Bank of New South Wales

Not to be confused with State Bank of New South Wales.

Bank of New South Wales
IndustryFinancial services
Founded8 April 1817 (1817-04-08) in Sydney, Australia
FounderLachlan Macquarie
Defunct4 May 1982 (1982-05-04)
FateMerged with Commercial Bank of Australia
SuccessorWestpac
HeadquartersMartin Place,
Sydney
,
Australia
Area served
New South Wales

The Bank of New South Wales (BNSW), also known as The Wales, was the first bank in Australia It was established in 1817 in Sydney. During the 19th century, the bank opened branches throughout Australia and New Zealand, expanding into Oceania in the 20th century. Throughout it history it merged with and purchased many other financial institutions. In 1981 it merged with the Commercial Bank of Australia and was renamed Westpac on 4 May 1982.