Westpac trains branch managers

 WESTPAC Bank is training branch managers to deliver financial education workshops to local communities across Papua New Guinea. 

The workshop expects to see at least 8,400 people receive free financial training in there months. 

It is being carried out in partnership with Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme (PFIP).

Last week, 16 branch managers, including five in-store banking staff and four graduate trainees attended a five-day workshop in Port Moresby conducted by Clare Balderston from Westpac Sydney.  

Westpac PNG head of retail banking Adam Downie said by training its own team, especially its branch managers, Westpac could speed up the delivery of financial education in the communities where the bank operates. 

“I encourage local schools, church groups and employers to speak to their local branch managers to arrange a financial education session which would teach people about the importance of setting goals and achieving them through careful budgeting and planning. 

“The delivery of financial education perfectly complements our efforts to bank PNG’s large unbanked population through our In-store banking and our soon to be re-launched the mobile banking service,” Downie said.

He said that about 85% of the population had no access to banking services.

“Money basics” and “financial first steps” workshops helped participants manage their income, expenses and savings and budget for the future.’