Office address: 395 Bourke Street, Melbourne Vic 3000
Website: www.nab.com.au
Year established: 1981
Company type: banking
Employees: 38,000+
Expertise: personal banking, business banking, wealth management, investment solutions, financial advisory, insurance services, economic research
Parent company: N/A
CEO and key people: Andrew Irvine, CEO
Financing status: public
NAB (National Australia Bank) has over $105 billion in market cap and 8.5 million customers worldwide, yet again earning a spot among the Big Four banks. Since its establishment in 1981, NAB has garnered a global workforce of over 38,000 across Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America.
NAB was formed in 1981 through the union of the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney (est. 1834) and the National Bank of Australasia (est. 1858). After multiple acquisitions of different banks in the 1990s and some financial challenges in the early 2000s, NAB turned its fortunes around. By 2006, it won 2 Bank of the Year awards and profited an industry record of $4.3 billion.
NAB had started to change its reputation and domestic market management. As part of the new strategy, NAB has differentiated itself from the other “Big Four” by “breaking up” with them during Valentine’s Day 2011. This move won the campaign a Cannes advertising award.
By 2024, NAB had a few changes in CEOs and global headquarters but the company has remained one of the top banks in Australia.
NAB's products and services encompasses the needs of individuals, small to medium enterprises (SMEs), and large corporations. Key offerings include:
NAB promotes a culture of sustainability, community support, and innovation. It also commits to significant initiatives like climate action by designing a company strategy to reduce emissions. The bank was named as the first Australian bank to be certified carbon neutral in operations, as per the Climate Active Carbon Neutral Program.
NAB has adopted a vision for reconciliation, making them the first corporate business to achieve the 2013 Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan status.
The company also values the safety and security of its customers, offering resources and training to enhance cyber security awareness.
Andrew Irvine was appointed in 2024 as the new CEO and Managing Director for NAB. Prior to this, he had over 15 years of experience in business banking and customer solutions, with expertise in strategic planning, leadership, and more. He has worked for companies such as BMO Financial Group, Moneris, Mckinsey & Company, Lycos Europe, and Crédit Agricole CIB.
Irvine graduated from King’s College London with a Bachelor of Science, with honours. He also attended Ivey Business School at Western University and the University of Toronto - Rotman School of Management.
NAB’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its endeavours in financing clean energy projects demonstrate its dedication to a sustainable future. Also, NAB’s emphasis on technology and digital banking solutions is set to have a significant effect on customer banking experiences. With the right strategy and partnerships, its competition with other top-ranking banks in the world would only propel themselves in the future.
Cuts dominate hikes, though uncertainty lingers over RBA's next cash rate move
Regulator alleges bank failed to respond to 345 hardship applications
But low-income households continue to struggle
It breaks from other major banks expecting a February 2025 cut
Growth in house prices and rents slows across Australia
Are there new lenders offering the lowest rates?
But sluggish consumer demand continues to weigh on profitability
Strong growth in business lending offsets challenges in the competitive home loan market
Variable home loan rates tumble despite another RBA rate hold
Confidence levels for the next 12 months see slight decline
