ANZ's reported Level 2 Common Equity Tier 1 capital (CET1) ratio as at 31 December 2018 was 11.3%, well in excess of APRA's stated unquestionably strong capital requirement of 10.5%.
The previously announced sale of the Australian Life Insurance business to Zurich remains scheduled to complete in late May.
ANZ Chief Financial Officer Michelle Jablko said: "Capital efficiency and a strong balance sheet have been key areas of focus in recent years. Since 2016 we have built the Group's CET1 from 9.4%[3] to 11.3% and have been the only major bank to reduce shares on issue.
"Once the funds are received from the Life Insurance sale, any further capital management will take into account several factors including actual and potential regulatory capital requirements as well as ongoing business needs," Ms Jablko said.
