Sustainability Performance Report - Fix. Simplify. Perform. 2020 - Westpac
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Sustainability Performance Report 2020 WESTPAC BANKING CORPORATION ABN 33 007 457 141 Fix. Simplify. Perform.
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE ISSUES THAT MATTER SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY OTHER INFORMATION Welcome to our 2020 Sustainability Performance Report Through our sustainability materiality assessment process, we identify the issues and opportunities that matter most to our stakeholders. Our 2020 Sustainability Performance Report is structured around the most material topics and provides information on our sustainability performance progress over the period. Please also refer to: 2020 Sustainability Datasheet — Performance Metrics, Glossary and Definitions 2020 Sustainability Appendix — Principles for Responsible Banking (PRBs) Reporting and Self-Assessment Template — Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards Index — Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) — United Nations Guiding Principles Reporting Framework Index — Sustainability Strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan Scorecards. These, together with further information about our approach to sustainability, oversight frameworks, policies, positions, and performance ratings and benchmarks, can be found online at westpac.com.au/sustainability This report aligns with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards (Comprehensive) and the AA1000 AccountAbility Principles Standard (2018). We engaged an independent external assurance organisation, PricewaterhouseCoopers, to provide the directors of Westpac with assurance on selected subject matter within this report, the 2020 Sustainability Datasheet and 2020 Sustainability Appendix, including the alignment of the reporting with AA1000 and the GRI. Westpac’s full annual reporting suite, including the Annual Report, can be found at westpac.com.au/2020annualreport Navigating this report Read more or refer Case study to another report for more information HELPING THROUGH BUSHFIRES All figures are for the 12 months ended 30 September 2020, St.George customer Lyn Grey and comparisons are against results for the 12 months ended Ulladulla Branch Manager Lloyd 30 September 2019, and all dollar amounts are in Australian Pigram at Lyn’s bushfire impacted property on the NSW South Coast. dollars, unless otherwise indicated. ind out about our bushfire F Westpac Banking Corporation support on page 17. ABN 33 007 457 141 WESTPAC GROUP 2020 SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE REPORT | 2
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE ISSUES THAT MATTER SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY OTHER INFORMATION It has been a challenging year – for the bank, our shareholders, employees, customers and the communities in which we operate. In this report, we explore some of the ways we are supporting our customers, people and communities, as well as the significant change agenda we have underway. CONTENTS BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Chairman and CEO Letter 4 Westpac at a glance 6 Our strategy 7 Building a simpler, Helping Supporting THE ISSUES THAT MATTER stronger bank customers our people and Our material topics overview 8 communities Building a simpler, stronger bank 10 Helping customers 13 Supporting our people and communities 19 SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY 2018-2020 sustainability strategy and progress 27 5 year non-financial summary 29 Fix 11 Responding to COVID-19 14 Our people 20 Climate change 30 Human rights 37 Simplify 12 Our Service Promise 14 Sustainable finance 21 Perform 12 New and simpler products 15 Helping to build stronger, OTHER INFORMATION more inclusive communities 24 Information security and Assurance report 40 data privacy 16 Contact details 42 Help in the moments that matter 17 WESTPAC GROUP 2020 SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE REPORT | 3
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE ISSUES THAT MATTER SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY OTHER INFORMATION CHAIRMAN AND CEO LETTER | WESTPAC AT A GLANCE | OUR STRATEGY CHAIRMAN AND CEO LETTER A lot has happened this financial crime function to be year. With the bushfires, led by a Group Executive that drought and most recently reports directly to the CEO, the COVID-19 pandemic, it added risk management skills Supporting customers has been a time where we and resources and we are through the COVID-19 pandemic and bushfires have needed to focus on what strengthening our financial matters most and support our crime management program customers, our communities including our policies, data and the broader economy. We systems, processes and are very proud of the way that controls. our people have continued Refreshed our Climate In addition to addressing root Welcome to our 2020 to show great care for our causes, we have established Change and Human Rights Position Statements and customers and each other Sustainability Performance throughout the year’s events. a Safer Children, Safer 2023 Action Plans Communities work program Report, our first as Chairman It has also been a significant to help reduce the human time of change for us impact of financial crime with and CEO, respectively. as an organisation. The a particular focus on child commencement of AUSTRAC safeguarding, guided by Expanded our Indigenous proceedings in November 2019 experts in human rights, child Connection call centre to highlighted shortcomings in safety, online safety and law cover all states and territories our management of financial enforcement. This year, we crime risk and underlying established multi-year funding cultural and operational issues. partnerships with International We understand the seriousness Justice Mission and Save of the issues involved and have the Children (Australia), and sought to share updates on launched a new Impact Grants investigation findings and the program. actions we are taking through We are deeply sorry for what our AUSTRAC Response Above from left to right: occurred. John McFarlane, Chairman Plan. As well as immediate and Peter King, CEO fixes, we have elevated our WESTPAC GROUP 2020 SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE REPORT | 4
