Subscribe

ANZ focus is where we can win: Elliott

The core of ANZ’s strategy is a laser-like focus on the areas in which it can succeed, CEO Shayne Elliott says, as the level of complexity in the financial services sector continues to rise. 

“We get paid to win,’ Elliott told bluenotes on video, speaking after he had written a detailed letter to staff on what he calls ‘The ANZ Way’. “Our customers pay us to win – not to be different. And our shareholders pay us to win.”

"People don’t wake up in the morning really caring about banking – they just want it to work.” - Shayne Elliott

“We are totally serious about this focus. It helps explain why we are exiting other parts of the bank, because we are determined to be the best bank in those areas alone.”

ANZ focus is where it can win: Elliott

Elliott says that level of intensity in terms of focus has grown over time at ANZ in response to the increasingly complex nature of banking.

“We should choose to do a few things and do them really, really well,” he says. “And that’s essentially, from an investor’s point of view, what we’re doing.”

“We want to be the best bank in Australia and New Zealand for people that want to buy and own a home or start and run a small business.

“For institutional clients, we want to be the best bank in the world, for people who in the business of moving goods and money around Asia. It’s really about intense focus and delivery on those segments.”

How banks will be shaped in the future

Elliott said the bank has essentially only two resources: its technology and its people. Success comes from getting the two elements working in harmony.

“It’s about having people who care… who are creative and adaptive and listen,” he said. “And it’s about having the technology that enables customers to experience ANZ in a great way.

“People don’t wake up in the morning really caring about banking – they just want it to work. Really digital is just a code word for saying ‘just make it work for me’.”

Elliott also touched on tough choices on areas of business focus and being the first Australian banking CEO on Facebook. Watch the video above to find out more.

Andrew Cornell is Managing Editor at bluenotes

The views and opinions expressed in this communication are those of the author and may not necessarily state or reflect those of ANZ.

editor's picks

05 Jun 2017

Elliott: banks must be more than profit

Andrew Cornell | Past Managing Editor, bluenotes

ANZ CEO acknowledges companies must do more and help communities to thrive.

19 Jun 2017

Agile is more than theatre: Carnegie

Andrew Cornell | Past Managing Editor, bluenotes

Working agile requires business leaders to be much clearer about objectives, ANZ digital exec says.

04 Apr 2017

ANZ looks to future of wealth business; options open: Elliott

Andrew Cornell | Past Managing Editor, bluenotes

ANZ chief executive Shayne Elliott says the bank is seeking a partner and exploring models for its wealth business but insists the industry remains critical to the bank’s customer proposition.