Quick Quote
One simple enquiry form gives you fast access to quotes and rate comparisons from Australia's leading and best known debt consolidation specialists.
All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a specialist from our national broker referral panel. See our privacy statement for more details.
Knowledgebase
Bridge Loan:
A short-term loan used until a person or company secures permanent financing or removes an existing obligation.
Debt Consolidation Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Australian Unity Divests to Sharpen Focus on Core Services

Australian Unity Divests to Sharpen Focus on Core Services

Australian Unity Divests to Sharpen Focus on Core Services?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

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

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

ATO's Intensified Debt Recovery Efforts Prompt Surge in Financial Helpline Calls
ATO's Intensified Debt Recovery Efforts Prompt Surge in Financial Helpline Calls
02 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent data indicates a notable increase in calls to financial helplines across Australia, coinciding with the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO) intensified debt recovery initiatives. This trend underscores the growing financial strain on individuals and small businesses grappling with tax debts. - read more
How Financial Brokers Are Easing Debt Stress for Australian Businesses
How Financial Brokers Are Easing Debt Stress for Australian Businesses
02 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
Australian businesses are increasingly turning to financial brokers to navigate the complexities of debt management amid rising insolvency rates. In November 2024, business insolvencies surged to 70% above the historical average, highlighting the urgent need for effective debt strategies. - read more
Australians Embrace Debt Consolidation Loans Amid Rising Financial Pressures
Australians Embrace Debt Consolidation Loans Amid Rising Financial Pressures
02 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
Amid escalating financial pressures, Australians are increasingly turning to debt consolidation loans as a strategy to manage multiple debts more effectively. Recent research indicates a 170% surge in such loan applications over the past year, with the average loan amount reaching $33,000 and some as high as $68,000. - read more
Financial Secrecy in Australian Relationships: A Growing Concern
Financial Secrecy in Australian Relationships: A Growing Concern
25 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent research has unveiled a concerning trend among Australian couples: a significant portion are engaging in financial activities without their partners' knowledge. A survey conducted by Finder, involving 1,017 respondents-591 of whom are in relationships-found that over one in four (27%) are secretly accumulating debt, opening bank accounts, or gambling, all unbeknownst to their partners. - read more
Australia's Savings Crisis: Millions at Financial Risk
Australia's Savings Crisis: Millions at Financial Risk
25 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
A recent survey has brought to light a concerning financial reality for many Australians: 43% of the population, equivalent to approximately 9.2 million people, have less than $1,000 in their bank accounts. This statistic underscores a significant vulnerability, as even minor unexpected expenses could lead to financial distress for a substantial portion of the community. - read more


Debt Consolidation Articles

Smart Budgeting: Building a Financially Stable Future
Smart Budgeting: Building a Financially Stable Future
Many Australians today find themselves navigating the choppy waters of financial instability. The burden of debt weighs heavily, affecting everything from daily stress levels to long-term planning. High interest rates, unexpected expenses, and the seductive ease of credit cards contribute to a culture of borrowing that can lead to a precarious financial situation for many. In this introduction, we explore how smart budgeting is not just about scraping by, but laying the foundations for a financially stable future. - read more
How to Track Monthly Expenses for Better Debt Management
How to Track Monthly Expenses for Better Debt Management
In the realm of financial wellness, tracking your monthly expenses is a crucial step towards effective debt management. Many Australians grapple with the challenges of keeping their debts under control, particularly in a dynamic economic environment. - read more
The Beginner's Blueprint to Creating an Effective Family Budget
The Beginner's Blueprint to Creating an Effective Family Budget
In a world marked by economic uncertainties and the ever-mounting cost of living, the importance of a sound family budget cannot be overstated. Today's economic climate necessitates not just prudent but strategic financial planning. With the right budget in place, families can navigate the choppy waters of their finances, avoiding the all-too-common pitfalls of overspending and under-saving. - read more
Proven Strategies for Australians to Improve Credit Scores
Proven Strategies for Australians to Improve Credit Scores
Welcome, readers! We're here to talk about something incredibly important yet often overlooked: improving your credit score. Your credit score is a financial report card used to evaluate your creditworthiness, and it can have a significant impact on your ability to secure loans, mortgages, and even rental agreements. - read more
How to Create a Realistic Family Budget: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Create a Realistic Family Budget: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a family budget might sound daunting, but it’s an essential step toward financial wellness. It’s about understanding where your money comes from and where it goes, allowing you to make informed decisions about your spending and savings. A well-planned budget can be the key to reducing financial stress and ensuring a secure future for your family. - read more