Banks based
within Asia and Australia are crossing over more frequently, however
how well do they stack up against each other? Will Australian banks
have the ability to develop a competitive advantage in highly banked
Asian capital markets, and will Asian banks offer a compelling
alternative to Australian banking propositions?
Asian banks cost-to-income ratios have fast become the envy of the
world, yet despite an extended period of strong performance by
Australian banks, overall return-on-capital is yet to match that of
their Asian counterparts.
Singapore continues to represent the central financial hub for Asia,
with banks such as DBS, OCBC and UOB actively investing more broadly
across the region. This has resulted in an almost fifty percent
increase in pre-tax profits in the last year alone, indicating highly
capitalised banks are deploying their resources diligently.
Despite these strong results, underlying growth rates favour banks
based in smaller economies, for example Vietnam and Cambodia.
Regulators and investors remain cautious of emerging markets ability
to sustain growth, focusing on bank consolidation and shadow banking
oversight.
Moves to deregulate financial markets in China are also viewed in a
positive light. A small number of large banks coupled with hundreds of
smaller banks dominate financial markets in most Asian countries.
Further consolidation provides a stronger underpinning for additional
growth, ensuring Tier 1 capital can comply with minimum Basel III
regulatory capital requirements.
Of the Australian banks, ANZ has exhibited the most commitment to the
region however Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Westpac are following suit.
Although the number of banks competing for business is significantly
higher in Asia, the recent trend of many European banks retreating
from the region leaves a considerable opportunity for both local and
international banks. |
Several Asian
banks are targeting further growth in Australia as the mining boom is
replaced by a rapid home construction expansion. Asian lenders are
strongly placed to extend lending facilities to Australian borrowers,
as banks focus less on non-core wealth and investment functions,
favouring traditional roles such as funding small business ventures
and retail consumer finance.
Moves by the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA) to
tighten home lending standards will place pressure on new entrants to
compete on more than just price. Owner occupied housing growth is
being consistently outweighed by self-managed superfunds and
investors, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne.
Expansion into Asia does not fit these categories, with wealth
management and trade finance offering excellent opportunities in an
evolving financial markets landscape.
Australian banks have made significant steps to safeguard themselves
from another financial crisis. S&P have recently rated Australia’s
banks amongst the safest in the world, based upon consistent
reductions in impairments and bad debts. A low interest rate
environment has also seen loan repayments increase.
Australian banks seeking ROC outcomes achieved by Asian banks are
closely monitoring the success of the Shanghai free trade zone,
presenting as an excellent opportunity to engage with businesses in
the region more broadly.
An easing of Chinese capital controls is attractive to new entrants,
however in many countries across Asia the unique challenge of
competing with such a high number of individual banks will push their
strategic positioning to new lengths.
Asian banks entering Australia are seeking the safe, confident and
robust revenue streams that have made Australian banks such valuable
propositions. The trade-off between stability and growth will continue
to define the cross-over between Australian and Asian banks. |
