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Westpac's Strategic Expansion in Business Banking

Aiming to Reclaim Leadership in SME Lending

Westpac's Strategic Expansion in Business Banking?w=400
Westpac Banking Corporation has announced a significant expansion in its business banking division, with plans to recruit 350 new bankers over the next two years.
This strategic move is part of Westpac's concerted effort to reclaim its leadership position in Australia's business lending market.

As of July 2025, Westpac's share in the business lending sector stood at 16.1%, an increase from 15.3% the previous year. Despite this growth, the bank trails behind National Australia Bank (NAB) and Commonwealth Bank, which hold 21.6% and 18.85% of the market, respectively. To bridge this gap, Westpac has already onboarded 135 business bankers in 2025, with plans to continue this recruitment drive.

Paul Fowler, Westpac's Chief Executive of Business Banking and Wealth, emphasized the bank's renewed focus on business banking, marking a strategic shift from previous years. This initiative is not just about increasing personnel but also about enhancing the bank's capabilities to better serve small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

For SMEs, this expansion could translate into more tailored financial products and services, streamlined application processes, and potentially more competitive loan terms. Westpac's commitment to bolstering its business banking resources indicates a recognition of the vital role SMEs play in Australia's economy and the need to support their growth and sustainability.

In a competitive banking landscape, Westpac's proactive approach may also prompt other financial institutions to enhance their SME offerings, leading to a more dynamic and supportive environment for small businesses seeking financing solutions.

Published:Sunday, 5th Oct 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

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Finance News

Westpac's Strategic Expansion in Business Banking
Westpac's Strategic Expansion in Business Banking
05 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
Westpac Banking Corporation has announced a significant expansion in its business banking division, with plans to recruit 350 new bankers over the next two years. This strategic move is part of Westpac's concerted effort to reclaim its leadership position in Australia's business lending market. - read more
New Credit Check Requirements for BNPL Services in Australia
New Credit Check Requirements for BNPL Services in Australia
05 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian government has introduced new legislation mandating that buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) providers conduct credit checks on borrowers. This move aims to align BNPL services with traditional credit providers, enhancing consumer protection and financial transparency. - read more
APRA's Decision to Retain the 3% Serviceability Buffer
APRA's Decision to Retain the 3% Serviceability Buffer
05 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced its decision to maintain the 3% serviceability buffer for home loan lending. This buffer requires lenders to assess a borrower's ability to meet loan repayments at an interest rate 3% higher than the current rate, ensuring borrowers can withstand potential rate increases. - read more
Government Extends Small Business Lending Exemption to 2026
Government Extends Small Business Lending Exemption to 2026
27 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian government has announced an extension of the exemption from Responsible Lending Obligations (RLOs) for small businesses, now set to continue until October 3, 2026. This decision aims to facilitate easier access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), recognizing their pivotal role in the national economy. - read more
AFCA Releases Guidance on Small Business Lending Complaints
AFCA Releases Guidance on Small Business Lending Complaints
27 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has published its 'Approach to Lending to Small Business,' providing comprehensive guidance on how it considers complaints related to small business lending. This initiative aims to offer clarity and transparency for both financial firms and small business owners navigating lending disputes. - read more
Afterpay Reports BNPL Users Advised to Close Accounts for Mortgage Approval
Afterpay Reports BNPL Users Advised to Close Accounts for Mortgage Approval
27 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori
Afterpay, Australia's leading buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) provider, has reported that over 10% of its surveyed users were advised to close their BNPL accounts to qualify for a mortgage. Subsequently, these users were offered credit cards by the same banks or mortgage brokers, highlighting the competitive dynamics within the consumer finance sector. - read more


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