WESTPAC Banking Corporation (Westpac) has appointed Michael Correa as general manager, Asia-Pacific.

Correa, who is currently head of corporate & institutional distribution and origination, financial markets at Westpac in Sydney, will be moving to Singapore and starts an immediate transition into his role.

Correa brings with him more than 20 years of regional industry experience, including eight years in Asia. He joined Westpac’s financial markets team in 2011 leading the global capital markets business. In his new role as general manager, Asia-Pacific, Correa will report to Lyn Cobley, group executive for Westpac Institutional Bank and will be responsible for overseeing all of Westpac’s business operations in Asia, client, partner and regulator relationships.

Commenting on the appointment, Lyn Cobley says: “We are excited to welcome someone of Michael’s calibre to Westpac’s Asian franchise. Michael’s appointment reflects our strategy and continued commitment to customers, by providing them with deep local market knowledge and connectivity. His financing and client expertise means he is perfectly positioned to help our customers make the most of this dynamic and fast growing region as they take part in the ever increasing trade and investment flows.”

Prior to joining Westpac, Correa spent 17 years with ANZ, where he was the regional head of global markets, Asia-Pacific and global head of structured products and equity.