Former finance minister Simon Birmingham to lead Australian Banking Association
Former Coalition senator Simon Birmingham has been named as the new chief of the Australian Banking Association.
The ABA is the peak industry body representing the major four banks and a number of smaller lenders.
Mr Birmingham succeeds Anna Bligh, who announced her retirement in February after more than eight years in the top job.
Mr Birmingham, who was one of the Liberal's most senior moderates, announced his retirement from politics late last year after almost two decades in parliament.
He was finance minister for the second half of Scott Morrison's prime ministership as the pandemic wrecked global economies and inflation began its steady climb skywards. He has also held trade, finance and education portfolios under two prime ministers.
Mr Birmingham will leave his role at ANZ as head of Asia-Pacific engagement, which he assumed in February. He joins the ABA on August 18, with Ms Bligh finishing up four days later.
'He is a recognised leader who has had deep involvement in significant and long-lasting policy decisions and actions throughout his career that have helped to shape our country,' ABA chair and National Australia Bank chief Andrew Irvine said.
Mr Birmingham thanked the ABA board for their vote of confidence in his ability to lead the industry.
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Former Coalition senator Simon Birmingham has been named as the new chief of the Australian Banking Association. The ABA is the peak industry body representing the major four banks and a number of smaller lenders. Mr Birmingham succeeds Anna Bligh, who announced her retirement in February after more than eight years in the top job. Mr Birmingham, who was one of the Liberal's most senior moderates, announced his retirement from politics late last year after almost two decades in parliament. He was finance minister for the second half of Scott Morrison's prime ministership as the pandemic wrecked global economies and inflation began its steady climb skywards. He has also held trade, finance and education portfolios under two prime ministers. Mr Birmingham will leave his role at ANZ as head of Asia-Pacific engagement, which he assumed in February. He joins the ABA on August 18, with Ms Bligh finishing up four days later. 'He is a recognised leader who has had deep involvement in significant and long-lasting policy decisions and actions throughout his career that have helped to shape our country,' ABA chair and National Australia Bank chief Andrew Irvine said. Mr Birmingham thanked the ABA board for their vote of confidence in his ability to lead the industry.
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A former Liberal finance minister will represent the country's banks after being appointed chief executive office of the Australian Banking Association. After almost two decades in politics, Simon Birmingham announced his retirement from parliament at the end of 2024 for a role at banking giant ANZ. On Friday, it was revealed he would shuffle jobs once again to lead the banking lobby group from August. "I will always put trust in Australia's banking system first, pursue a competitive regulatory environment, and work to ensure innovation in banking strengthens Australia's financial interests," Mr Birmingham said in a statement. "A strong, healthy, customer-focused financial services sector is vital for all Australians." The association's members include all of the big four banks and 16 other regional and international institutions. Treasurer Jim Chalmers welcomed Mr Birmingham's announcement. "The Australian Banking Association is fortunate to be bringing in someone of Simon Birmingham's calibre as its new CEO," he said. "I'm looking forward to engaging with him on the big issues shaping Australia's banking sector." Senator Birmingham entered parliament in 2007 and served as trade, finance and education ministers in coalition governments under Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison. ABA Chair and National Australia Bank CEO Andrew Irvine said Mr Birmingham's ability to navigate difficult and complex environments made him ideal for his new role. "He will be a sensible, consistent and respected voice on behalf of the industry," Mr Irvine said.
