ANZ Plans to Expand Branch Lender Teams
The bank intends to grow its branch-based mortgage lender numbers by up to 50 per cent over five years as broker-originated lending expands.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Residential
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ANZ has announced a plan to increase its branch lender numbers by up to 50 per cent over five years. The move comes as broker-originated loans now make up 63 per cent of the bank's home loan portfolio.
Why it matters
The shift reflects the growing dominance of mortgage brokers in Australian home lending, prompting major banks to strengthen their own direct sales capabilities. For borrowers, the choice of channel may increasingly determine how a home loan is arranged and serviced.
ANZ's Australia Retail home loan balances rose 4 per cent over FY26 to $275 billion, while the average loan size increased from $571,000 to $635,000. Accounts originated during the year fell to 170,000 from 197,000, and the source does not explain the drivers of the decline in account numbers.
The players
ANZ
ANZ is one of Australia's four major banks, with a large retail home lending business.
Suncorp
Suncorp is an Australian insurance and banking group whose customers are being migrated into ANZ following an integration.
The details
ANZ will invest in mortgage sales capabilities and training to lift branch lender numbers, and extend Saturday trading hours at selected branches. The bank also reported $582 million in annual credit impairment charges, including a $222 million collective provision charge that reflects portfolio growth alongside emerging risk under higher interest rates and rising living costs.
Timeline
FY25: Broker share of originations was 68 per cent.
FY26: Home loan balances rose 4 per cent to $275 billion.
September 2026: Broker-originated loans reached 63 per cent of the portfolio.
March 2027: ANZ targets 85 per cent completion of Suncorp integration.
Residential Trend
ANZ's plan responds to the broker-led shift that has steadily taken a larger share of Australian home lending away from the big banks' own branches. The bank is now trying to win back direct business as its broker share has climbed to 63 per cent of its portfolio.
Borrowers may increasingly find that the channel they choose, whether a broker or a branch, shapes how their home loan is arranged. Customers with ANZ may also see Saturday trading hours at selected branches and changes as the Suncorp customer migration proceeds.
The takeaway
Home buyers comparing lenders should consider both broker and direct options, since the channel can affect service and how a loan is managed. Keeping repayments ahead, as most ANZ customers currently do, remains a practical buffer as rates and living costs stay elevated.
What happens next
ANZ is targeting 85 per cent completion of the Suncorp integration by March 2027, with full Suncorp customer migration planned for June 2027.
Further reading
For more on home lending trends, explore residential real estate coverage across Australia.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Adviser.
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