Briefs: Big year for Defence, NAB mothballs HQ, ASB shuts branches 02 July 2020 5:34AM Banking Day staff Defence Bank, NAB, Briefs Defence Bank said it recorded “its biggest loan funding year yet” with overall home loan portfolio growth “three times stronger than system”. Leaving the data for the annual report, Defence Bank also said it “recorded deposit growth in transaction and savings account balances”. National Australia Bank has “mothballed” its Docklands headquarters at 800 Bourke Street in Melbourne and a second tower at 700 Bourke St. The minimal number of staff needed to work in the city will be operate from the tired old HQ building at 500 Bourke St. ASB is closing nine of its 118 New Zealand branches and moving 25 others to three days a week. The bank says the changes will be implemented on August 3, but no jobs will be lost as a result.