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Australian Unity Divests to Sharpen Focus on Core Services

In a strategic shift intended to streamline its operations, Australian Unity has announced the divestiture of its $1.6 billion banking business.

This move is part of its broader vision to concentrate on its thriving wealth, insurance, and health services sectors.

The transition involves transferring its banking customers and the full scope of its banking operations to Bank Australia, a mutual banking group known for its ethical and sustainable banking principles. The deal will encompass transferring approximately 25,000 customers, including a diversified loan portfolio valued at $1.4 billion and deposits also valued at $1.6 billion.

Throughout the transition period, Australian Unity assures no immediate impacts on its current customers, staff, or suppliers, emphasizing the effort to make the handover seamless and efficient within the year.

Increasing competition among traditional and digital financial institutions played a significant role in Australian Unity's decision to divest. The significant resource demands, especially in adopting state-of-the-art digital banking technologies, influenced this strategic pivot.

Reflecting on the merger, Australian Unity remarked, “Bank Australia can provide Australian Unity Bank customers a strengthened banking experience.” The synergy in values between the two entities also supports the transition, with a shared dedication to creating meaningful impacts in the community.

Australian Unity commenced its banking foray by acquiring Big Sky Credit Union in 2012. This recent sale enables it to concentrate resources and investments on developing increased value in healthcare, insurance, and wealth management, areas accounting for much of its customer base and member support. The company serves a staggering 700,000 customers, extending far beyond its banking segment.

Importantly, Rohan Mead, Australian Unity's Group Managing Director, emphasized how this transition allows customers to benefit from Bank Australia's robust service network and digital platforms, securing a stable and sustainable banking experience for the future.

Bank Australia, a B-Corp certified and environmentally conscious bank, is strategically positioned to take on Australian Unity's banking operations. Having reported $9.3 billion in loans, $8.4 billion in deposits, and net assets reaching $11.7 billion in its 2024 Annual Report, the bank's operational scale promises continued growth and innovation for new customers joining its ranks.

The original announcement was detailed by Patrick Buncsi for the Funds Management section at an industry event, underscoring the evolving dynamics within the financial sector that drive such strategic decisions when traditional banks face mounting pressures to adapt to a changing financial landscape.

This shift represents a notable milestone for Australian Unity, bolstering its commitment toward being a leader in health, insurance, and wealth management, free from the intensive demands faced in today’s ultra-competitive banking industry.

Published:Friday, 8th Nov 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

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