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE ISSUES THAT MATTER SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY OTHER INFORMATION CHAIRMAN AND CEO LETTER | WESTPAC AT A GLANCE | OUR STRATEGY Resetting stakeholders. This year we implement the United Nations It has been a challenging and We are taking have included more Environment Programme important year and we hope We are also making far information on our non- Finance Initiative’s Principles that through reading this action to fix our reaching changes to our financial performance in our for Responsible Banking report you can see some of issues, simplify our business, with changes at our Board and executive levels, Annual Report, with greater (PRBs), these are important the ways that we are taking business and improve detail available in this report. examples of ways that we can action to fix our issues, simplify a focus on core banking in seek to achieve more through our business and improve performance.” Australia and New Zealand, Soon we will be releasing our working together. performance. new operating structures updated sustainability strategy designed for clearer outlining our priorities for the We are very fortunate to have Yours sincerely, accountability and improved next three years. Listening experts representing many customer outcomes, a new to stakeholder feedback, it different stakeholder groups purpose and values to guide is clear that now, more than share their time and insights cultural change, and improving ever, we need to be helping with us through forums such the way we manage non- individuals, businesses and the as our Stakeholder Advisory financial risk and improving our economy as we navigate the Council, Vulnerable Customer John McFarlane risk culture. period ahead together. As the Council, Indigenous Advisory Chairman world continues to respond Committee and the Safer Creating long-term value and recover from the COVID-19 Children, Safer Communities situation, we recognise the role Roundtable. These insights For Westpac, being sustainable that we can play to help build a help to inform our approach is about how we seek to create stronger nation. and allow us to understand value for our customers, our different stakeholder We have a big change agenda Peter King people, our shareholders perspectives. We thank these ahead, and we look forward CEO and the broader community individuals for their valuable over the long-term. As well to continuing to partner and feedback. as financial performance, it is collaborate in an effort to about how we manage non- effect positive change. From financial risk and address the industry-led Climate the issues and opportunities Standards Measurement that matter most to our Initiative, to working with banks around the world to WESTPAC GROUP 2020 SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE REPORT | 5
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE ISSUES THAT MATTER SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY OTHER INFORMATION CHAIRMAN AND CEO LETTER | WESTPAC AT A GLANCE | OUR STRATEGY ABOUT WESTPAC Founded in 1817, Westpac is Australia’s With our portfolio of brands, we provide customers with a full range of banking services. We also provide selected insurance, superannuation and wealth platform first bank and oldest company. services to consumers and businesses. DIVISION OVERVIEW BRANDS CONSUMER Serves the banking needs of consumers in Australia including the sales and service of banking products, from mortgages, credit cards, personal loans and savings to deposit products. Also works with Business, Westpac Institutional Bank (WIB), and Specialist Businesses in the sales, service, and referral of certain financial services and products including general and life insurance, superannuation, platforms, auto lending and foreign exchange. BUSINESS Serves the banking needs of small-to-medium businesses and commercial and agribusiness customers across Australia. Also supports the banking needs of high net worth individuals in our Private Wealth business. WESTPAC Delivers a broad range of financial services to commercial, corporate, institutional INSTITUTIONAL and government customers operating in, and with connections to, Australia and New Zealand. BANK NEW ZEALAND Delivers banking, wealth and insurance services to consumer, business and institutional customers across New Zealand. GROUP Includes Treasury, Technology and Core Support, which comprises Group support functions of Australian banking operations, property services, strategy, finance, BUSINESSES risk, compliance, legal, human resources, and customer and corporate relations. SPECIALIST Brings together the Group’s non-core Australian businesses, including superannuation, wealth platforms, investments, auto finance, general insurance, life BUSINESSES insurance, lenders mortgage insurance, along with our operations in Fiji and Papua Westpac Pacific New Guinea. WESTPAC GROUP 2020 SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE REPORT | 6
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE ISSUES THAT MATTER SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY OTHER INFORMATION CHAIRMAN AND CEO LETTER | WESTPAC AT A GLANCE | OUR STRATEGY OUR STRATEGY HOW WE CAN DELIVER FOR OUR STAKEHOLDERS OUR WHAT THIS CUSTOMERS COMMUNITIES PRIORITIES MEANS Delivering financial services Supporting local Addressing our to consumers, businesses communities. and institutions in Australia shortcomings by materially improving our and New Zealand. — Over $150m in management of risk and — Trusted with over community investment1 risk culture, reducing $555bn — 1m+ participants in customer pain points, in customer deposits financial education completing historical customer remediation — Supported over Our strategy supports our purpose, building Our Fix programs, and reducing the complexity of our $693bn in lending purpose on our strengths SUPPLIERS and refocusing where technology. change is required. EMPLOYEES Choosing suppliers We have sharpened the responsibly. Helping markets and products Creating an environment in which we operate, Australians and where the best people — Procured goods and returning to banking, New Zealanders Returning to our core want to work. services worth $6.5bn and our home markets succeed. businesses of banking with $5.9m in spend of Australia and New — 40,225 Zealand leveraging in Australia and New employees towards Indigenous-owned our portfolio of brands. Zealand, including businesses exiting some businesses Our three priorities — Delivering on our 2023 recognise our need and international SHAREHOLDERS locations. Rationalising Human Rights Action Plan to address our and working to eliminate shortcomings, reshape the business Our Simplify products and simplifying processes to make it Generating appropriate returns over the risk of modern slavery to concentrate on our core businesses and focus easier for customers. long-term. across our business operations and supply markets, while lifting — Our strong balance chain service and creating a Banking for sheet positions us to stronger performance Australian and manage the downturn ethic. This will help us New Zealand to become a simpler, consumers, and deliver long term THE shareholder value ENVIRONMENT stronger bank. businesses and Improving performance institutional by building customer customers. Supporting the transition loyalty and growth to a climate resilient THE ECONOMY through service, future. sharpening our focus on returns, and resetting Supporting the financial — $10.1bn lending to our cost base. A strong system. climate change solutions balance sheet and Perform engaged workforce Banks play an important role in supporting the — Climate Change Position Statement and 2023 form the foundations economy through lending, Action Plan of performance. deposits and the efficient flow of funds. 1 Excludes commercial sponsorships. WESTPAC GROUP 2020 SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE REPORT | 7
