Westpac's Notable Items: Impact and Mitigation Strategies

Westpac, one of Australia's leading financial institutions, recently announced a $82 million hit to its FY24 net profit due to notable items. These notable items, primarily related to hedge accounting, have significantly impacted the bank's financial performance. This article explores the specific notable items contributing to the hit, their potential long-term effects, and Westpac's strategies to mitigate their impact.


The notable items contributing to the $82 million hit are primarily related to hedge accounting. These items reflect the bank's efforts to manage risks associated with interest rate fluctuations and foreign exchange movements. While these items are expected to reverse over time, their immediate impact on Westpac's financial performance is significant.

Westpac's management has acknowledged the impact of these notable items and is implementing strategies to mitigate their effect on the bank's future financial performance. The bank is focusing on maintaining a strong financial position, prioritizing capital, funding, and liquidity above regulatory minimums. Additionally, Westpac is continuing to monitor and manage risks effectively, with a particular focus on credit quality.


The notable items' influence on Westpac's capital, funding, and liquidity ratios is a concern for the bank. The bank's CET1 capital ratio, for instance, declined by 9 basis points to 12.3% in the quarter, primarily due to the 2H23 dividend payment. Westpac is addressing this concern by maintaining a strong financial position and ensuring that its capital, funding, and liquidity ratios remain above regulatory minimums.

In conclusion, Westpac's notable items, primarily related to hedge accounting, have resulted in a significant $82 million hit to the bank's FY24 net profit. While these items are expected to reverse over time, their immediate impact on the bank's financial performance is substantial. Westpac is implementing strategies to mitigate the impact of these notable items and maintain its financial position. The bank is focusing on capital, funding, and liquidity management, as well as effective risk management, to ensure its long-term sustainability and success.