Briefs: ANZ commits A$3 billion to trade finance, IMB to become a mutual bank 18 May 2015 3:38PM Banking Day staff Briefs, ANZ has launched a "trade lending pledge", allocating A$3 billion for small and medium sized Australian companies looking to grow their offshore trading business. The bank said it would use the program to raise awareness of trading opportunities, particularly in Asia. ANZ Australia chief executive Mark Whelan said Australian businesses were yet to recognise the potential offered by recent free trade agreements that the Australian Government had signed. Building Society IMB has applied to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority to become a mutual bank. Subject to APRA approval IMB will change its name to IMB Bank on August 1. The building society said in a statement that its ownership model would not change. The long-running share buyback program will continue.