New Australian Banking Association boss Simon Birmingham vows to take up productivity challenge

The former Morrison government minister is taking over from Anna Bligh running the banking lobby and says he is encouraged by the emerging national discussion on productivity.

Former federal minister Simon Birmingham will join the Australian Banking Association in August as its CEO. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Former federal finance minister Simon Birmingham co-signed the Treasurer’s productivity reform agenda as the new chief executive of the Australian Banking Association.

Mr Birmingham, who previously served in the Morrison, Turnbull and Abbott governments and was most recently head of Asia-Pacific engagement at ANZ, succeeds Anna Bligh in the top job at the banking lobby.

The heat has subsided on the major banks as they pass through the full benefit of the Reserve Bank’s past two 0.25 percentage point reductions in the official cash rate, which sits at 3.85 per cent.

“It’s really encouraging at present to see a strong national discussion emerging about productivity enhancements, regulatory reforms and the type of efficiency that’s really crucial,” Mr Birmingham told The Australian on Friday.

Anna Bligh at Labor’s federal budget night dinner. Picture: Jane Dempster/The Australian.

“From a banking sector perspective, we of course, wish to see that productivity debate be comprehensive in labour regulation, but crucially also in access to capital, and how we make sure that all of the settings that enable banks to help businesses grow, invest and thrive for the country.”

He added that scams and fraud prevention, the impact of customers abandoning cash and broader national and economic challenges including the productivity discussion would be among his leadership priorities.

Mr Birmingham declined to give his view on the serviceability buffer imposed on bank borrowers by the prudential regulator. The industry and regulator clashed as interest rates approached their 13-year high amid calls by some lenders for the buffer to be more flexible.

Mr Birmingham’s appointment comes four months after outgoing CEO Ms Bligh announced her retirement. Ms Bligh had headed up the lobby group, which represents Australia’s largest employers including Commonwealth Bank, NAB, Westpac and ANZ, as well as smaller lenders in the market, since 2017.

ABA chair and National Australia Bank CEO Andrew Irvine said Mr Birmingham would be a sensible and respected voice for the industry.

“We are delighted to have Simon lead our industry and help ensure Australian banks continue making the right decisions for customers and the broader economy,” Mr Irvine said.

“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.

“Simon’s ability to navigate difficult and complex environments, bringing together varied interests and perspectives, makes him ideal for this role.”

Mr Birmingham previously served as a Liberal Senator for South Australia from 2007 to 2025 and his portfolios included finance, trade, tourism and investment, and education.

He joined ANZ in February as the bank’s Head of Asia Pacific Engagement and Chair of SA.

He vowed to pursue a competitive regulatory environment and work to ensure innovation in banking strengthens Australia’s financial interests.

“Banks are central to our economy, essential to businesses of all sizes and entrusted by Australians with their personal financial wellbeing,” he said.

“From trade and capital flows from large and international banks, to the choice offered by smaller banks, regional banks and customer-owned organisations, a strong, healthy, customer-focused financial services sector is vital for all Australians.”

Mr Birmingham will start on August 18.

He was spotted at Ms Bligh’s farewell last week, according to The Australian’s Margin Call column.

Originally published as New Australian Banking Association boss Simon Birmingham vows to take up productivity challenge