology, RMIT, and Murdoch University.
Want to find out more about how to apply? Visit our website.
Meet Amy
Don’t limit yourself – explore all the possibilities
UTS IT and Business graduate, Amy Robertson is both a Westpac Scholar and Westpac Grad – here she talks about her experience of both programs.
Why did you choose to study technology?
Technology is all about solving problems in creative ways. I didn’t consider studying technology until a few weeks before degree preferences closed. I hadn’t ever considered it as a path for me until I was in a classroom coding for the first time and loved it. To use a device that was so familiar to me – a computer – in a way that let me crack it open and look inside to figure out new things.
Was a scholarship always in your sights?
I applied for the Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship, but never thought I’d get it with no background in the field. I had to push myself past the fear of rejection and remind myself that an email back saying ‘unsuccessful’ was the worst thing that could happen. Next minute I found myself in an interview, receiving a congratulatory email and then in a hotel in Sydney at the first Westpac Scholar Summit – it was a whirlwind experience that I honestly never imagined.
Were there many females enrolled in your degree? Were your family and friends supportive?
I remember when I told my favourite high school teacher that I was planning to study IT and Business, she was flabbergasted. It didn’t match anything I’d done before, but my gut instinct was that it was for me. I went from art and English classes crowded with girls, to a tech class of 30 where I was one of three girls. I never backed down from a challenge though and still ended up leading every group project.
What advice would you give your younger self? How do we encourage more females to pursue STEM degrees and careers?
Don’t limit yourself to one idea! I wanted to be a teacher so badly when I was younger, I ignored other parts of my life that were of interest or that I had a natural ability. Be open to other options for your future and explore them properly. Furthermore, if you think you dislike something at school, try it in a different context. Go to a university experience day, go to a class in the holidays because things can be so different in real life compared to how they’re taught in school. I think this is a major reason why females don’t pursue STEM, they have a bad experience in school and lose interest. Give it another go in a totally different way. A good experience can totally reshape the way you perceive a topic, career or industry, so don’t ignore new experiences because of one bad time at school.
What opportunities have come from your Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship?
In the beginning of 2017, my second year at Uni, I interned with Westpac for my first ever corporate role. I remember being so nervous and unsure on how to even write an email to being thrown in to a one-on-one with the then Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Deputy CEO, Dave Curran! Even though I was petrified everyone always made me feel comfortable and valued. In 2018 I had the privilege of being a NSW State Champ for the Westpac 100 Scholars Network, and organised events for my other Westpac Scholars and got exposure to my NSW peers in the program, meeting a range of wonderful people. I love that I’m part of a W100 Network, I can be watching the news and someone like Joel Pilgrim, a 2018 Westpac Scholar, will come on promoting his organisation, Waves of Wellness and I can say ‘wait – I know him!’. The unique exposure to such driven and intelligent people, is what I find so valuable about this scholarship.
Why did you choose to apply for Summer Intern/Grad Program – why Westpac?
I knew I’d be supported and challenged in the Westpac Grad Program. The opportunity to move around the business in the four rotations offers an opportunity that is really rare, you get to put yourself in areas outside your comfort zone to learn new skills in a really positive environment that embraces mistakes and encourages taking a risk to try something new.
Can you tell us about the diversity of projects you’ve worked on since obtaining the intern/grad role?
Working on the Aternity project to assist other Westpac employees in their transition to work from home during Covid, was really good because I felt like I was actively adding value to the business in a time of chaos with the lockdowns beginning. With a small group of Grads we got to present our work back to Westpac Group CIO Craig Bright and help over a thousand employees to have a better work from home experience and improve their device operation. This was completely separate to my actual rotation and it was awesome to see how flexible the business was in adapting to these changes.
What does your future career path look like?
To become a data guru. I want to understand the entire pipeline to create a solution in data and work with Westpac to get those skills really developed. I think down the track I’d like to consult small and medium businesses on using data in their business and upskill them in this space so they can utilise the power it holds.
Meet Elizabeth
More than money
“Growing up I had little access to technology,” says Westpac Scholar Elizabeth Karpathiou.
“What I had was a little spark, and the understanding that I have always wanted to help people.”
When Elizabeth applied for a Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship in 2018 to study a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at University of Technology Sydney (UTS), she says she didn’t know the scholarship would change her life.
“When someone believes in you, like Westpac Scholars Trust did for me, they see something in us that we don’t often see in ourselves,” says Elizabeth. “It’s the network of support, as well as the financial support, that has been a game-changer for me,” she says. “Being a Westpac Scholar has also helped open doors.”
“I’ve had access to volunteering, mentoring, networking, women in STEM events, career exposure, articles and been interviewed for a podcast, which others have told me inspired them.”
