Australasia Bank Ltd. - 1947 dated Stock Certificate - Australia and New Zealand

Banking Stock with 2 revenue stamps. Rough condition with tear in lower left corner.

The Australasia Bank, commonly referred to as the Bank of Australasia, was a foundational financial institution that significantly contributed to the economic development of the British colonies in the Southern Hemisphere. Established by Royal Charter in London in 1835, the bank was designed to establish a stable banking framework for the burgeoning wool and livestock industries in Australia and New Zealand. By adopting a “British model,” it provided a sense of security and prestige that local colonial banks often lacked, enabling it to endure numerous economic depressions and land booms throughout the 19th century. Its distinctive, frequently ornate branches became architectural landmarks in cities such as Melbourne and Sydney, embodying the growing wealth and imperial connection of the region.

The bank’s legacy is most notably defined by its 1951 merger with the Union Bank of Australia, which resulted in the formation of the Australia and New Zealand Bank—currently recognized globally as ANZ. This merger was driven by the post-World War II necessity for increased capital and a broader branch network to support a rapidly modernizing economy. Although the original name “Australasia Bank” has diminished in daily usage, its historical influence continues to manifest through the substantial financial infrastructure it facilitated. The bank’s early records and surviving heritage buildings serve as a testament to its role as a primary catalyst for colonial growth and the precursor to one of the world’s largest banking conglomerates.