Case Study: Unlocking Lending Innovation Through Accounting Platform Data for ANZ
Challenge
ANZ traditionally assessed small business creditworthiness using static documents like tax returns and financial statements. With new access to real-time accounting data from platforms like Xero and MYOB, the bank saw an opportunity to transform lending decisions and customer offerings. The goal: leverage live accounting data to improve decision quality, streamline origination, and develop responsive credit products.
Approach
Factor Financial Analytics partnered with ANZ to define how accounting platform data could create strategic value. The project was delivered in two key phases:
Task 1: Data Strategy and Analysis
Mapped data sources: accounting software, ANZ systems, credit bureaus, government registries.
Assessed data quality, frequency, format, and relevance to lending.
Identified integration considerations and strategic data capabilities.
Delivered a comprehensive executive presentation outlining opportunities and infrastructure requirements.
Task 2: Use Case Development and Evaluation
Designed lending and customer experience use cases across:
Credit risk and portfolio management
Product development and origination
Customer insights and relationship management
Evaluated use cases based on:
Strategic fit
Technical feasibility
Value to ANZ and its customers
Guided ANZ in prioritising four use cases for further development.
Outcomes
Developed a data-informed approach to prototype and scale credit innovations.
Strengthened ANZ’s ability to make real-time credit decisions using live accounting data.
Identified multiple product, efficiency, and risk insights across the SME lending lifecycle.
Created a foundation for customer-centric, adaptive credit solutions.
Services Delivered
Strategic data asset assessment
Credit use case design and evaluation
Business case development (NPV, payback)
Executive stakeholder alignment
Roadmap for data integration and capability development
