Policy Associate / Director (Customer policy team)

The Australian Banking Association (ABA)

The ABA is a dynamic and innovative organisation that works effectively as a whole and in partnership with our member banks. The ABA advocates for a strong, competitive and innovative banking industry that delivers excellent and equitable outcomes for customers. We promote and encourage policies that make banking better for all Australians, through advocacy, research and thought leadership.

The Role

The ABA is seeking a policy professional to join an integrated and flexible team of Associate Directors and Policy Directors reporting to the Head of Customer Policy.

Aligned with the banking industry’s strategic priorities, the position contributes to the development of policy positions in response to Government reforms and industry led policy and reform initiatives.

The position provides technical advice and industry insights and applies expertise in issues management, research and analysis.

Depending on the level of experience and expertise of the successful candidate, the position will be appointed as an Associate Director, Policy or as a Policy Director.

This permanent role is based in Sydney.

Responsibilities

- Deliver on the ABA’s strategic plan and policy action plans to demonstrate the role of Australian banks in serving customers and the community, supporting the economy, shaping the future of banking, and strengthening trust through delivering good customer outcomes (ABA strategic priorities).

- Build and maintain trusted relationships with member banks, particularly liaising with technical, legal and regulatory, and business teams in member banks.

- Proactively manage policy issues, provide problem solving, judgement and execution when faced with complex and urgent issues.





- Provide research and analysis of existing and merging policy issues, in Australia and globally, and support the work of ABA Policy teams.

- Working with the ABA Corporate Affairs team, contribute information towards the development of media and communications positions and assist with the coordination of industry events.

- Working with member banks and stakeholders, develop policy and advocacy positions in response to government led reforms and industry led policy and reform initiatives.

- Analyse information and data, conduct research and analysis, prepare reports and contribute to other internal and external communications.

Skills & Experience

- Minimum of 3 to 5 years' experience in a policy, legal, risk or banking operations role, ideally within the banking, finance, or consumer advocacy sectors

- Financial hardship, customer vulnerability, financial abuse and dispute resolution policy knowledge highly desirable

- Experience in an area related to regulatory change, legal and compliance is desirable

- Knowledge and experience of political and regulatory processes, media and communications and banking and financial services industry

- Proven stakeholder management at senior executive level with a broad range of stakeholders within corporate, political, regulatory, community and media sectors

- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with teams.

What’s on offer

- Competitive salary including super and performance bonus.

- Prospect to influence decision makers across industry, regulators and government.

- Flexible working conditions, and opportunities for the right candidate to make a mark in an industry central to enabling the potential of Australia’s communities.

How to apply

To apply, submit your application via SEEK. Applications close on Wednesday 10 October 2026.

📌 Policy Associate / Director (Sydney)
🏢 Australian Banking Association
📍 Sydney