The Docklands waterfront is one of the underappreciated corners of Australian banking, sharing a disconnected section of the city with modern housing towers on its flanks.
In this somewhat listless modern precinct of Melbourne, ANZ wins one war - for design effectiveness, its squat HQ nestling congenially into a city landscape of which it is a defining feature. Apparently the architecture enthusiasts prefer NAB's colourful landmark, despite NAB's failure to finish the concrete with the correct render.
ANZ's HQ invites the public inside, much more than neighbour NAB. ANZ currently has a full Christmas lights extravaganza draped across its atrium, thankfully in muted tones.
A dinkum Santa experience for the kids of staff members - in demand and bookings essential - dominated the foyer when Banking Day called yesterday.
PR chief Paul Edwards threatened his boss, outgoing CEO Mike Smith, with having to take a shift in the Santa grotto today.
If Smith can't make it his portrait soon will, with the sittings concluded and the picture painted two years ago. ANZ-sponsored Archibald winner Vincent Fantauzzo is the painter.
Smith granted an exit interview to Banking Day yesterday that was filmed, at our request, by BlueNotes.
Excerpts of this interview will feature today at ANZ's
BlueNotes portal.