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE ISSUES THAT MATTER SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY OTHER INFORMATION BUILDING A SIMPLER, STRONGER BANK | HELPING CUSTOMERS | SUPPORTING OUR PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES THE ISSUES THAT MATTER Our Material Issues Every year, through our sustainability materiality assessment process, we identify the opportunities and challenges relating to our business that matter most to our stakeholders, now and into the future. Our 2020 sustainability materiality assessment used an expanded set of data and insights from customers, investors, suppliers, non-government organisations, employees and senior management. We also drew on insights from our: — Westpac Stakeholder Advisory Council; — Vulnerable Customer Council; — Westpac Indigenous Advisory Committee; and — Safer Children, Safer Communities Roundtable. This year, Conduct and culture remained our most material sustainability topic, driven by significant matters including AUSTRAC’s proceedings. Customer safety and access, Workforce wellbeing and talent retention and Financial performance were also prominent topics for both Westpac and our stakeholders in light of major events such as the Australian bushfires and COVID-19. Climate change and Human rights were also key areas of engagement as we developed our updated Position Statements and Action Plans. Our approach to identifying our material sustainability topics is aligned to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards (2016)1 and the AA1000 AccountAbility Principles Standard (2018)2, and supports our assessment of impacts as required by the Principles for Responsible Banking. 1 GRI Index can be found in our 2020 Sustainability Appendix. 2 See Assurance report on page 40. The following pages explore the ways that we are addressing these challenges and opportunities. WESTPAC GROUP 2020 SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE REPORT | 8
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE ISSUES THAT MATTER SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY OTHER INFORMATION BUILDING A SIMPLER, STRONGER BANK | HELPING CUSTOMERS | SUPPORTING OUR PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES THE ISSUES THAT MATTER Our Material Issues Through our sustainability materiality assessment process, we identify the opportunities and challenges relating to our business that matter most to our stakeholders, now and into the future. Supporting Building a simpler, Helping our people and stronger bank customers communities 2020 MATERIAL SUSTAINABILITY TOPICS 2020 MATERIAL SUSTAINABILITY TOPICS 2020 MATERIAL SUSTAINABILITY TOPICS Conduct Poor conduct has eroded public trust GRI1 Customer Customers want banking to be easier, GRI Workforce Maintaining a safe, flexible and supportive GRI and culture in Westpac and the financial services 419-1 satisfaction simpler and more efficient. At the 417 wellbeing workplace helps us attract, retain and 401, 404, sector. In response, we have plans in and experience same time, customer needs are and talent develop our people. 405 place designed to strengthen our becoming more complex. retention culture, and improve our processes to deliver better customer outcomes. Governance We have enhanced our governance GRI Customer Our ability to support customers GRI Climate As a major financial institution, we have an GRI and risk this year and are building a stronger 201, 205 vulnerability in times of hardship and anticipate 413, 417 change important role to play in managing the risks 201 management risk management capability. This and hardship when they are vulnerable allows us risks and and opportunities of climate change. change is critical to the reputation to help when it matters most. opportunities and financial strength of the Group. Financial Delivering sound financial GRI Customer safety Maintaining an environment GRI Supporting As an integral service provider in the GRI performance performance and a strong balance 201 and access where customers can safely and 413 communities communities in which we operate, we 413 sheet underpins our ability to conveniently access our products in need support those in need including in times of support customers, the economy and services. emergency and recovery. We also support and the Group’s long-term success. initiatives that address complex societal and economic issues. Changing Supervision and regulation in the GRI Digital product Digitisation creates opportunities to GRI Human rights We seek to positively impact human rights GRI regulatory financial services sector continue to 417, 419 and service improve efficiency and deliver new 413 business risk in our value chain through our role as an 405, 412, landscape evolve, creating change and complexity transformation and improved services where, how employer in fostering inclusion and diversity, 418 in how we operate. and when customers choose. our lending, understanding our role in supporting Indigenous communities, our investments in funds, and through our supply chain. Information Maintaining confidentiality and the GRI KEY Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) security and security of our systems and data is 418 data privacy paramount in retaining the trust and Leadership and Governance Business model and innovation confidence of our stakeholders. Social Capital Environment Human Capital Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures 1 GRI refers to the corresponding Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standard (2016). TCFD WESTPAC GROUP 2020 SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE REPORT | 9
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE ISSUES THAT MATTER SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY OTHER INFORMATION BUILDING A SIMPLER, STRONGER BANK | HELPING CUSTOMERS | SUPPORTING OUR PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES THE ISSUES THAT MATTER Building a simpler, stronger bank We have a significant change agenda underway, focused around three priorities, fix, simplify and perform. For more information on the topics covered in this section, including financial performance, an overview of the AUSTRAC proceedings, and our approach to corporate governance, see our 2020 Annual Report. WESTPAC GROUP 2020 SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE REPORT | 10
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE ISSUES THAT MATTER SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY OTHER INFORMATION BUILDING A SIMPLER, STRONGER BANK | HELPING CUSTOMERS | SUPPORTING OUR PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES governance and accountability understand they all have a which will become the consumer bank’s frameworks and practices and role in managing risk and central product onboarding platform. highlighted that important driving clearer accountability At the same time, we have sought to aspects of Westpac’s non- and decision-making. ensure our customer interface has kept financial risk culture have been pace with customer demands. This Fix To improve our risk culture, ‘immature and reactive’. program has strengthened the stability, The AUSTRAC We are focused on addressing this year we have established a new risk culture framework speed and security of our systems and proceedings have these shortcomings, including to better define risk roles and helped ensure the bank remained open for business through the COVID-19 Addressing our shortcomings through a program called responsibilities, updated our become a catalyst by materially improving our Customer Outcomes and Risk Code of Conduct reinforcing pandemic and support customers via digital channels. for change at management of risk and risk culture, reducing customer Excellence (CORE). CORE is a comprehensive, Group-wide the importance of speaking up and the use of the Should In 2020 we developed a detailed Westpac.” pain points, completing transformation program that We test, and commenced technology roadmap for the next