The WACCC recently welcomed the CBA (Commercial Banking, WA) as a significant partner and Platinum Sponsor.
Delving further into rhyme and rationale, we thought to check in with CBA to explore the mutual benefits of the partnership by sending a couple of representatives from the WACCC to engage in a friendly “at the table with” chat with Mr Gary McGrath, General Manager, Commercial Banking WA at Commonwealth Bank.
In meeting with McGrath, we sensed a commercial chief who emulated corporate charisma, commanded confidence and communicated with clarity. As we settled into the conference room chairs we were offered the courtesy of Chinese tea, a delightfully meaningful touch to begin conversations. Before we could savour the first sip of tea, McGrath opened the chat with chiseled clarity, touching on the CBA’s business and community engagement. One sip of tea, and we were away.
“As Head of Commercial Banking in WA, my role is to support businesses in their ambitions to have a better and brighter future. We are currently the bank of choice of one of three businesses in WA. With CBA’s community outreach, the objective is to build a better future for all as we have the chance to meet the people behind the business or association, understand how they work and appreciate their needs and ambitions.”
When asked how he saw the core of engagement with the WACCC, McGrath shared, “Central to our engagement is the WACCC’s strong leadership team, their presence in the community, their range of events and diversity. It is a great alignment with the CBA.”
McGrath went on to elaborate,”…the CBA is all about relationship management. We recognise and appreciate the contribution of migrants in WA and their impact on business in WA. The WACCC provides us with a channel to engage with that community base. So it is key for our team to have a presence with the WACCC, attend their events and network. It is crucial to be actively present, to gain a better understanding of needs and at the same time strengthen our relationship moving forward.”
He was keen to note further, “Relationship management is at the centre of what we do. Every business is appointed a Relationship Manager. This allows us the opportunity to get to know the business and their ambitions. Our relationship managers are very diverse and this is also reflected in the communities in which they serve.”
Armed with a series of proactive measures to counter modern complexities such as those relating to potential online (and offline) banking-related scams, fraud and cyber-security concerns, McGrath makes it a point that the CBA addresses such issues directly with business owners – should any unfortunate incidences occur, that they are there, on the ground to support businesses and to provide reassurance and solutions.
On a practical note of course, the CBA is prepared. It has in place proprietary technologies to keep “Business-Safe”, with initiatives such as ‘Name Check’ and ‘Caller Check’ Technology. There are also other complementary support tools such as ‘Smart Health’, ‘Smart Access’ and ‘Smart Real Estate’ to assist customers.
We then touched on the notion of ‘Guanxi’ – which is key to engaging with the Chinese. It is the hinge on which relationships and connections pivot and it is supported by the pillars of trust and respect. What was McGrath’s take on that? He looked across the table, definitively nodded and stated “I agree.” Having lived and worked in Asia (including Singapore and Hong Kong) for some 20 years, he saw Guanxi manifest across his work.
As the chat was drawing to a close, McGrath’s clarity was resounding – that the engagement with the WACCC was all about a partnership into the future, moving forward and building a brighter future for migrant and other businesses in the community. About setting out on a common course with the CBA.
Thank you CBA and to your Commercial chief for coming on board, and oh, by the way, CBA you do make a fine cup of Chinese tea.
Halina Young and Brian Phang
