Westpac has expanded its collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) through a new five-year agreement that will support the bank’s hybrid cloud strategy.
Westpac will tap into advanced AWS capabilities like machine learning, compute, and data analytics, to further accelerate the bank’s digital transformation, drive cost efficiencies, and personalise its banking applications.
Westpac Group Chief Technology Officer, David Walker, says the investment is another major step forward in Westpac’s technology transformation journey and will provide its engineers with more choice and flexibility to deliver state of the art cloud-based solutions.
“We first started working with AWS in 2015 to host our websites and in that time we’ve had over 72 months of uninterrupted uptime which is a game-changer for our systems and our customers,” said Mr Walker.
“We’ve also made strong progress scaling up the use of cloud services over the past year which has driven this expanded collaboration with AWS.
“This collaboration will help us continue growing the use of cloud across the business so we can deliver new and enhanced digital-first experiences for our customers and employees, particularly through advanced technologies like Conversational AI, Banking-as-a-Service, and our new transaction platform for institutional customers.”
Under the new agreement, Westpac employees will also be able to access accredited AWS training courses including the new AWS Industry Quest: Financial Services, an interactive learning experience that teaches staff how to build cloud solutions for the financial services industry.
“Our transformation is underpinned by great talent, so it’s a priority to ensure upskilling opportunities were available across specialty areas like cloud, AI, and data to ensure a strong future pipeline of technology talent,” Mr Walker added. “We’re looking forward to learning the latest cloud skills from AWS to keep ourselves at the forefront as digital banking leaders.”
AWS Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Rianne van Veldhuizen said the new agreement will help accelerate Westpac’s digital transformation journey and drive impactful customer and digital experiences.
“AWS continually invests in secure and resilient cloud infrastructure and a depth of services that banks need to differentiate themselves to solve customer challenges of tomorrow. We’re proud to expand our long-term collaboration over the next five years to help Westpac develop innovative cloud-first solutions. Building on AWS will enable Westpac to meet rapidly changing customer behaviours and drive business growth, while equipping employees with skills needed to drive Australia’s digital future.”