phase our historical customer is designed to improve non- the roll-out of a Group-wide of our transformation to build a single, remediation programs and financial risk oversight, lift risk Risk Fundamentals training multi-brand operating environment. The issues highlighted by the reducing the complexity of culture and strengthen our risk program. AUSTRAC proceedings deeply our technology. management framework. disappointed shareholders, Remediating customers customers, and the community, What this involves: The program has 14 streams of work under three categories: We continue to review our as well as Westpac employees. — Risk management products, processes and Together with the immediate — Culture, including risk – direction and tone set by policies where we have not got REDUCING CUSTOMER PAIN POINTS actions outlined in our AUSTRAC culture Board and Group Executive - it right for customers. Where Response Plan, we have a initiatives that set clear tone Over the past two years, we have — Customer remediation problems have been identified, significant change agenda and direction from leadership made significant changes to the — Reducing IT complexity we have committed to fix them management of customer complaints, underway. to promote a proactive risk and refund customers. Over both in terms of our processes and by — Reducing customer pain culture; $640 million in remediation identifying and addressing root cause points – clear risk boundaries for payments have now been made issues that lead to complaints. decision-making - simplifying for approximately 2.7 million In July 2020, we announced the Initiatives include complaints skilling risk management frameworks customer accounts. findings of our reassessment sessions for bankers with a focus of our Culture, Governance and increasing capability and on first point resolution, an updated resources in the Risk function; Redoubling our efforts to and Accountability (CGA) Complaints Management Standard and remove IT complexity 6.5 days Program which was undertaken and continuing to make information in response to a request from We started a program to on how to make a complaint easier – accountable and empowered APRA. The reassessment found reduce complexity some years to find. We have also rolled out average time to resolution people - providing additional that important shortcomings ago, which prioritised the a new complaints management for complaints1, compared to training and support for upgrade of our technology system to help improve the customer 9 days in 2019 remain in Westpac’s culture, employees to help them infrastructure while experience and for better compliance commencing the development and reporting. of our customer service hub, 1 Group Internal Dispute Resolution complaints excluding WIB complaints. WESTPAC GROUP 2020 SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE REPORT | 11
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE ISSUES THAT MATTER SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY OTHER INFORMATION BUILDING A SIMPLER, STRONGER BANK | HELPING CUSTOMERS | SUPPORTING OUR PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES We are clear on Simplify Perform the locations, Returning to our core to hold the businesses that we Improving performance by Financial performance markets, and businesses of banking in Australia and New Zealand, do not view ourselves as the long-term owners of, and are building customer loyalty and growth through service, For the full year 2020, Westpac businesses in including exiting some consolidating our international sharpening our focus on Group reported profit was $2,290 million, down 66%, businesses and international operations to focus on the returns, and resetting our which we operate” locations. Rationalising areas where we can best cost base. A strong balance and cash earnings of $2,608 million. Much of the decline products and simplifying support customers. sheet and engaged workforce processes to make it easier for form the foundation of resulted from our operating For greater accountability environment, where we faced customers to bank with us. performance. for end-to-end performance lower margins and higher What this involves: we are moving to a Lines of What this involves: impairment charges – a direct — Exiting non-core businesses Business operating model. — Customer service – market result of COVID-19. However, and consolidating Under this model, each line leading the poor result was also due international locations (a major customer offering) to higher costs related to the — Mortgage growth has end-to-end responsibility AUSTRAC proceedings along — Rationalising products — Enhancing returns, for that business. For example, with asset write-downs from — Implementing Lines of in our Mortgages Line of optimising capital businesses we plan to exit. Business operating model Business a Managing Director — Strong balance sheet inspired to keep it is responsible for the entire Nevertheless, our balance sheet — Transforming using digital — Re-setting cost base simple and easy mortgage process from remained strong. Our capital and data origination, pricing, credit The following Helping ratios are in the top quartile of Our focus is providing customers assessment and service. customers chapter outlines banks globally and funding and in Australia and New Zealand some of the many ways liquidity ratios are comfortably with a full range of banking Across our product line we that we are supporting our ahead of regulatory minimums. services through our portfolio of continue to streamline our customers, particularly brands. offerings, with initiatives to throughout the challenges migrate customers to newer of the last year’s events and To reduce complexity and help and more flexible products, us become a simpler, stronger COVID-19. Restoring mortgage as well as using digital to growth is a key priority. bank, we have established a new automate processes. Specialist Businesses division Restoring mortgage growth is a key priority WESTPAC GROUP 2020 SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE REPORT | 12
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE ISSUES THAT MATTER SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY OTHER INFORMATION BUILDING A SIMPLER, STRONGER BANK | HELPING CUSTOMERS | SUPPORTING OUR PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES THE ISSUES THAT MATTER Helping customers This year we defined our new company purpose: helping Australians and New Zealanders succeed. Success means something different for every customer, and that meaning can change over time. We want to be there for our customers – helping them to build their financial future and providing extra support when it’s needed most. 2020 SNAPSHOT 14.1m customers $555bn in customer deposits 75,367 financial assistance $693bn in lending packages for customers facing financial hardship WESTPAC GROUP 2020 SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE REPORT | 13
