By Nick Stride
Friday 11th June 2004 |
Text too small? |
The bank feels it has long outgrown its "challenger" status but its research showed larger companies still think it is better positioned to be the bank for smaller businesses than at the big end of the market.
"That's no longer so," head of relationship banking and financial services James Mitchell said.
"There's no gap in our product range we can supply trade and treasury products, so we've got to improve our profile and credibility in the middle to upper brackets."
The research also showed the ASB brand had good traction across all business markets and got wide media coverage.
Recent initiatives include sponsoring the ASB Business television programme in the mornings, which provides "an association with business at large."
The rest of it, Mitchell said, was about getting out and about and talking to people.
Meanwhile, ASB is selectively expanding its branch network outside Auckland. It now has branches in 39 provincial centres and cities, and another 10 in Northland, part of its original fief.
Mitchell reported "exceptional" growth in business banking in Hawke's Bay, Taranaki and Manawatu.
It also has offices in some provincial towns, such as Ashburton, to service rural lending.
Another goal, although "not a huge issue," is to create a seamless trans-tasman banking proposition using parent Commonwealth Bank's network and resources in Australia.
"Most banks talk about it but don't actually provide it, at least in the way the market demands," Mitchell said.
No comments yet
Skellerup achieves another record result
August 21st Morning Report
Me Today signals capital raise and provides trading update
Seeka Announces Interim Result and Updates Guidance
FBU - Fletcher Building announces FY25 Results
August 20th Morning Report
RUA - New Zealand grown products support Rua's global strategy
Devon Funds Morning Note - 19 August 2025
Seeka Announces 15 cent Dividend
MCY - Major renewable build advanced despite 10% earnings dip