The 2004/2005 edition of the ADI Points of Presence annual data collection released today by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) shows a three per cent increase in the number of face-to-face service facilities offered by authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) across Australia over the twelve months to 30 June 2005.

The number of these facilities, which include giroPost outlets, rose over this period from 13,059 to 13,406, an increase of 347.

Bank face-to-face service facilities rose by 250 (three per cent) over the year while the number of credit union and building society facilities decreased by 45 (two per cent). The number of giroPost outlets rose by 142 (five per cent).

The majority of increases in face-to-face service points occurred in 'highly accessible' and 'accessible' regions in Australia with increases of 218 (two per cent) and 60 (three per cent), respectively. Other areas also experienced moderate face-to-face service point increases over the year.

The number of face-to-face service facilities offering a branch level of service rose over the year by 68, from 6,128 to 6,196.

The ADI Points of Presence collection requires banks, building societies and credit unions to provide data on the locations and type of banking services they offer.

A copy of the latest edition of ADI Points of Presence and all of the data collected from ADIs are available on APRA’s web site at: http://www.apra.gov.au/Statistics/Points-of-Presence.cfm

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is the prudential regulator of the financial services industry. It oversees banks, credit unions, building societies, general insurance and reinsurance companies, life insurance, friendly societies, and most members of the superannuation industry.
APRA is funded largely by the industries that it supervises. It was established on 1 July 1998. APRA currently supervises institutions holding approximately $2.2 trillion in assets for 20 million Australian depositors, policyholders and superannuation fund members.

Media and industry inquires only:
Pauline Hayes, Acting Head of Public Affairs
Australian Prudential Regulation Authority
Telephone: 02 9210 3143
Mobile: 0417 528 660

All other inquires:
APRA Contact Centre
1300 131 060