ANZ strengthens frontline business banking workforce with first Banker Academy graduates

ANZ has partnered with Melbourne Business School to develop the next generation of frontline bankers.

ANZ has appointed the first 20 graduates of its Business & Private Bank Banker Academy to Associate Relationship Manager roles, reaching a key milestone in strengthening its Business & Private Bank frontline workforce.

Selected from high-performing employees already working at ANZ, the first cohort completed an intensive four-week residential program delivered in partnership with Melbourne Business School.

The flagship Academy program is designed to build banker capability and create internal pathways into relationship banking roles, supporting ANZ’s plans to strengthen its Business & Private Bank, including increasing banker numbers by up to 50 per cent by 2030.

The Banker Academy programs will now be significantly scaled up across 2027 to meet this strategic objective, building banker capability from entry-level roles through to senior relationship management.

ANZ Business & Private Bank Group Executive Tammy Medard said the Academy was an important investment in building the next generation of business bankers.

“We have ambitious growth plans for Business & Private Bank and a key part of that is investing in exceptional bankers who will deliver an outstanding customer experience.

"The Banker Academy will help us attract, develop and accelerate talent, giving our people the skills, judgement and confidence to understand each customer’s needs and build trusted relationships to support long-term customer success."

ANZ Assistant Manager Marc Eassey, one of the Academy’s first graduates, said participating in the program had fast-tracked his development and strengthened his banking capability.

 “The Banker Academy has accelerated my development and given me the confidence, practical skills and commercial understanding to take the next step in my career. Working through real customer scenarios gave me a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges businesses face, and how I can support our customers to achieve their goals.”

Reflecting on ANZ’s long-standing connection with Melbourne Business School, Tammy Medard said: “As a founding member of Melbourne Business School since 1987, it is fitting we are now partnering together to develop the next generation of bankers. This is a full-circle moment that reflects our shared commitment to helping people build their capability and reach their potential.” 

Melbourne Business School Dean Professor Jenny George said the partnership reflects the value of bringing industry and education together to develop the capabilities professionals need to succeed.

“The Banker Academy brings together Melbourne Business School's expertise in applied learning with ANZ's deep understanding of relationship banking and customer needs," Professor George said.

"By combining academic insight with real-world experience, the program gives participants the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in increasingly complex environments. We are proud to support this first cohort of graduates as they take the next step in their banking careers and look forward to continuing our partnership with ANZ.”

The next intake of the Business & Private Bank Banker Academy is expected to open before the end of 2026 and will focus on entry-level cohort.