REGION SPECIAL AUSTRALIA Cf NEW ZEALAND
The right people
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'The first element is that the agricultural sector
fared better than other sections of the economy,"
says Bruce. 'The second element is that we were in
a strong position to take advantage of this, simply
by doing what we have always done. We were,
and we still are largely, the certainty in a market
place that has many uncertain peers. Many banks
have pulled backfrom doing business in sectors
that aren't their key markets, and for most banks in
the region the F&A sector isn't a key market. That
has given us the opportunity to re-write business
at more attractive terms, and reassess the needs of
existing clients and new clients."
One of the elements that makes Rabobank such a
knowledgeable player in the sector is the ability of
its people. Neil Dobbin, Group Executive Country
Banking Australia New Zealand, believes that
to create a successful rural banking model you
need to go back to basics. "You need high quality
people. If you don't have that, you can't relate
S-Üi I
The global banking sector, it is safe to say, won't
remember 2008 as one of its greatest years. There
were, however, a few bright spots - one of which
was the performance of Rabobank Australia
New Zealand. With a 30 percent rise in net profit
compared to 2007, the region continued its strong
performance unabated. Bruce Dick, Chief Executive
Officer of Rabobank Australia New Zealand,
believes there are two main reasons for this.
issue 20 THE WORD
