ANZ contributes to bridging the gap with Baidam
With a history dating back to Tasmania in 1828, ANZ is now one of the top four banks in Australia and the largest banking group in New Zealand and the Pacific.
Over the last two decades, ANZ has transformed itself many times over. It has moved hemispheres, merged with 15 other banks, bought and sold assets and built its business with its customers.
Today, ANZ is regarded as one of the world's most enduring and successful banks.
A commitment to safe banking
At a time when cybercrime is rife, ANZ is committed to helping its customers safeguard their money and protect them from fraud. Innovative security services include ANZ Falcon technology and behavioural biometrics to identify online imposters.
In 2023, ANZ issued an RFP (request for proposal) to renew an existing cybersecurity product.
“One of the vendor responses we solicited was from Baidam Solutions,” says 20-year ANZ veteran Dean Thompson, Head of Cyber Defence. “Although we’d never engaged with them before, we’d heard about them in the IT industry, so we knew what they stood for and what they were giving back to the community.”
“As part of our RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan), we champion the diversification of suppliers and engage with partners who offer more than just a transactional relationship,” says Dean. “Yes, Baidam’s response was competitive, but what was more compelling was what we saw when we pulled back the covers and took a closer look at what they were doing. Their actions align strongly with our commitment to reinvesting back into the community and helping people thrive.”
Impressed by what they saw, ANZ signed up Baidam for a multi-year contract based on both the commercial aspects of the proposal and their First Nations initiatives.
“Baidam’s profit-with-purpose approach really appealed to us,” says Dean. “We loved that they reinvested a significant portion back into the Indigenous community, providing new career opportunities within the IT industry. That was a point of difference for us. What they offered as a partner was far more than a commercial relationship.”
Securing a better future
An important goal in ANZ’s RAP is to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity to support improved economic and social outcomes.
In addition to sponsoring numerous Supply Nation events and awards, ANZ has more than tripled its goal of maintaining commercial relationships with at least 15 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and almost doubled its spending goal.
“We believe it’s important to make a positive impact in our community,” says Dean. “While we can’t predict what effect dropping a pebble into a pond will have, we know that the ripples can be far-reaching, inspiring, and life-changing – and that matters to us.”
ANZ underwent a rigorous due diligence process before awarding Baidam the contract. “It’s important to our own reputation that our partners are who they say they are,” says Dean. “Authenticity matters to us. Baidam’s credentials are impeccable, and they operate with the utmost transparency.”
A proactive, strategic partnership
Dean says Baidam is a strategic partner rather than a vendor.
Baidam has a very grounded approach: they’re responsive, attentive, and definitely above average. You know what you’re getting, and they don’t disappoint you. If you have an issue, they’re on to it directly.
“With some vendor partners, you often don’t hear from them until it’s license or contract renewal time. Whereas with Baidam, the relationship includes ongoing and open discussions about the product they supply, and where to next with it. They also proactively introduce us to new-to-us vendors with solutions that we might benefit from or complement other services.”
Dean appreciates the robust and transparent working relationship. “It’s a real pleasure to deal with Baidam. With them, it’s never a one-way sales push but rather a holistic partnership. Unlike some global partners, they have the power to make on-the-spot decisions and take immediate action – so we feel valued, not just a faceless customer.
The Baidam team genuinely want us to have the best and to help optimise what we have – it’s always about us, never about their sales quota.
The Baidam difference
“What I love about Baidam,” says Dean, “is that they are very genuine. They stand behind their commitment to bridging the gap, their people, and their products. And they care deeply about their customer relationships. It’s not in their DNA to act differently.
It’s refreshing to work with a partner with a clear purpose. The Baidam difference is that what they do comes from the heart.