Long-serving Commonwealth Bank executive Grant Cairns has been appointed Vice President of FINSIA
The Executive General Manager, Regional and Agribusiness Banking - who has been playing a leading role in CBA’s long term strategy to deal with drought and bushfires - was appointed at the last board meeting.
Grant, who became one of the first candidates to graduate through the Chartered Banker programme when it was introduced to Australia last year, said he was delighted with the opportunity.
“I’m really looking forward to helping FINSIA find the best way forward for the industry as a whole,” said Grant Chartered Banker F FIN.
“While I’ve only been a board member for 11 months, I’m aware of FINSIA’s history and commitment to the professionalisation of banking and financial services.
“It’s something I’m passionate about as well.
“Given the challenging times we have faced over the past months, it’s clear the banking industry has a vital role to play at the heart of all our communities.”
Grant will be straight into the thick of things, taking part in one of FINSIA’s now regular webinars next week. He will be reflecting on the experiences of the people he met around the country before COVID-19 hit during a Q&A with President Victoria Weekes.
Speaking after promoting the Commonwealth Bank’s sponsorship of the 2020 The Bridge Hub Water Challenge - an initiative aimed at finding practical solutions to water problems in Australia and around the world - he said: “If there’s one real positive out of the past few challenging weeks, it’s seeing so many individuals, communities and businesses come together to solve problems.
“It’s a reminder of the power of collaboration and the capacity for people to overcome challenges.
“We’re supporting the Water Challenge partly because we know water will continue to be a major source of challenges for businesses and communities long after the coronavirus issue passes – and partly because we are excited to see what solutions can be unearthed.”
Grant spoke to InFinance after becoming one of the first graduates of the fast track Chartered Banker by Experience programme last year.
“I enjoyed reflecting on the last ten years working in the industry and the dramatic changes that we have seen including digital transformation, regulatory change and rising customer expectations,” he said.
“It’s rare we take the time to reflect how we responded to these changes and what is means for our leadership into the future.
“We are all time poor so the opportunity to undertake a program that recognises your industry experience made it very attractive. Having said that, the program is still challenging and requires consistent application to stay on track to complete the reflection statements and reading.
“In terms of mindset, I think the Chartered Banker is excellent in that it hones your focus on your accountabilities as a banker particularly with respect to customer outcomes, understanding your compliance and regulatory obligations and having ethical frameworks to apply sound judgement.
“As Chartered Bankers, I think we are well placed to role model professional standards in the industry amongst those we lead and work with.
