Bankwest to roll-out Asian banking initiative

Bankwest has launched an initiative in Western Australia aimed at building stronger networks with the Asian community in Perth.

The move follows a similar networking program in Brisbane, and was announced today by the bank’s regional sales manager Western Australia, Andrew Stephenson.

The launch was held at Perth waterfront Chinese restaurant 8 On the Point, where Mr Stephenson explained Bankwest’s intention to invest in building stronger connections with the local Asian community.

“Bankwest aims to be the Asian bank of choice in WA by delivering what truly matters to our customers,” Mr Stephenson said.

“To achieve this we have brought together a team of trusted experts that understand Asian culture, languages and communities, and connected them to create an Asian banking network.

“Our diversity helps us better meet customers’ needs by connecting customers with colleagues who are best positioned to support them, whether they need to open a bank account, or find the right home loan or business loan.” 

About 40 per cent of Perth’s population was born overseas with a substantial portion migrating from Asian countries, according to Bankwest.  

Bankwest said it aimed to match this and reflect the cultural diversity of Perth across both its business and retail banking.

“In Perth we’re in a great position to take advantage of the proximity of our Asian neighbours in the same time zone and optimise the phenomenal cultural and linguistic expertise we have here at Bankwest,” Mr Stephenson said.

He said he understood that people from Asian cultures placed a high emphasis on familiar and trusting relationships with business partners, and that the power of verbal recommendation couldn’t be overestimated.

“And this isn’t just about acquiring new business banking clients; it’s about reaching out into these communities and perhaps using our expertise to help and assist any existing or new Asian immigrants moving to WA for a new start,” Mr Stephenson said.

Earlier this year, Bankwest’s Asian banking team partnered with the Australian Chinese Times newspaper to host a mid-autumn festival event at Barbagello Motors Perth as part of its goal to engage with Perth’s Asian community.