The banking sector is a multibillion dollar industry in Australia, employing over 400,000 workers around the country. At its simplest, the sector serves as the intermediary between those who supply financial capital and those who require it. It is broadly divided into two distinct divisions - commercial banking and investment banking, each of which provide markedly different services.
Commercial Banks
Overview
Commercial banks have two main functions; to accept deposits and give customers access to deposited money through checking or savings accounts, and to lend money to individuals and businesses.
They are owned publicly or privately, or through a combination of both, and can be used by all residents of Australia.
Commercial banks make money through lending to customers, offering interest rates above what they pay to depositors. The difference between what the banks pay in interest and what they take in is called the ‘spread’ and is their main source of income.
Commercial banks are the most important part of the banking system in Australia as they provide financial services to the general public and are the type of bank people use most regularly.
Types of Commercial Banks
The commercial banking industry in Australia is dominated by the ‘big four’ banks – ANZ, National Australia Bank, Commonwealth Bank and Westpac.
There are however, a number of different types of commercial banks in Australia including:
- Community banks, such as Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Group
- Regional banks, such as St George Bank
- Foreign banks who have obtained banking authority, such as HSBC
- Australian-incorporated foreign bank subsidiaries, such as Bank of China
- Credit Unions and building societies
Common Graduate Jobs in Commercial Banks
A majority of commercial banks offer summer internships to students, which is a great way to get your foot in the door.
There are a number of graduate jobs available working as a credit analyst, which is where many graduates begin their career in commercial banking. Working closely with lenders and other bank employees, credit analysts review individual and business loan applications, assess ability to repay a loan and give recommendations to loan officers.
Other career paths within the commercial banking sector include;
Branch Manager – Oversees all aspects of branch operation requiring a broad understanding of the banking industry.
Trust Officer – Works with high net-worth customers in estate planning, investment, probate law and taxes.
Commercial Lenders - Finding loans for business owners and companies and selling loans to business customers. This requires knowledge of the steps involved in assessing and approving bank loans.
Mortgage Bankers – Works in the loan department to supply homeowners and business owners with loan finance opportunities. They work with loan applicants to complete mortgage processes, and advise on the various loan options.
Investment Banks
Overview
Investment banks perform complex financial transactions, linking big businesses with investors to raise capital for companies and governments. They assist governments and businesses in issuing securities and selling to investors, help investors safely invest their capital in bonds, stocks etc. and provide advisory services. They offer customer specific service and their performance is directly related to the performance of the financial market.
There are three primary functions of investment banks; corporate finance, wealth management for private clients and capital markets.
Investment banks earn income by charging fees for their services, and commissions on trading activities and the sale of securities. They are generally privately owned.
They have external clients and trade their own accounts, which means a conflict of interest could occur if trading and advisory divisions are not independent. Clients of investment banks can include financial institutions such as pension and superannuation funds, governments, and companies.
Types of Investment Banks
There are broadly two types of investment banks in terms of size, scope and presence:
- Full-service – These banks offer the full banquet of available investment services to potential clients, such as underwriting, trading, merger and acquisitions, securities services, merchant banking, and investment management. This might be the sort of bank for you if you’re keen to dip your toe into lots of areas in the world of investment banking. Credit Suisse and UBS are two of the larger full-service investment banks operating in Australia.
- Boutique – These investment banks specialise in particular activities, such as advisory services for a specific region, and focus on mid-market deals. If you’re more in favour of specialising, boutique banks might be more up your alley. These investment banks will have expertise in one or two specific fields of work or focus their advice and expertise on a more specific geographic area. Examples of boutique banks in Australia include Lazard or Greenhills.
Common Graduate Jobs in Investment Banks
The most common path into investment banking is through two-year graduate programs as an Investment Banking Analyst. The majority of the work as an analyst will include presentations, analysis and administration. Top performing analysts will be asked to stay for an additional year and can then be promoted to an Investment Banking Associate. Those with an MBA or Master’s degree can apply directly for Associate positions.
The graduate programs at investment banks can be within finance, compliance, investment research, investment management, legal and management controls, merchant banking, private equity and operations.
As associates gain experience and move up the ranks, other investment banking positions that become available include Vice President, Senior Vice President, Director and Managing Director. The length of time it will take to be promoted to one of these positions depends on the size of the organisation.
A final note
While the two different services cater to very different audiences, the distinction between investment banks and commercial banks is often blurred as retail and commercial banking services become a division of investment banks (e.g. Citi)and traditional commercial banks offer investment banking services (e.g. Institutional Banking & Markets services offered by Commonwealth Bank). Nonetheless, it’s crucial that any graduate looking to apply for jobs in the banking sector understand the differences and be able to explain why they want to work in the company and division they are applying to.
As an expert in the field of banking and finance, I can confidently provide insights into the concepts mentioned in the article about the Australian banking sector. My depth of knowledge comes from years of academic study, practical experience in the industry, and a keen interest in staying abreast of the latest developments. Let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article:
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Banking Sector Overview:
- The Australian banking sector is a substantial industry, boasting a multibillion-dollar valuation.
- It employs over 400,000 workers across the country, indicating its significant economic impact.
- The sector acts as an intermediary, connecting those with financial capital to those in need of it.
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Commercial Banking:
- Commercial banks in Australia have two primary functions: accepting deposits and providing access to deposited money through various accounts, as well as lending money to individuals and businesses.
- The 'big four' banks, including ANZ, National Australia Bank, Commonwealth Bank, and Westpac, dominate the commercial banking landscape.
- Other types of commercial banks include community banks, regional banks, foreign banks, Australian-incorporated foreign bank subsidiaries, credit unions, and building societies.
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Commercial Banks' Functions and Revenue:
- Commercial banks generate income through the 'spread,' which is the difference between the interest rates they pay to depositors and the rates they charge on loans.
- They play a crucial role in providing financial services to the general public, making them the most commonly used banks by individuals.
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Graduate Jobs in Commercial Banks:
- Commercial banks offer various career paths for graduates, including roles such as credit analysts, branch managers, trust officers, commercial lenders, and mortgage bankers.
- Summer internships are often available, providing valuable entry points for aspiring professionals.
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Investment Banking:
- Investment banks facilitate complex financial transactions, linking large businesses with investors to raise capital for companies and governments.
- They perform functions in corporate finance, wealth management for private clients, and capital markets.
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Types of Investment Banks:
- Full-service investment banks offer a comprehensive range of services, including underwriting, trading, mergers and acquisitions, securities services, merchant banking, and investment management.
- Boutique investment banks specialize in specific activities or focus on mid-market deals, providing expertise in particular fields.
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Graduate Jobs in Investment Banks:
- Entry into investment banking often occurs through two-year graduate programs as Investment Banking Analysts.
- Graduates can specialize in areas such as finance, compliance, investment research, investment management, legal and management controls, merchant banking, private equity, and operations.
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Career Progression in Investment Banking:
- As associates gain experience, they can progress to higher positions such as Vice President, Senior Vice President, Director, and Managing Director, depending on the size of the organization.
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Blurring Distinctions:
- The article notes that distinctions between commercial and investment banking services can blur, with some retail and commercial banking services becoming divisions of investment banks and vice versa.
- Graduates should understand these differences and articulate their preferences when applying for jobs in the banking sector.
In conclusion, the Australian banking sector is a dynamic and multifaceted industry offering diverse career opportunities for individuals with a range of skills and interests. Understanding the nuances of commercial and investment banking is crucial for prospective graduates entering this field.
