ANZ to enhance financial literacy for First Nations people in new partnership

ANZ has announced a two-year partnership with First Nations Foundation to expand its outreach program for improved financial literacy among First Nations communities.

The partnership forms part of ANZ's 10-year Australian First Nations Strategy, dubbed Fuelling the Fire, to invest in First Nations-led financial education and wellbeing initiatives that support economic self-determination, the bank said.

Over the two-year partnership, the foundation's in-person community outreach will expand, ANZ said, and is expected to support hundreds more First Nations people nationally to build financial capability, confidence and pathways to improved financial outcomes.

First Nations customers will also gain access to culturally grounded financial education, through the foundation's My Money Dream and My Business Dream programs.

Additionally, over the period, ANZ staff will receive cultural competency training to better understand First Nations peoples' unique relationships and struggles with money, ANZ said.

ANZ head of First Nations strategy Shelley Cable said investments in First Nations-led solutions remain crucial for the group.

"Our shared ambition with First Nations Foundation is to invest in First Nations people to become financially empowered and confident," Cable said.

"This will create greater choice, opportunity and self-determination for First Nations people, customers and communities."

The collaboration builds on the success of First Nations Foundation's Financial Wellness Outreach initiative, which has already helped reconnect First Nations people with more than $31 million in lost superannuation since 2016.

First Nations Foundation chief executive Leah Bennett added: "By choosing to partner with First Nations Foundation, ANZ is not just supporting a program or a project, they're investing in community-led solutions, cultural strength and long-term change. Self-determination is central to how we lead and design our work."

"Our communities know what's best for us, and we're at our strongest when we're backed by the trust, leadership and support of partners like ANZ."