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE ISSUES THAT MATTER SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY OTHER INFORMATION BUILDING A SIMPLER, STRONGER BANK | HELPING CUSTOMERS | SUPPORTING OUR PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES Responding Our Service to COVID-19 Promise Great conversations With banking an essential Customer needs continue to get more create great service. It’s SUPPORTING CUSTOMERS service, our teams are working complex, while customers want banking service with a purpose.” hard to support customers, AROUND to be simpler, smarter and smoother. 175,000 ROSS MILLER, CHIEF CUSTOMER communities and the broader Our job is to make the customer ENGAGEMENT OFFICER economy throughout the experience as seamless as possible COVID-19 pandemic. mortgage deferral packages when, how and where customers choose to engage with us. Initially our focus was on protecting our people and AROUND For our bankers, having conversations 40,000 customers while remaining with customers and taking the time to open for business and providing understand their situation and financial CARE, LISTEN, ACT a range of customer support goals is key to providing great customer A couple with a newborn found a home they deferrals for businesses packages such as mortgage and service. wanted to buy, but only had 15% of the necessary business loan deferrals. deposit saved. While we retained our number one Net AROUND Now our focus has shifted to Promoter Score1 ranking in Business A colleague recommended they meet with St.George working with customers who need more individual support. We encourage any customer 220,000 early release superannuation banking against the other major Australian banks this year2, we are number three in Consumer banking3. Lending Manager Jewel Zhang, and by listening to understand their situation, Jewel was able to identify a number of ways to help them purchase the home. experiencing financial hardship to applications paid We remain focused on improving our With our $1 Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) offer, contact us early so we can assist customer service and, where we haven’t available to first home buyers borrowing up to 85 per them with tailoring support for MORE THAN got it right, putting in place appropriate cent of the property value4, the couple could purchase 90% their individual circumstances. remediation, improving our customer the home without having to continue to save for complaint handling processes and another two years, as well as saving on LMI costs. addressing the root cause issues that of branch network remained open Additionally, when Jewel learned that the mother lead to complaints. would be returning to work full-time, she was able to acknowledge the mother’s back to work income as $200 Increased limit for ‘tap and go’ 1 Net Promoter Score measures the net likelihood of recommendation to others of the customer’s main part of the new home loan application. Taking the time to understand the situation, along financial institution for retail or business banking. Net with our range of products and policies, helped the contactless card purchases to $200 Promoter ScoreSM is a trademark of Bain & Co Inc., couple secure the home. SatmetrixSystems, Inc., and Mr Frederick Reichheld. 2 Source: DBM Consultants Business Atlas, March - August 2020, 6MMA. MFI customers, all businesses. 4 LMI is usually required where financing exceeds 80% of the property 3 Source: DBM Consultants Consumer Atlas, March - value. Full product information and T&Cs available on the St.George August 2020, 6MMA. MFI Westpac Group customers. website. WESTPAC GROUP 2020 SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE REPORT | 14
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE ISSUES THAT MATTER SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY OTHER INFORMATION BUILDING A SIMPLER, STRONGER BANK | HELPING CUSTOMERS | SUPPORTING OUR PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES New and With 80% of digital customers using their phone for banking, To support small and medium businesses, we are proactively simpler we are rolling out a new Westpac personal banking contacting customers who we believe would benefit from products app. The app is designed to be faster and easier to use, with activating Merchant Choice Routing for least cost payment more intuitive navigation and routing. Westpac Business To help reduce pain points quicker payments. Advance, a new digital and deliver better customer unsecured business lending experiences, we have Apple Pay is now available for product, provides an easy introduced new and simpler Westpac, St.George, BankSA online application and rapid products and streamlined our and Bank of Melbourne credit decision allowing existing product offerings. customers, while our Instant eligible customers to apply for Digital Card provides To improve the home loans of up to $75,000. customers with a digital version ownership experience, we of their credit or debit card BRINGING 1,000 JOBS BACK now have digital tools to help via the Westpac Live mobile TO AUSTRALIA customers prepare for their banking app – particularly first home loan appointment, DIGITALLY ACTIVE AroundHEADING 1,000 jobsTOwill be brought Our new personal banking app helpful for when cards are CUSTOMERS upload documents, accept a back toGO HERE from overseas, Australia lost, stolen or forgotten. (million) (%) a large increase in demand following loan offer in one click and track their application via online Our BT Panorama mobile 5.8 5.9 for customer assistance following 5.6 the start of COVID-19. With strict banking through to settlement, app received the highest user 5.3 ratings from advisers surveyed lockdowns impacting our offshore with reminders and alerts. 4.9 in the Investment Trends partners, we were limited in how We have introduced a new bonus savings rate offer Planner Technology Report for the third year in a row. 25% quickly we could process certain requests creating delays for customers. LOREM IPSUM to help young Australians The new roles will support home, save for their first home, To help customers remotely, personal and business lending and and our supplementary we can now verify customer assist customers in financial difficulty. Emergency Services Credit identity via video technology, Policy allows permanent and in New South Wales and front-line emergency services Victoria, customers can ‘e-sign’ OCCULLA AUT FACCU home loan documents. PTATUR ACIUM QUATURE workers to have 100% of their 16 17 18 19 20 RNATIO EATEM TORRUM overtime and allowances assessed as part of their home loan application. WESTPAC GROUP 2020 SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE REPORT | 15
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE ISSUES THAT MATTER SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY OTHER INFORMATION BUILDING A SIMPLER, STRONGER BANK | HELPING CUSTOMERS | SUPPORTING OUR PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES Information To help customers avoid scams, we have introduced security and the Security Wellbeing Check within the Westpac App, hosted $29m recovered for data privacy scam awareness seminars in communities across Australia and distributed more than 8,000 customers in lost Keeping customer data and copies of the ACCC Little Black funds from scams accounts safe is a priority Book of Scams. and we continue to strengthen We also released a Financial our systems and educate Abuse Support Guide to help our community. protect those who might be more vulnerable to fraud or Protecting customers scam-related activity. from scams The latest ACCC Targeting Fraud protection Scams Report found Australians We provide 24/7 fraud reported more than 336,000 protection monitoring for scams last year with a loss of irregular and suspicious over $634 million. There has also activities. Our Westpac been a spike in scams since the Fraud Money Back and