On a mission that puts people first

With a history spanning close to 70 years, a period covering good times and bad, the $11 billion La Trobe Financial is still following its mission to change the lives of everyday Australians through its products and dedicated program of community giving.

First founded by Ray O’Neill in 1952, La Trobe Financial was built on the principle of “people first”, coupled with the firm belief that home ownership is the foundation of financial independence.

Seven decades later, La Trobe Financial continues to offer a flexible range of competitively priced home loans, and a suite of award-winning wealth management products.

One area where La Trobe Financial stands apart in the financial sector is the remarkable continuity of its leadership team. Almost 40 years ago, Ray O’Neill handed the reins of leadership to his son Greg O’Neill OAM, who continues to guide the business to this day in his role as president and CEO. Several of the key leadership executive team have served in excess of 15-20 years in the business.

There have been a few other changes along the way. In December 2017, Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager, with over $538 billion of funds under management globally, acquired an 80% stake in La Trobe Financial. The non-bank’s values remain the same but the partnership strengthened La Trobe Financial’s resources to continue its path of disciplined growth.

Home sweet home

For the past seven decades, one of La Trobe Financial’s core values has been to help people from all walks of life own their home.

“We have one of Australia’s broadest product suites in the market,” says Cory Bannister, chief lending officer at La Trobe Financial. “The range and flexibility of our mortgage