Westpac Banking Corporation and Griffith University have announced a strategic partnership aimed at advancing financial crime prevention across Australia.
Griffith’s Academy of Excellence in Financial Crime Investigation and Compliance will collaborate with Westpac to deliver specialised training programs in financial crime investigation and compliance.
Through targeted micro-credentials, Westpac staff will gain foundational knowledge of financial crime obligations and develop core analytical skills in forensic accounting, investigations and criminology.
Academy Director Professor Andreas Chai said the partnership strengthened broader efforts to address financial crime.
“We’re proud to collaborate with Westpac to strengthen its capabilities and contribute to national efforts to detect, report and disrupt financial crime,” Professor Chai said.
“Financial crime is a global issue, generating an estimated AUD $3 trillion each year, which is roughly two per cent of global GDP, and less than one per cent of these illicit funds are recovered.
“This partnership contributes to national solutions to safeguard the integrity of the financial system and build safer communities by empowering professionals to protect those most vulnerable.”
Westpac’s General Manager of Financial Crime, Jodie Arthur, said the co-designed program aimed to enhance investigative skills through practical case studies.
“We have 150 employees starting the program this year, and over the course of our three-year partnership, we’ll upskill around 500 team members—helping to better protect Westpac customers,” Ms Arthur said.
“We’re delighted to partner with Griffith University, and this collaboration highlights the value of bringing higher education and industry together to deliver real-world, responsive learning opportunities.”
As a leader in interdisciplinary collaboration, the Academy leverages knowledge from disciplines including banking, forensic accounting, criminology, law, information communication technology, policing, and the broader community to enhance financial crime literacy and compliance processes.
Griffith University Vice President (Industry and External Engagement) Professor Bronwyn Harch said the partnership was a meaningful step in advancing a shared vision in financial crime training and education.
“We’re pleased to partner with Westpac on this important national mission, strengthening Australia’s resilience against future risks,” Professor Harch said.
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Andreas Chai
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