start of COVID-19. Online Transaction Security We have introduced new scam Guarantees provide SCAM PROTECTION IN ACTION detection technology that sends reassurance that customers will branch employees real-time John and Valerie were approached by scammers who claimed they were be reimbursed in the event of alerts as payments are being calling in relation to the NBN and said someone was trying to hack into their unauthorised transactions.1 processed where suspicious phone line. John and Valerie were kept on the line for a few hours, with the transactions are identified, scammers asking them to ‘check this and that’. allowing them to be investigated At one point they were asked to download files onto their computer, which on the spot. then allowed the scammers to create a backdoor into their computer and Our specialised Scam Assist team attempt to transfer funds from their credit card. supports scam detection and Fortunately, Westpac’s security system recognised the transfer as prevention for customers, while potentially malicious and immediately blocked the customers’ internet our branch teams have received banking access, preventing any financial loss for the customer. Realising enhanced scam training. that something was wrong, John and Valerie also called the branch and were advised to hang up the call with the scammers. 1 Subject to applicable terms and conditions. WESTPAC GROUP 2020 SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE REPORT | 16
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE ISSUES THAT MATTER SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY OTHER INFORMATION BUILDING A SIMPLER, STRONGER BANK | HELPING CUSTOMERS | SUPPORTING OUR PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES Treating data with care — introducing technology to prevent some types Help in the — Offered an interest adjustment/discount for Protecting the personal data of our customers of sensitive data from being released out of moments that customers with a Farm Management Deposit to and employees, as well as our confidential business information is a priority across the organisation without appropriate protection; matter offset eligible business loans. Bushfires ~1,980 disaster relief packages our organisation. — implementing file sharing This year, many customers to help customers impacted — Provided $3.83 million in technology to simplify and have endured the impacts by bushfire Our Privacy and Information emergency cash grants improve the secure sharing of prolonged drought and Security teams are responsible to consumer and business of data with third parties devastating bushfires. for setting policy and customers and customers; standards in accordance Our Financial Recovery Hub — Provided around 1,980 — implementing a tool that with our risk management provides customers with disaster relief packages to helps our people classify framework and with privacy financial resources and tools help customers manage their emails and files to laws and regulations. We have to help get them back on track their finances, including improve data handling; processes in place designed following a crisis. Tailored assisting with alternative to monitor for existing and — new training to increase support packages this year arrangements such as new privacy risks and we are employee understanding included: repayment deferrals taking steps to continue to of our privacy obligations Drought — Received 603 home and strengthen our privacy and when handling personal contents insurance claims, data protection approach. data; and — Extended our ongoing with total claims from — strengthening data breach support to customers under bushfires currently estimated Current areas of focus include: awareness and response a new Drought Assistance at over $37 million — adapting our processes for processes. Package the increased number of — Donated over $1.4 million — A $100 million fund to to community groups and employees working from provide carry-on finance home; charities, including Financial loans of up to $1 million to Counselling Australia, State- — simplifying our website existing eligible Westpac based volunteer fire services privacy policy to make it agribusiness customers at a and the Foundation for easier for customers to heavily discounted variable Rural and Regional Renewal understand how we handle interest rate (FRRR) their personal data; — Option to defer principal — Supported customers, and interest repayments on communities and employees existing business term loans by providing relief staff and equipment finance for to selected branches and up to 12 months mobile banking solutions across affected regions. WESTPAC GROUP 2020 SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE REPORT | 17
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE ISSUES THAT MATTER SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY OTHER INFORMATION BUILDING A SIMPLER, STRONGER BANK | HELPING CUSTOMERS | SUPPORTING OUR PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES Helping those in need We also offered support for banking needs including access of extra care elderly customers and people to cards or cash, establishing MAKING COMPASSIONATE SERVICE experiencing vulnerability to telephone and internet banking AN INDUSTRY PRIORITY Many of us will become get started with contactless and resolving issues with scams The [Yuri Ingkarninthi Loss of a loved one is a difficult vulnerable at some point in our banking due to COVID-19 and fraud. time and can feel overwhelming. A lives and need extra help or Indigenous Connection] restrictions. new Australian Death Notification care. We continue to improve With our program of remote team at Westpac To assist individuals visits paused due to COVID-19, Service (ADNS) initiative, developed support for customers in these experiencing a problem with the Remote Services team treats clients with the in collaboration between the NSW circumstances. Government, Westpac and other gambling, our gambling extended its phone, email respect, dignity and This year our specialist teams major banks, will allow the next of preference opt-out option and video support. The team understanding that kin or representative to provide a supported more than 24,000 allows customers to block also proactively connected verified notice of death to multiple customers experiencing transactions with merchants with other service providers they deserve, and show organisations in a single transaction, vulnerability and issued over we can identify as gambling in remote communities to grace and patience 75,300 financial assistance saving them time and the burden of merchants on our consumer understand the evolving when supporting repeating their story. packages for customers facing credit cards and some challenges faced by customers financial hardship. debit cards. and increase awareness people that have We developed an enterprise- of the services offered by limited interactions wide standard to help our Remote services banking the Indigenous Connection with electronic support call centre. people support customers Westpac Remote Services services.” in vulnerable circumstances, supports Aboriginal and Torres and a Family or Domestic BRENTON NIEMZ, Strait Islander customers in Violence Position Statement to REGIONAL MANAGER, FAR WEST remote communities who may outline the principles we apply COAST SA, AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS face geographic, language and when providing extra care to cultural barriers to accessing affected customers. financial services. To assist customers and First piloted in 2018, this year their families going through we expanded Yuri Ingkarninthi, challenging circumstances, our Indigenous Connection call we provide education toolkits centre, to cover customers in and resources on areas such all States and Territories. More as loss of a loved one, divorce than 18,000 conversations were or separation, and elder held with over 5,000 customers financial abuse. to support a variety of remote WESTPAC GROUP 2020 SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE REPORT | 18
