CBA CEO to assume ABA chair

Following its quarterly Council of CEOs meeting, the Australian Banking Association (ABA) has revealed that CEO of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) Matt Comyn will assume the role of chair following the ABA’s annual general meeting (AGM) in December.

Mr Comyn will replace ANZ CEO Shayne Elliott, who has held the role since December 2017, succeeding former NAB CEO Anthony Thorburn.

The ABA’s Council of CEOs also confirmed that deputy chair and CEO of Suncorp Bank David Carter’s term will be extended for another year.

The ABA held its quarterly meeting in Bendigo, marking the first time in which a meeting was convened in a regional location.

Bendigo Mayor Margaret O’Rourke, local business chamber Be.Bendigo, the Salvation Army and Rural Financial Counsellors were invited to attend.

Outgoing chair Shayne Elliott said the decision to hold the meeting in Bendigo was part of the ABA’s commitment to better engage with regional communities.  

“Regional communities have always been, and remain to this day, an important focus for any bank in Australia,” Mr Elliott said.

“Holding our council meeting outside of a capital city for the first time is another way we are ensuring we remain close to regional communities, listening first-hand to any issues they have and the changes that could be made to make banking easier.”

ABA CEO Anna Bligh added that the meeting was an important way for bank CEOs to hear the concerns of the local community.  

“Local leaders, community groups and businesses were represented and gave full and frank feedback to CEOs about where banks are doing well and also where they can lift their game in servicing regional centres such as Bendigo,” Ms Bligh said.   

[Related: Bank appoints new CEO]