ANZ’s inaugural Australian First Nations Strategy marked a new chapter in our relationship with First Nations peoples, shifting from a primarily social endeavour to a clear commercial and strategic priority for the bank. One year on, that shift is evident. The work delivered to date has demonstrated the scale of opportunity and surfaced clear win-win opportunities for ANZ and First Nations people together.
Fuelling the Fire set an ambitious, decade long vision to advance First Nations’ aspirations for economic self-determination. Since it’s launch, the Strategy has moved from design to delivery, with ANZ strengthening its capability, deepening relationships and progressing the Strategy’s three priorities. Grounded in ANZ’s core business, commercial rationale and the strengths and aspirations of First Nations peoples, our approach remains grounded in reconciliation while placing greater focus on economic self determination and shared opportunity.
Guided by a simple intent to seek common ground and create win win outcomes for First Nations peoples and ANZ this Strategy is leading our work in a purposeful and impactful direction.
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Improving financial inclusion and empowerment
ANZ has a proud track record of investing in financial wellbeing. As a foundation for economic self-determination, we are investing in financial capability and education, as well as in delivering simple, accessible and inclusive banking services that better meet the needs of First Nations customers.
Key progress:
- Place-based financial education: Expanded the MoneyBusiness program with the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) to include two new modules on digital confidence and scam awareness; and reach more First Nations communities.
- Community-led solutions: Partnered with First Nations Foundation to expand the Foundations in-person community outreach and culturally grounded financial education; and to strengthen ANZ’s cultural capability.
- Inclusive product design: 950+ First Nations people participated in market research to embed lived experience and strengthen inclusive, culturally relevant banking solutions.
- Improved identity verification options and access: Simplified identity checks for First Nations customers without standard documents by strengthening the Statement by Referee form and expanding referee options.
First Nations Foundation
ANZ became an Impact Partner with First Nations Foundation (FNF), a national organisation dedicated to improving financial literacy, economic empowerment and long-term financial wellbeing for First Nations peoples.
This partnership advances ANZ’s Fuelling the Fire commitment to invest in First Nations-led financial education and wellbeing initiatives, supporting greater economic participation and self-determination.
Banking and growing the First Nations economy
The First Nations economy is growing rapidly and presents a strong opportunity for sustainable investment, long-term participation, and economic self-determination. Supporting this growth aligns with ANZ’s core role by providing access to capital, financial expertise, and tailored banking solutions that help First Nations businesses scale and thrive.
Key progress:
- Access to finance: delivered above-average growth in First Nations business lending and deposits, reflecting increased demand. This included a landmark First Nations energy project Jinbi Solar Farm, and continued growth through ANZ’s First Nations Guarantee, now supporting 29 businesses.
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- Stronger leadership: Appointed dedicated First Nations business banking and economic development leads to drive coordinated, culturally informed customer strategies.
- Capability building: Partnered with Dilin Duwa to provide five MURRA scholarships and deliver lutruwita (Tasmania) regional workshops to support First Nations business capacity and leadership.
Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership
ANZ partnered with the Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership at the University of Melbourne to strengthen the capability and growth of First Nations businesses.
Through this partnership, First Nations entrepreneurs—including ANZ customers—gain access to the MURRA Indigenous Business Masterclass Program, along with targeted networking opportunities and regional workshops. These initiatives equip participants with practical business tools, leadership skills and connections needed to grow their enterprises and drive economic leadership.
This partnership directly supports ANZ’s Fuelling the Fire strategy by enabling First Nations-led business growth, fostering entrepreneurship, and contributing to a stronger, more self-determined First Nations economy.
Building ANZ’s cultural intelligence
Cultural intelligence is the ability to understand, relate to and work effectively across cultures. As a diverse, international bank, ANZ recognises that building cultural intelligence is critical to delivering inclusive customer experiences, supporting our people, and advancing our Fuelling the Fire strategy. Strengthening cultural capability enables ANZ to better serve First Nations customers, build trust, and create a more inclusive and culturally safe organisation.
Key progress:
- Dedicated cultural leadership: Established a dedicated First Nations Talent & Culture team to drive organisation-wide cultural capability and alignment.
- Leadership accountability: Executives completed cultural learning, with 40+ senior leaders undertaking immersions.
- Talent investment: Launched a professional development scholarship to support First Nations employee growth, retention and leadership pathways.
- Better workforce insights: Increased self-identification and First Nations employment data to improve decision-making.
- Maturity roadmap: Began a cultural maturity assessment to guide future strategy and continuous improvement.
Traveling baandana (Message stick)
To mark the launch of ANZ’s inaugural First Nations Strategy, Fuelling the Fire, ANZ commissioned a baandana (Taungurung word for message stick) crafted by Kulin Elder, Uncle Mick Harding.
The design centres on the symbol of fire, representing the Strategy, alongside elements of strength, growth and community—reflecting shared aspirations between ANZ and First Nations peoples.
The baandana travelled across Australia, including to offices and branches in five states and territories, creating opportunities for employees to engage more deeply with the Strategy. This initiative went beyond awareness, fostering a meaningful cultural connection and shared understanding of the Strategy’s purpose, themes and significance.
For more information about ANZ’s First Nations Strategy, visit our website.
Shelley Cable is Head of First Nations Strategy (Australia) at ANZ.