ANZ has announced new strategic partnerships with the University of Queensland (UQ) and Griffith University, reinforcing its commitment to Queensland after acquiring Suncorp Bank. These collaborations aim to advance research and training while supporting ANZ's goals in the region.
The partnership with Griffith University will focus on technology, cybersecurity, and agriculture. Meanwhile, the collaboration with UQ will concentrate on environmental, social, and governance (ESG), sustainable energy transitions, and agricultural technology initiatives.
Bruce Rush, ANZ Managing Director for Queensland and Suncorp Bank CEO, stated: “We are deeply committed to unlocking the full potential of the Queensland economy, and our strategic partnerships with both universities are a testament to that vision."
The University of Queensland's Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships, Shannon Willoughby, expressed enthusiasm about contributing UQ’s expertise in energy transition to these efforts. “The University has a suite of strengths...underpinned by globally recognised expertise in environmental and agricultural sciences that drive scalable impact,” she said.
Griffith University's Vice President for Industry and External Engagement, Professor Bronwyn Harch, welcomed the collaboration. She emphasized the importance of combining ANZ’s resources with Griffith’s knowledge in cybersecurity and digital innovation. “Together, we’re building the digital and ethical infrastructure Queensland needs to prosper in an increasingly complex global economy,” Professor Harch noted.
Planned activities from these partnerships include ESG-focused research at UQ on future reporting requirements in Queensland. At Griffith University, projects will focus on technology and agriculture alongside micro-credentialing programs in digital banking. Both universities will also host hackathons covering AgTech, Cybersecurity, and Fraud.
This announcement follows ANZ's completion of its acquisition of Suncorp Bank in July 2024 as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in Queensland.