Backing Australia’s potential
For over 175 years, AMP has proudly been a part of the Australian story. Through economic ups and downs, natural disasters, and periods of incredible growth, we remain committed to one thing: supporting the people and small businesses that make this country thrive.
AMP has supported every generation through every life transition since 1849. We've stood up for Indigenous and women's rights, helped returned soldiers, invested in many of the Aussie landmarks you see today, and supported entrepreneurs and those in need through the AMP Foundation.
AMP now provides banking, super and retirement services to more than one million customers across Australia and New Zealand.
A history of support. A future of growth
AMP was founded back in 1849, offering life insurance and savings products. We started in NSW and grew across Australia and into New Zealand in 1854.
Some key moments in history include:
In 1860: AMP employed its first sales agent Benjamin Short, who became a long time Director of AMP and was also the Founder of Sydney City Mission – known today as Mission Australia.
In 1942: During WW2 General Macarthur moved the Southwest Pacific Allied Headquarters into the AMP Building at Queen Street in Brisbane. AMP occupied the building up until 1978.
In 1962: AMP built Sydney’s first sky-scraper at 33 Alfred Street, which was opened by Prime Minister Robert Menzies.
In 1998: AMP was demutualised. The Philanthropic arm of AMP - the AMP Foundation - was established.
In 2000: AMP was the key sponsor of the Sydney Olympics, Paralympics and Torch relay.
Exploring the AMP archives
with Rachel Armstrong, Archivist, Australian National University
Driving positive change in the community
Helping the community remains a big part of what we do. AMP has a deep connection to philanthropy and a commitment to helping all Australians. Today it continues to be a big part of what we do, and it comes to life through the actions our employees take in the community and through the amazing work of the AMP Foundation.
For over 30 years the AMP Foundation has existed as a self-funding and separate legal entity to AMP. It helps people create their tomorrow in two ways:
Through its Tomorrow Maker program which provides capability development and funding to early-stage social entrepreneurs, helping to create positive impact in their communities.
And through dollar matching the fundraising efforts of AMP employees and advisers for causes that are important to them, their families and their communities.
The AMP Foundation has contributed more than $110 million to Australian communities since its inception in 1992. In 2023 alone, the AMP Foundation provided over $4.4 million in grants and donations.
Looking ahead
Celebrating our history and how AMP has shaped the lives of so many people, and whilst we’re incredibly proud of our heritage, we’re equally excited about the future. Our guiding purpose of helping people create their tomorrow, linking back to the principles on which AMP was founded, and those principles guide us today.
“As we look forward, we believe we have the opportunity to contribute positively to the Australian community for many years to come.”
Alexis George
Chief Executive Officer, AMP
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