Early development of banks in Australia
The origins of banking in Australia date back to the early days of European settlement. The first bank to be established in Australia was the Bank of New South Wales, which was founded in 1817 by Governor Lachlan Macquarie. The bank was created to help stimulate economic development in the colony by providing a reliable source of credit and banking services.
In the early years of settlement, banking was a difficult and risky business. The Bank of New South Wales faced numerous challenges, including a lack of capital, a shortage of skilled staff, and the need to establish branches across a vast and sparsely populated country. However, the bank gradually established itself as a trusted and essential institution, playing a key role in the development of the colony’s economy.
Over time, other banks were established in Australia, including the Bank of Australasia in 1835, the Union Bank of Australia in 1837, and the Bank of Victoria in 1853. These banks were often established by British investors seeking to capitalize on the economic opportunities presented by the colony’s growing population and expanding industries.
The discovery of gold in the 1850s had a profound impact on banking in Australia. The sudden influx of wealth created a surge in demand for credit and banking services, leading to the establishment of numerous new banks and the expansion of existing ones. Banks played a critical role in financing the development of infrastructure, such as railways and telegraph lines, that were necessary for the extraction and transport of gold.
By the end of the 19th century, the banking industry in Australia had become more consolidated, with a few large banks dominating the market. This trend continued throughout the 20th century, culminating in the formation of the “big four” banks (Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank, Westpac, and ANZ) that continue to dominate the industry today.
Impact of the gold rush: The gold rush had a significant impact on banking in Australia. The sudden influx of wealth created a surge in demand for credit and banking services, leading to the establishment of numerous new banks and the expansion of existing ones. Banks played a critical role in financing the development of infrastructure, such as railways and telegraph lines, that were necessary for the extraction and transport of gold.
The gold rush also had an impact on the economy more broadly. The discovery of gold led to a rapid increase in population, as people from around the world flocked to Australia in search of fortune. This created new opportunities for trade and commerce, as well as new demands for housing, food, and other necessities.
However, the gold rush also brought with it some challenges. The sudden influx of people put a strain on infrastructure, particularly in the goldfields themselves, where overcrowding and poor sanitation led to health problems such as typhoid and dysentery. The gold rush also created social tensions, particularly between European settlers and Chinese immigrants, who were often subject to discrimination and violence.
From a banking perspective, the gold rush helped to establish banks as essential institutions in the Australian economy. The surge in demand for credit and banking services led to the establishment of numerous new banks, and those that survived the initial rush emerged as powerful players in the industry. The gold rush also helped to cement the importance of infrastructure investment, as banks played a critical role in financing the development of railways, telegraph lines, and other key infrastructure projects that were necessary for the extraction and transport of gold.
Emergence of the major banks: The consolidation of the banking industry in Australia refers to the trend of mergers and acquisitions that took place throughout the 20th century, resulting in the formation of a few large banks that dominate the industry today. The process of consolidation began in the late 19th century, as banks sought to diversify their operations and expand their geographic reach. However, it accelerated in the 20th century, driven by a number of factors including regulatory changes, technological advancements, and global economic trends.
One of the key drivers of consolidation was regulatory change. In the early 20th century, the Australian government began to regulate the banking industry more closely, introducing a range of prudential regulations and capital requirements that made it more difficult for smaller banks to compete. This led to a wave of mergers and acquisitions, as smaller banks sought to merge with larger ones in order to meet regulatory requirements and achieve economies of scale.
Bank of Victoria Cheque – Maldon 1860s – Taken over by Commonwealth Bank.
Technological advancements also played a role in consolidation. The introduction of electronic banking and automated teller machines (ATMs) in the 1970s and 1980s made it easier for banks to operate across a larger geographic area, as they no longer needed to maintain a physical presence in every town or suburb. This, in turn, made it more difficult for smaller banks to compete, as they lacked the resources to invest in the new technology.
Global economic trends also played a role in consolidation. The increasing globalization of the banking industry in the latter half of the 20th century led to the emergence of large, international banks that could compete on a global scale. This put pressure on Australian banks to become larger and more diversified in order to compete effectively.
As a result of these factors, the Australian banking industry became increasingly consolidated throughout the 20th century, culminating in the formation of the “big four” banks (Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank, Westpac, and ANZ) that dominate the industry today. While there are still some smaller banks and credit unions operating in Australia, the industry is now highly concentrated, with the big four accounting for a significant share of the market.
Evolution timeline of banking practices and regulations.
1817: The Bank of New South Wales (now Westpac) is established as the first bank in Australia.
1824: The Bank of Van Diemen’s Land (later renamed the Bank of Tasmania) is established.
1829: The Bank of Western Australia (now Commonwealth Bank) is established.
1834: The Bank of South Australia is established.
1841: The Union Bank of Australia is established.
1846: The Commercial Banking Company of Sydney (later merged with the Bank of New South Wales) is established.
1851: The discovery of gold in Victoria leads to a surge in economic activity and the establishment of many new banks.
1885: The Commonwealth Bank of Australia is established as a government-owned bank to help finance the country’s growing infrastructure needs.
1911: The Australian Notes Act is passed, giving the Commonwealth Bank the exclusive right to issue banknotes in Australia.
1959: The Reserve Bank of Australia is established as the country’s central bank, taking over many of the functions of the Commonwealth Bank.
1966: Australia switches to decimal currency, replacing the pound with the Australian dollar.
1980s: In the 1980s, the Australian government began to deregulate the banking industry, allowing for greater competition and innovation. This led to the entry of foreign banks into the Australian market and the introduction of new financial products and services.
1991: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is established to oversee the regulation of banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions.
1996: The Wallis Inquiry is established to review the financial system in Australia and make recommendations for reform.
2001: The Financial Services Reform Act is passed, introducing a range of new regulations aimed at improving consumer protection and transparency in the financial industry.
2008: The global financial crisis leads to increased scrutiny of the banking industry and calls for stronger regulation.
2020: The COVID-19 pandemic leads to unprecedented government intervention in the economy, including the implementation of measures to support banks and other financial institutions.
Current state of banking in Australia: Provide an overview of the current state of banking in Australia, including recent trends and challenges facing the industry (such as increased competition from new fintech companies and concerns about the impact of the Royal Commission into banking misconduct).
