Skip to main content
Financial Assistance Hub

IWD an important reminder to keep up the momentum on equity issues

<strong>IWD an important reminder to keep up the momentum on equity issues</strong>

8 March 2023

While the number of women moving into executive leadership and board roles has increased by more than a third at seven of Australia’s largest banks over the past six years, it is essential to keep a strong focus on equity and diversity to ensure the positive momentum continues, the Australian Banking Association (ABA) said today. 

Speaking at an International Women’s Day (IWD) event, ABA Chief Executive Officer Anna Bligh said there has been a transformation in many key leadership categories in the banking sector, as an increasing number of women move into the upper ranks. 

“This International Women’s Day, it is so important to acknowledge the change that has occurred, the women and organisations who are forging this change, and also ensure we continue strongly on this positive path”

ABA CEO, Anna Bligh

“We’ve seen a more than 25% increase in the number of female general managers and a 16% increase in female senior managers in the past six years,” Ms Bligh said.  

“It’s important we recognise and celebrate the growing number of women moving into senior manager, general manager and executive leadership/ board roles, particularly on a day such as International Women’s Day. 

“Although there is a higher percentage of women in manager roles at 47.2%, there has been a slower pace of change with a 5.1% increase at this level.  

“At the executive general manager level, while there has been a 4.1% decrease, still 35% of roles are filled by women. But it’s clear that a strong equity lens on all levels of an organisation is essential and we need to keep having those important conversations.” 

Proportion of women in managerial positions, Large banks, 2017-2022, %

Source: Bank annual reports – CBA, NAB, ANZ, Westpac, Bendigo & Adelaide, BOQ, Suncorp; ABA

The ABA panel event, held in partnership with MinterEllison in Sydney, also featured ING Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Melanie Evans, Culture Amp’s Senior Director of Equitable Design, Aubrey Blanche and MinterEllison’s Partner in Risk and Regulatory Consulting, Donna Worthington. 

“This International Women’s Day, it is so important to acknowledge the change that has occurred, the women and organisations who are forging this change, and also ensure we continue strongly on this positive path,” Ms Bligh said. 

Latest news

1 / 3
Media Releases
Banks welcome APRA commitments to support more competition in Australia’s banking system
24 July 2025

The ABA welcomes APRA’s commitment to boosting competition for Australia’s mid-tier and international banks. In a speech today to the ABA’s Banking 2025 Conference, Chair John Lonsdale announced that APRA would: ABA CEO Anna Bligh said it was customers who would ultimately benefit from a strong and competitive banking system. “Today’s announcements from APRA will… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
Mobile wallet payments soar amid digital banking boom
24 July 2025

Australians made a staggering $160 billion worth of payments with their mobile wallets last year, as they continue to embrace the ease and convenience of digital banking. The Australian Banking Association’s 2025 ‘Bank on It’ report released today reveals digital payments continue to surge with over four billion mobile wallet transactions made in the past… Read more »

Read more
Transcript
Anna Bligh interview with ABC Sydney Drive on mule accounts
23 July 2025

eo&e Chris Bath (Host): Now, I had no idea this is a thing. Australians are renting or selling their bank accounts so crooks can cash in. It’s called being a money mule. Anna Bligh is the CEO of the Australian Banking Association, and she’s here to tell you all about it. Anna, thank you very… Read more »

Read more