Latest Westpac News: Finextra Research

Westpac pilots AI assistant to help staff deal with customers who have been scammed

Westpac has built an AI assitant to help support staff deal with customers who think they've been scammed.

04 June 2025

Westpac rolls out 'panic button' for customers who think they've been scammed

In its latest move to stop scammers, Westpac is to introduce SafeBlock, a new feature that allows customers to block their accounts and cards in an instant via the app or online banking.

24 March 2025

/security

Australian banks pilot fraud intelligence sharing network

Australia's top banks are piloting a fraud and scams intelligence-sharing network using behavioural- and device-based technology from security vendor BioCatch.

21 November 2024

/security

Westpac battles impersonation scams with 'SafeCall'

In a move to help stop bank impersonation scams, Westpac has teamed with telco Optus to introduce a new verified in-app calling capability.

31 July 2024

/payments

Westpac starts offering debit cards to eight-year-olds

Australian bank Westpac is now offering debit cards to children as young as eight in a move it says will help them hone their financial skills.

30 July 2024

/security

Westpac and CBA step up fight against scammers

Stepping up its fight against scammers, Westpac has introduced real-time Confirmation of Payee security features for consumer and small business customers.

13 June 2024

/retail

Westpac extends moratorium on branch closures in the bush

Westpac is extending a moratorium on regional branch closures until at least 2027 and investing $100 million in it branch network.

02 May 2024

/payments

Mastercard launches virtual card app to simplify travel and business expenses

HSBC Australia and Westpac have signed on as the first banks to offer a new Mastercard app that enables virtual commercial cards to be added to digital wallets.

19 April 2024