Business banking bosses talk resilience in challenging times

24 August 2026
Business Banking

Three things resilient businesses are doing differently

Business owners aren't standing still despite the uncertainty.
AI is moving from theory to practical action in businesses across Australia.
The most resilient businesses are staying agile and constantly looking for new ways to grow.

1. They're looking beyond short-term uncertainty

While headlines often focus on the challenges facing the economy, many business owners are making decisions with the long term in mind.

NAB Executive, Business and Private Banking Andrew Auerbach said:

"Sometimes you need to look beneath the headlines. Yes, the global environment has shifted significantly, and Australia is not immune to that. But when you look at what's actually happening on the ground, Australian businesses are getting on with it."

Rather than focusing on the next six or 12 months, many businesses are continuing to invest and position themselves for future growth.

NAB Group Executive, Corporate and Institutional Banking Cath Carver said flexibility was becoming increasingly important.

"Businesses are asking themselves: what strategic options do we have, what operational options do we have, and how do we create more flexibility in uncertain conditions?"

2. They're using technology to boost productivity

Businesses are increasingly looking for practical ways to use AI to improve productivity.

Mr Auerbach said the biggest opportunities lie in applying AI to specific business challenges.

"There is not an industry, there's not a sector that cannot benefit in some way from using AI to drive productivity."

3. They're adapting to seize new opportunities

Australian businesses are finding new ways to respond to changing customer needs and market conditions.

Examples shared at the Summit included a Melbourne builder pivoting from luxury homes to affordable housing, exporters adjusting trade relationships as conditions evolve, and agribusinesses embracing automation and technology to improve efficiency and productivity.

Mr Auerbach said adaptability was a common trait among successful businesses.

“The level of innovation I see travelling around the country is remarkable.”

For Ms Carver, productivity will be critical to maintaining that momentum.

“Australia has received a wake-up call on productivity, and it’s something we can control.”

The message from the Summit was clear: businesses that embrace technology, improve productivity and focus on long-term opportunities will be best placed to navigate uncertainty and grow.

Read the full transcript (PDF, 232KB).