On October 1, 1970, in what was then the largest merger in Australian banking history, ANZ Ltd merged with the English, Scottish and Australian Bank Limited to form Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited - the modern ANZ.

 

A 50 year anniversary of the launch of ANZ isn’t just a commemoration but a timely reminder of the vital importance of history and heritage in the enduring value of the bank today.

 

ANZ History

100 Miles of banking experience

STORY OF THE WEEK

 

Banking on a lifetime of memories

 

A bank, a marriage, a home – and 65 years later they’re all going strong.

 

DID YOU KNOW?

 

Because of their unique shape, employees at the English, Scottish & Australian Bank (ES&A) Bank used to compete to see who could stack the most Austrailian 50 cent coins on top of each other end-to-end. The ES&A Bank record for coin stacking in 1970 was 8 coins high, but our records suggest there was a customer who could stack 11.

 

OUR HISTORY IN PICTURES

 

Explore ANZ's history through photos by tapping the arrows on the images below.

 

RELATED ARTICLES

 

Browse our collection of articles exploring ANZ's history working with customers, communities and our people across the globe. 

50 years as a brand, 185 as a bank

50 years ago today, two banks came together in a merger to form what we know as the modern day ANZ.

100 years of relationships

ANZ customer Gibbon Group celebrates its 100th year as it goes from strength to strength.

祝50周年 – 50 years in Japan

Half a century later, we look back at the opening of ANZ’s first office in Japan.

The rock solid base of a great partnership

Longstanding customer AA Petroleum shares what role they feel role strong partnerships play in successful business.

The gothic bank and the rise and fall of Marvellous Melbourne

ANZ’s Queen St branch represents a fascinating time in the history of not just the bank but Victoria and Australia.

IN PICTURES: ANZ & the Olympics

From being the official bank of the Olympic organising committee to sponsorship of the Australian team, ANZ has a long history with the Olympic Games.

IWD2018: women throughout ANZ’s history

As we celebrate IWD, we look back at the women who shaped our history

IN PICTURES: the way we wear

Relaxed dress codes are a la mode in the corporate world but weren’t always in vogue.

The ghost of banking past

ANZ’s safety deposits facility – and maybe something else - has kept a watchful eye on secrets for more than a century.

On history and breaking into your own bank

ANZ isn’t a 200-year old startup, but has a similar story of humble origins.

Banking in time of war

In World War One employees from an ANZ predecessor bank volunteered at a higher rate than the general population.

Mobile history: drive-up banking & more

In the first of our ANZ History Series we take a look at the evolution of banking mobility.

From gold bits to fitbits: payments through history

Remember when the $A was worth the paper it was printed on? We look at the history of tender.

IN PICTURES: Banking, but retro

Flashback to the 60s or 70s and bank marketing looks a bit different, bluenotes reflects back on some historic ANZ posters.