Bendigo Bank has taken a significant step forward in its digital modernization journey by expanding its long-standing partnership with Google Cloud through a new multi-year agreement. This strengthened collaboration is designed to accelerate the bank’s digital transformation efforts, enhance the skills of its workforce, and reinforce cybersecurity across the organisation.
Google Cloud already serves as the primary digital infrastructure backbone for Bendigo Bank. Building on this solid foundation, the bank now intends to bring deeper AI integration into its operations. The goal is to streamline internal processes, improve staff efficiency, and deliver more personalized and seamless services to its 2.9 million customers—while continuing to uphold strong standards of security, trust, and risk management.
Driving an AI-First Culture Across the Workforce
As part of the renewed partnership, Bendigo Bank will provide all employees with access to Gemini Enterprise. This decision follows a successful pilot program where the bank recorded clear productivity improvements, smoother workflows, and creative uses of AI across several departments, including consumer banking, finance, marketing, risk, and technology.
To further support innovation, the bank will also deploy Gemini Code Assist for engineering teams. With this tool, developers will be able to build, test, and launch digital products more efficiently, strengthening both customer and employee experiences.
During the pilot, employees experimented with AI initiatives that demonstrated real value, such as:
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Simplifying lending and refinancing workflows through automated document checks
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Identifying and preventing financial crime using custom-built AI models that flag high-risk activity
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Using generative AI to assess internal data, spot product opportunities, and enhance market offerings
CEO Richard Fennell said the expanded partnership represents a major milestone toward an AI-empowered organization. “Our strengthened relationship with Google Cloud is about making AI accessible to every team member. By embedding these tools into everyday work, we’re empowering our people to innovate faster and deliver better outcomes for our customers,” he stated.
Paul Migliorini, Vice President of Google Cloud Australia & New Zealand, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the bank’s leadership in AI adoption. “Bendigo Bank’s commitment to embracing AI demonstrates its determination to build a resilient, future-ready workforce and set new benchmarks for customer experience across Australia’s financial sector.”
Building Stronger Cybersecurity with AI-Driven Protection
As Bendigo Bank deepens its digital capabilities, it is also enhancing its cybersecurity posture. The bank plans to move from its current security systems to Google Security Operations and Google Security Command Centre. These platforms will provide unified oversight and governance across all AI and data environments, and significantly strengthen real-time threat detection and response.
Additionally, Bendigo Bank is updating its data ecosystem by migrating to BigQuery and transitioning VMware workloads to Google Cloud. These upgrades are expected to enhance system resilience, ensure high availability, and maintain uninterrupted operations throughout the transition.
Through this expanded partnership, Bendigo Bank is positioning itself as a forward-thinking financial institution, leveraging AI and cloud technologies to improve operational efficiency, customer experience, and cyber readiness.
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