1. Finance Forum – The Power of One Maximising your relationships with your Banks Presenter – Peter Cooper

2. Banking Services utilised – Divisional Level  Deposit Funds – Both short term and long term. Working within existing risk parameters – eg Licensed major banks, safe haven for funds, etc - there is room to leverage the strong competition for funds presently applying.  Account services – trading, special purpose. All fees and service charges can be negotiated.

3.  All Australian banks face funding shortfalls in the near term which is likely to increase reliance on retail and corporate customer deposit funding rate increases in lieu of wholesale funding.  Rates will vary for similar terms as Banks seek to fill their funding requirements. Competition for funds is likely to increase.  To take advantage of this situation, relationships should be established with more than one bank to test rates when deposits mature by seeking quotes.

4.  Fees such as Eftpos and card services, and account keeping and transactional charges can be negotiated in line with the overall bank relationship, particularly where deposit funds and other accounts are held.  Rates and charges vary widely between banks, and for different account types.

5.  Full array of Business Banking Services utilised at Practice Level – including Transaction accounts, Card and Eftpos accounts, Overdrafts, Business Finance, Equipment Finance and Leasing.  These are all individually set up as separate businesses but opportunities exist to improve practice profitability by cost saving and structural improvement.

6. Opportunity exists to improve efficiency and cost of banking services at Individual/Partner level. Individual assessment and business review would be necessary. Reviews could be carried at both Practice and Individual/Partner levels, and could incorporate both business and personal services and requirements.

7.  CFC established in 2002 to assist both business and personal clients.  Principal, Peter Cooper, with 27 years industry experience at senior and State Manager level and a further 8 years as a fully accredited finance broker.  Fully accredited and experienced finance brokerage with business relationships with the majority of the banks and non bank lenders.  Most services are at no cost to clients as brokerage paid to CFC by lenders.

8.  GPQ members can benefit from a “Banking review” at both practice and individual/personal level – no obligation basis to assess if and where improvements may be possible.  Credibility – References and introduction from clients. Privacy assured.  Benefits – save time, negotiate for better and more efficient financial outcome.  Working with existing client advisors such as accountants, solicitors, financial planners.