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Nuno Matos – new CEO of Australia and New Zealand Bank (ANZ) – has been appointed chair of the Australian Banking Association (ABA) for a period of two years.
Matos was revealed as chair at the association’s annual general meeting on Wednesday (3 December), taking over the position from NAB CEO Andrew Irvine (who took on the role from former NAB CEO Ross McEwan).
He has over three decades of banking experience and, prior to joining ANZ, was the CEO of wealth and personal banking at HSBC, where he was responsible for 87,000 employees and around 40 million customers.
Matos thanked the outgoing chair for his leadership of the industry over the past two years.
“Andrew has provided steady and effective leadership during an important period for our sector, guiding the industry through significant policy and commercial issues,” he said.
Irvine said it had been a privilege to serve as ABA chair and commented: “Over this time the banking sector has supported customers through shifting economic conditions, implemented the Scam-Safe Accord, extended Bank@Post services and supported changes to the payments system.
“Importantly, we have worked together to ensure cash remains part of Australia’s payments landscape for years to come, in a sustainable and cost-effective way. I congratulate Nuno Matos on his appointment and look forward to continuing to work together as we take the industry forward.”
Looking forward, the Matos said that the ABA’s priorities would include building a competitive banking system that serves all Australians, safeguarding access to essential banking services, and protecting customers from the threat of scams.
The ANZ CEO said: “The ABA plays an incredibly important role in supporting the ability of our industry to deliver for our customers, employees, shareholders and the community. I look forward to working with the ABA and members to continue this essential work."
ABA CEO Simon Birmingham congratulated Matos on his appointment and said he looked forward to working closely with him during his two-year term.
“The way people bank is changing rapidly, and strong industry leadership is essential to ensure we maximise the economic contribution of banks while continuing to deliver safe, reliable and accessible banking services for all Australians,” Birmingham said.
He also thanked Irvine for his leadership during the past two years.
“Andrew has shown exceptional leadership over the past two years, guiding the industry through complex challenges while keeping the needs of customers firmly at the centre. His collaborative approach and strategic focus have strengthened the ABA’s work and delivered meaningful outcomes for the sector,” the ABA CEO said.
At the ABA AGM, it was also revealed that ING CEO Melanie Evans has been reappointed as deputy chair.
ABA chairs are appointed by the ABA Council for a period of two years.
The new chair appointment comes amid a change of leadership at the banking association.
Earlier this year, Birmingham was named CEO of the ABA, taking over the leadership position from long-term CEO Anna Bligh.
Bligh stepped down in August after eight years as CEO, having flagged her impending retirement back in February 2025.
[Related: Simon Birmingham appointed as ABA CEO]