ANZ, Australia's third-largest bank, has announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft to establish an AI Immersion Centre at its Melbourne headquarters.

This pioneering facility, located at 833 Collins Street, marks a significant first for the banking sector in both Australia and New Zealand. Over the next year, ANZ plans to train 3,000 of its leaders through this centre, accelerating the adoption of AI technologies across the organization.

The AI Immersion Centre will provide hands-on learning opportunities, helping ANZ's leaders explore the potential of generative AI and learn how to implement it responsibly. As part of this initiative, ANZ has acquired 3,000 Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses, underscoring its commitment to integrating AI across all business lines to enhance customer service, streamline operations, and meet regulatory requirements more efficiently.

Gerard Florian, ANZ's Group Executive of Technology, emphasized the bank’s focus on leveraging AI to improve both customer and employee experiences while ensuring safe and cost-effective business practices. Microsoft’s Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, Steven Worrall, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the shared vision between the two companies to drive innovation and empower the workforce through cutting-edge technology.