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE ISSUES THAT MATTER SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY OTHER INFORMATION BUILDING A SIMPLER, STRONGER BANK | HELPING CUSTOMERS | SUPPORTING OUR PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES THE ISSUES THAT MATTER Supporting our people and communities As one of Australia’s largest companies and banks, we can help support the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of Australia and New Zealand. We can do this as an employer, through the financing decisions that we make and through the role we play in supporting local communities. 2020 SNAPSHOT 40,225 employees (headcount) $150m+ in community investment1 $10.1bn lending to climate change 719 jobs2 created by Westpac Foundation3- solutions backed social enterprises Westpac Foundation has 1 Excludes commercial sponsorships. awarded $300,000 over 2 Jobs created through the Westpac Foundation job creation grants to social enterprises are three years to Soft Landing, for the year ended 30 June 2020. a national social enterprise 3 Westpac Foundation is administered by Westpac Community Limited (ABN 34 086 862 795) that diverts end-of-life as trustee for Westpac Community Trust (ABN 53 265 036 982). The Westpac Community mattresses from landfill and Trust is a Public Ancillary Fund, endorsed by the ATO as a Deductible Gift Recipient. None of creates stable and meaningful Westpac Foundation, Westpac Community Trust Limited nor the Westpac Community Trust jobs for people experiencing are part of Westpac Group. Westpac provides administrative support, skilled volunteering, barriers to employment. donations and funding for operational costs of Westpac Foundation. Find out more about Westpac Foundation on page 26. Please see page 30 for more detail on climate change and page 37 for human rights. WESTPAC GROUP 2020 SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE REPORT | 19
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE ISSUES THAT MATTER SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY OTHER INFORMATION BUILDING A SIMPLER, STRONGER BANK | HELPING CUSTOMERS | SUPPORTING OUR PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES Our people COVID-19 has increased the need for mental wellbeing The huddles explore our values to provide clarity on expected support. In response, we behaviours in everyday Our priority through COVID-19 have introduced new tools situations and help to build 9.4% has been to protect our people while remaining open and resources to support employees’ health and wellbeing, including for parents our culture of service and performance. of employees using Employee for business so we can support Our employee commitment Access Program for confidential customers, communities and and carers balancing home index1 increased to 73%, counselling and coaching the Australian economy. and work commitments, and from 72% at the end of FY19. for employees exposed to the We have implemented a broad After a downturn following increased risk of domestic 20,000+ range of measures to protect the AUSTRAC proceedings, and family violence. During the health and wellbeing of employee engagement the bushfire crisis earlier employees. This includes strengthened over the year employees transitioned to in the year, we provided enhanced corporate cleaning as we supported customers working from home targeted solutions for our most of our sites, personal protective and communities during the WELLBEING PODCAST SERIES impacted customer support equipment, temperature bushfire crisis and COVID-19. Westpac Chief Mental Health Officer teams and wellbeing checks for In addition, the changes we 73% checks in larger sites and employees in bushfire regions. Dave Burroughs’ Wellbeing podcast installation of polycarbonate are making to our business are series is helping employees stay protective screens in branches. A focus of our mental health helping to address our people’s connected and focused on their employee commitment index1 strategy has been enhancing feedback. wellbeing during a period of change Where possible, we leadership capability, and uncertainty. Dave shares practical transitioned to remote working, with 2,250 people leaders Building skills for the advice from his 20-year career with more than 20,000 completing training in early future as a psychologist, with episodes employees working from home intervention, prevention of ranging from coping with isolation to and special leave provisions mental ill-health, and the To help our people continue to managing your financial wellbeing. introduced to address illness, importance of supportive develop their skills, we provide self-isolation and changed leadership behaviour. a range of structured and self- childcare responsibilities. paced learning experiences, including virtual coaching With a large increase in Our Service Promise support to help bankers have demand for customer Weekly ‘huddles’ where great customer conversations assistance through online employees come together to and deepen relationships. channels and telephone, we share great examples of service had to quickly increase staffing We have also partnered with and areas where we need to in our contact centre and leading universities to offer change remain an important operations teams. employees a range of micro- part of our operating rhythm. credentials in transferrable skills such as risk, lending and service. 1 Six-month rolling average. WESTPAC GROUP 2020 SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE REPORT | 20
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE ISSUES THAT MATTER SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY OTHER INFORMATION BUILDING A SIMPLER, STRONGER BANK | HELPING CUSTOMERS | SUPPORTING OUR PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES Creating a diverse, inclusive culture This year we welcomed 115 new-to-bank Aboriginal or — ABLE – focused on disability and accessibility inclusion; Sustainable finance Torres Strait Islander hires and — Amplify – for employees Recognising and embracing increased the regional footprint over 50; Many corporate and institutional customers are moving towards the diversity of our people of our Aboriginal and Torres helps us to create an inclusive — Brothers & Sisters – more sustainable business models. We offer a broad range of Strait Islander traineeship sustainable finance products and services to support them. culture where employees feel supporting our Aboriginal program, which provides paid they belong, are encouraged and Torres Strait Islander full-time or school-based to bring new ideas and community; Sustainable lending traineeships to build experience understand the diversity of in the financial services industry. — Cultural Diversity Leadership An Economist Intelligence Unit