What was the name of the first bank established in Australia, founded in 1817?

The first bank established in Australia, founded in 1817, was the Bank of New South Wales.

The institution was created in Sydney as the Bank of New South Wales, making it Australia’s first bank. It was established during the early colonial period, when expanding trade and settlement created demand for organized credit, deposits, and payment services. The bank later opened branches in other Australian colonies and overseas locations.

In 1982, the Bank of New South Wales merged with the Commercial Bank of Australia. The combined institution adopted the name Westpac Banking Corporation in 198 name? Actually 1982 merger and Westpac name. Need ensure exact. Let's correct: in 1982 merged and renamed Westpac Banking Corporation.

This history is why Westpac describes itself as Australia’s first bank. The institution should not be confused with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, which was founded in 1911 as a government-owned bank. The Bank of New South Wales was a separate commercial institution created nearly a century earlier.