In 2019 she was encouraged by a fellow scholar to apply for a job at Westpac and now works in the security testing team as an Application Security Consultant. “Confidence is really important when it comes to building your career. This whole experience has driven me forward.”
In late 2021, Elizabeth made the Dean’s List at UTS, while studying full-time, working five days a week, living out of home, and tutoring English. Elizabeth has completed her IT Degree and is continuing to build her leadership skills, inspire other young women to choose a career in technology and take every opportunity that comes her way.
The Westpac Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Commitment is a roadmap to creating an environment where our customers, people and community prosper now and in the future.
It captures the initiatives, programs and partnerships Westpac is driving, guides the aspirations we want to have, and tracks the change we are seeking to make.
What is STEM?
We’ve always known that success in the education of these subjects will promote valuable skills, but now, they’re essential. And with an estimated 75% of new Australian jobs requiring some form of STEM skill, it’s no longer an optional extra.
As Australia’s first bank, we see it as our job to help remove barriers to education – opening up a workforce that embraces the digital revolution. We believe this is an essential investment in people, business, and banking of the future. This is an exciting time, and we can’t wait to see how STEM-skilled people will influence our future and help drive the nation into our third century.
Building a STEM-confident nation can’t happen without smart action and investment.
Our STEM Commitment captures the initiatives and programs we are driving.
Things to Know
Our Westpac STEM Commitment is centred around four priority areas:
Investing in and inspiring the next generation
Talent Incubation
Championing Change
Fostering Innovation
Westpac Group is committed to continuing to invest over $150 million in education and initiatives to build a STEM-confident nation and developing job-ready graduates whose skills and capabilities meet current and future workforce needs by increasing and diversifying our tertiary pathway programs.
In addition, we are committed to creating diversity in STEM students, with a particular focus on women and girls, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, regional and socio-economic disadvantaged communities.
Indigenous Careers at Westpac Group
At Westpac Group, we are committed to creating a workplace that supports long-lasting and meaningful careers for everyone.
Through Westpac Group’s Reconciliation Action Plan, we are committed to creating employment pathways for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
School-based Traineeships
If you’re still at school and looking to gain experience in the financial services industry, a School-based Traineeship could be the right program for you. Gain paid part-time employment during years 11 and 12 and receive training that counts towards your HSC or equivalent. You’ll come away with practical workplace skills in the banking and finance sector and a nationally accredited qualification.
Full-time Traineeships
If you’ve finished school and are looking to gain experience in the financial services industry, a Full- Time Traineeship could be the right program for you. Completing the traineeship means you’ll get a nationally accredited qualification along with paid employment. To qualify, you’ll need to have had previous work experience, but it doesn’t have to be relevant to the financial services industry.
When you complete our programs, you’ll have the possibility to further your qualifications or apply for a permanent role within Westpac Group.
How we’re supporting our Indigenous community
We know that part of building a better future for all Australians is to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to prosper and grow. Westpac Group have a dedicated Indigenous Careers Team to help with:
Creating as many employment pathways as possible
Supporting the career development of Indigenous employees, interns and trainees
Making sure that we retain great Indigenous talent through career development opportunities (eg: mentoring programs, short-term secondments and leadership courses)
Want to find out more about a career with Westpac Group?
At Westpac Group, we are committed to creating a workplace that supports long-lasting and meaningful careers for everyone.
We’d love you to apply for roles, and don’t worry about what stage of your career you are at, we’re here to help you discover your new career with Westpac Group.
If you’ve got a university qualification or are nearly finished your course then we’d love to hear from you for our Graduate Program.
During the program, we’ll provide you with a solid support network and business specific technical training. You’ll get the opportunity to work on projects that highlight your unique personal strengths.
Join us during your university semester breaks with our Internship Program, where you will gain paid, professional experience relevant to your studies.
Explore the practical side of your chosen degree and get a jump-start on a career pathway to joining our Graduate Program.
If you’re looking to gain experience in the financial services industry, a Full-Time Traineeship could be the right program for you.
Completing the traineeship means you’ll get a nationally accredited qualification along with paid employment. To qualify, you’ll need to have had previous work experience, but it doesn’t have to be relevant to the financial services industry.
When you complete the program, you’ll have the possibility to further your qualifications or apply for a permanent role within Westpac Group.
If you’re looking to gain experience in the financial services industry, a school-based traineeship could be the right program for you. Gain paid part-time employment during years 11 and 12 and receive training that counts towards your HSC or equivalent.
You’ll come away with practical workplace skills in the banking and finance sector and a nationally accredited qualification.
When you complete the program, you’ll have the possibility to further your qualifications or apply for a permanent role within Westpac Group.
The Internship is an opportunity for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to get an insight into the diverse opportunities in Westpac Institutional Bank. Applications opening 2022.
A scholarship experience that shaped my career path
Don’t limit yourself – explore all the possibilities
More than money
