- Founded: December 22, 1911, under the Commonwealth Bank Act
- FY2025 Revenue: A$27.56 billion (5.53% year-over-year growth)
- Employees: 51,346 (as of 2025)
- Market Cap: Approximately A$257 billion (January 2026)
- Total Assets: Approximately A$1.137 trillion
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), also known as CommBank, is the largest bank in Australia by market capitalization, total assets, and customer numbers. The bank serves over 18 million customers through its retail, business, and institutional banking segments.
CBA provides a wide range of financial products and services including home loans, savings accounts, business banking, insurance, superannuation, and investment services. The bank operates through brands including Bankwest, ASB Bank in New Zealand, CommSec for share trading, and Colonial First State for investments.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia History
Commonwealth Bank of Australia Co-founders
Commonwealth Bank of Australia Competitors
Commonwealth Bank of Australia competes with three other major banks in what Australians call the “Big Four.” Together, these four banks control approximately 70% of the Australian banking market. National Australia Bank and ANZ are among CBA’s main competitors.
| Company | Headquarters | Total Assets (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Westpac Banking Corporation | Sydney, Australia | A$1.06 trillion |
| National Australia Bank (NAB) | Melbourne, Australia | A$906 billion |
| Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) | Melbourne, Australia | A$800+ billion |
| Macquarie Group | Sydney, Australia | A$450 billion |
| Bendigo and Adelaide Bank | Bendigo, Australia | A$95 billion |
| Bank of Queensland | Brisbane, Australia | A$80 billion |
| ING Australia | Sydney, Australia | A$65 billion |
| Suncorp Bank | Brisbane, Australia | A$55 billion |
| HSBC Australia | Sydney, Australia | A$45 billion |
| AMP Bank | Sydney, Australia | A$25 billion |
Commonwealth Bank of Australia Acquisitions
Commonwealth Bank of Australia has grown through strategic acquisitions over its history. The bank’s expansion strategy focused on building capabilities in retail banking, wealth management, and geographic reach across Australia and internationally.
In 1989, CBA acquired a 75% stake in ASB Bank, New Zealand’s third-largest bank. The remaining 25% was purchased in 2000, giving CBA full ownership. This acquisition established CBA’s presence in New Zealand and remains a profitable part of the group today.
The 1991 acquisition of State Bank of Victoria followed the state bank’s failure. This purchase made CBA Australia’s largest domestic bank and consolidated its position in the Victorian market. The Australian government used proceeds from this period to begin privatising Commonwealth Bank.
The 2000 merger with Colonial Limited brought Colonial First State’s funds management business, insurance operations, and other wealth management services under CBA’s control. This merger created a full-service financial institution and remains one of the largest transactions in Australian corporate history.
In 2008, CBA acquired Bankwest from HBOS for A$2.1 billion during the global financial crisis. Bankwest gave CBA a stronger presence in Western Australia and added retail and business banking customers. That same year, CBA partnered with Aussie Home Loans to purchase Wizard Home Loans.
More recently, CBA has simplified its business by selling several assets. The bank sold its life insurance businesses to AIA Group, its global asset management business to Mitsubishi UFJ, and 55% of Colonial First State to KKR. These divestments allowed CBA to focus on its core banking operations.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia Revenue
Commonwealth Bank of Australia generated A$27.56 billion in total revenue for fiscal year 2025, representing a 5.53% increase compared to the prior year. Net profit for FY2025 reached A$10.12 billion.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia Marketcap
Commonwealth Bank of Australia has a market capitalization of approximately A$257 billion as of January 2026. This makes CBA the largest company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and positions it among the world’s top 110 most valuable companies.
FAQs
When was Commonwealth Bank of Australia founded?
Commonwealth Bank of Australia was established on December 22, 1911, through the Commonwealth Bank Act introduced by Prime Minister Andrew Fisher’s Labor Government.
Who owns Commonwealth Bank of Australia?
Commonwealth Bank is a publicly traded company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. It was fully privatised by the Australian government between 1991 and 1996.
Is Commonwealth Bank the biggest bank in Australia?
Yes. Commonwealth Bank is Australia’s largest bank by market capitalization, total assets, customer numbers, and deposits. It serves over 18 million customers.
What brands does Commonwealth Bank own?
Commonwealth Bank owns Bankwest, ASB Bank in New Zealand, CommSec for share trading, and holds a 45% stake in Colonial First State for wealth management.
Where is Commonwealth Bank of Australia headquartered?
Commonwealth Bank is headquartered at Commonwealth Bank Place in Darling Harbour, Sydney. The bank moved to this new head office complex in 2022.