report2, sponsored by Westpac the communities we serve. – elevating cultural diversity and released in February, found 68% of investors plan to increase We have launched the second in our leadership; their allocation of funds in sustainable investments over the next We have maintained 50% intake of our Tailored Talent — Domestic and Family 12 months, with renewables and energy efficiency leading the way. Women in Leadership1 roles program, designed to overcome overall and are focused on Violence – raising awareness This year, our sustainable lending focused on supporting positive hiring barriers for people on the growing diversity in our and support for people social outcomes amidst the economic and social impacts of COVID-19 autism spectrum. The program leadership pipelines for the impacted by Domestic and and continuing to support the transition to a low carbon economy. was recognised with the 2020 most senior levels of the Family Violence; Aspect Advancement Award Globally, social finance increased more than four times over the six organisation through dedicated from Autism Australia. — GLOBAL – focused on leadership programs. months to end June compared to the prior year. LGBTIQ inclusion; Our Employee Action Groups Westpac continued to be the largest financier to greenfield renewable A new Cultural Diversity — Pro Bono Volunteering bring together communities of energy projects in Australia, funding 13 projects over three years with Leadership Shadowing – connecting employees employees with shared interests capacity to support more than 1.2 million households. Program enables employees with skilled volunteering who are passionate about from a wide range of ethnic opportunities; There is continued demand for green loans, as well as sustainability- growing our inclusive culture backgrounds to be partnered and promoting awareness of — The Youth Network – for linked loans, which incentivise and reward borrowers for meeting with a senior leader to issues and opportunities. With employees under 35; pre-determined sustainability targets. Transactions this year learn from their leadership over 10,000 members, our — Veterans – supporting include: experiences. 210 employees EAGs include: current and former Defence — Coriance secured a 100 million sustainability-linked loan aligned participated in this first year of members and their partners; with three targets key to its core business and cost of funds; the program. and — Westpac NZ and Contact Energy entered into a $50 million, — Women of Westpac – four-year sustainability-linked loan facility, one of the first of empowering women. its kind in New Zealand. The loan’s incentive targets align with continual improvement in Contact Energy’s Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) performance, including assessment of its climate strategy, electricity generation mix, corporate governance and stakeholder engagement; 1 Women in Leadership refers to the proportion of women (permanent and maximum term) in leadership roles across the Group. It includes the CEO, Group Executives, General Managers, senior leaders with significant influence on business outcomes (direct reports to General Managers and their direct reports) large (3+) team people leaders three levels below General Manager, and Bank Managers and Assistant Bank Managers. 2 www.westpac.com.au/corporate-banking/westpaciq/financing-sustainability-report WESTPAC GROUP 2020 SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE REPORT | 21
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE ISSUES THAT MATTER SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY OTHER INFORMATION BUILDING A SIMPLER, STRONGER BANK | HELPING CUSTOMERS | SUPPORTING OUR PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES — Genex secured $192 million solar installations at three Responsible Investment (PRI), In addition to providing of funding for their Jemalong research centres run by the reflecting our long-term customers access to ESG Solar Project and the NSW Department of Planning, commitment to leadership in tools through our Panorama refinancing of the existing Industry & Environment (DPIE) this space. investment platform, BT #1 debt facility for the Kidston in partnership with Verdia. launched new resources to Our refreshed BT Sustainability Solar One Project. The senior help advisers and their clients During the year, we updated Framework outlines how we facility has been verified understand their options for largest financier to greenfield our Sustainability Risk embed sustainability and renewable energy projects1 in as a Green Loan, the first considering or prioritising Management Framework and ESG considerations in our Australia for past three years globally to be certified under sustainability investments. ESG Credit Policy, developed investment process and enable the updated Climate Bonds tools to support bankers our members and investors to BT continues to disclose its Standards v3.0. The loan when considering ESG risks, make informed choices about approach to climate change $10.1bn is also the largest Certified Green Loan by an Australian renewable energy group; and and enhanced our position statements including on our products and services. For investments we manage across our wealth management business, in alignment with the lending to climate change climate and human rights. recommendations of the FSB solutions — Westpac NZ helped Meridian internally, we launched our Regulators across multiple Task Force on Climate-related Energy launch its Green new BT Sustainable Investment jurisdictions, including APRA Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Finance Programme. All Policy. This outlines how BT and ASIC, continue to advance 75% Meridian’s $1.8 billion debt approaches sustainability their agenda on climate risks, instruments are covered by when investing on behalf of and it remains an area of the programme, including customers, including members renewable energy represents interest for investors. 75% of our lending to the a dedicated pool of eligible of the default MySuper electricity sector wind and hydroelectricity Lifestage funds available Sustainable investment through our retail and corporate projects and assets. The programme has been Through our wealth superannuation funds. independently reviewed and management business, BT, This year we received verified by DNV GL Business we continue to develop and SuperRatings’ Infinity Assurance Australia. expand our approach to recognition across both FIRST GREEN LOAN IN sustainable investment. SUPERANNUATION We have continued our strong BT Super and BT Super for partnership with government, BT maintained its A+ rating Life, in recognition of industry- This year, we launched Australia’s scoping and delivering bespoke for its sustainable investment leading sustainable behaviour first green loan developed for the energy options for the NSW strategy and governance and a genuine commitment superannuation sector. Working Government. This includes through the Principles for to responsible investment closely with Local Government principles. Super, the $65 million green loan was structured by determining which of the buildings in its Local Government Property Fund meet international standards for green buildings set by the Climate Bonds Initiative. 1 IJGlobal, September 2020. WESTPAC GROUP 2020 SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE REPORT | 22
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