ANZ today announced ANZ Europe Société Anonyme (ANZ Europe S.A.) has officially commenced operations, marking the next phase of ANZ's strategy in Europe, strengthening the bank's operating model and supporting compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.
The bank received approval from the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR) and the European Central Bank (ECB) to operate as a credit institution and provide investment services earlier this year. S&P Global Ratings has assigned its 'AA-' long-term and 'A-1+' short-term issuer credit ratings to ANZ Europe S.A. The outlook on the long-term rating is stable.
ANZ Europe S.A. complements ANZ's existing London, Paris and Frankfurt branches, strengthening ANZ's ability to support customers with Transaction Banking, Corporate Finance and Markets across Europe.
ANZ Managing Director International, Simon Ireland, said the commencement of ANZ Europe S.A. was an important milestone for ANZ's international business.
"The establishment of ANZ Europe S.A. reflects ANZ's long-term commitment to supporting our customers in Europe and across our international network, and strengthening our presence in this strategically important region," Mr Ireland said.
"Europe plays a critical role in supporting our institutional customers' trade, investment and capital flows. ANZ Europe S.A. enhances our ability to serve customers, supports future growth opportunities and ensures we are well positioned to meet evolving regulatory requirements."
ANZ also confirmed the appointment of Sarah Berry as Head of ANZ Europe S.A. and Directrice Générale, ANZ Europe S.A.
Following her previous roles as Head of Business Execution, International, and her tenure as CEO of ANZ Thailand, Ms Berry has led the establishment of ANZ Europe S.A. over the past two years. During this time, she has played a pivotal role in developing the governance, operating model and regulatory framework required to support ANZ's long-term growth ambitions in Europe.
Mr Ireland said Ms Berry's appointment reflected her significant contribution to establishing the new entity and her deep knowledge of ANZ's international business.
"Sarah has been instrumental in building the foundations of ANZ Europe S.A. Her leadership, regulatory expertise and deep understanding of our international business make her exceptionally well placed to lead the new subsidiary within our European business. I am confident she will help drive ANZ's continued growth in Europe while supporting our customers' growth ambitions across the region and our international network," Mr Ireland concluded.
