Nuno Matos: From Global Banking Leader to CEO of ANZ
In the fast-moving world of international banking, few leaders have a career trajectory as impressive as Nuno Matos. With more than three decades of experience across Europe, Latin America, Asia and now Australia, Matos has become a prominent figure in global finance. In May 2025, he assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of ANZ, one of Australia’s “Big Four” banks. His appointment came at a critical time for the organisation, as it navigated significant structural changes and global economic challenges.
This article explores the professional journey, leadership philosophy, education, and personal life of Nuno Matos. It also considers the impact his leadership may have on ANZ’s future direction.
Early Life and Education of Nuno Matos
Academic Foundation
Nuno Matos was born in Portugal and built his educational foundation at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Keen to broaden his international exposure, he also attended the Leeuwarden Business School in the Netherlands, where he further strengthened his expertise in business management.
To complement his undergraduate studies, Matos pursued an MBA in Finance at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, equipping himself with the analytical and strategic skills necessary for high-level leadership roles. Later in his career, he attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), specialising in Strategy for the Americas – a programme that deepened his global perspective and prepared him for senior executive responsibilities across multiple continents.
The Professional Beginnings of Nuno Matos
Banco de Portugal
Matos began his professional journey in 1990 as a Supervisor Analyst in the Banking Supervision Department at Banco de Portugal, the Portuguese central bank. This role allowed him to gain a solid grounding in financial systems, regulation and compliance – knowledge that would later shape his strategic decisions as a leader in private banking.
Academic Contribution
Between 1994 and 1997, alongside his professional responsibilities, Nuno Matos also taught at his alma mater, the Universidade Católica Portuguesa. His role as a university teacher reflects his commitment to knowledge sharing and developing the next generation of financial leaders.
Career at Santander
Rise Through the Ranks
In 1994, Matos made the leap into private banking, joining Santander Investment Portugal as Head of Finance and Risk. Over the next 15 years, he rose steadily through the ranks, taking on international assignments in Peru, France, Brazil, the United States, and Spain.
His key roles at Santander included:
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Controller at Santander Investment Peru and France
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Head of Operations and MIS for Treasury Europe
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Controller for Global Banking and Markets
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Head of Cards & Acquiring Business, Santander Brasil
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Head of Retail and Business Banking at Santander US
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Global Head of Consumer, Retail & Commercial Global Division
Through these roles, Matos gained critical experience across retail banking, business banking and global operations, demonstrating his adaptability and vision.
Transition to HSBC
Leadership in Mexico and Latin America
In 2015, Nuno Matos joined HSBC as Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer in Mexico. Within months, he was promoted to CEO of HSBC Mexico, a position he held until 2020. During this period, he was also Head of Consumer Banking and Wealth Management for Latin America, overseeing a large and complex market with unique economic and regulatory challenges.
CEO of HSBC Bank plc and Europe
In March 2020, Matos moved to London as CEO of HSBC Bank plc and Europe, where he led the bank’s European operations at a time of Brexit-related uncertainty and global financial turbulence. His leadership was instrumental in guiding HSBC through regulatory and structural adjustments across the continent.
Global Head of Wealth and Personal Banking
In February 2021, Nuno Matos was appointed CEO of Wealth and Personal Banking, one of HSBC’s largest divisions. He managed 87,000 employees serving around 40 million customers across 35 international markets. This role positioned him at the centre of HSBC’s global retail banking strategy, particularly as the bank sought to expand its wealth management footprint in Asia.
Appointment as CEO of ANZ
Transition to ANZ
After a decade at HSBC, Matos was selected as the new Chief Executive Officer of ANZ, with his appointment effective in May 2025. His arrival marked a significant leadership transition at one of Australia’s most influential financial institutions, following the tenure of Shayne Elliott.
ANZ Under Nuno Matos
At ANZ, Matos oversees operations across 29 markets, providing banking services to more than 8.5 million customers. ANZ is one of the top four banks in Australia, the largest in New Zealand and the Pacific, and ranks among the top 50 banks in the world.
In September 2025, just months into his role, ANZ announced significant restructuring initiatives under Matos, including major cost-cutting measures and job reductions. While these moves caused some short-term discomfort for investors and employees, they underscored his reputation as a bold leader unafraid of making tough decisions to secure long-term growth.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Commitment to Diversity
One of the strongest themes in Nuno Matos’ career is his passion for diversity. Having lived and worked across multiple continents and being part of a multicultural family, Matos believes in the power of diverse perspectives to drive innovation and effective decision-making. He has consistently advocated for creating inclusive teams that reflect the varied needs of global customers.
Strategic Vision
Matos is recognised for his strategic acumen, particularly in restructuring and expansion. At HSBC, he played a critical role in strengthening wealth management in Asia. At ANZ, he is expected to focus on digital transformation, operational efficiency and broadening the bank’s international footprint.
Personal Life of Nuno Matos
Family and Interests
Beyond his professional achievements, Matos is a family-oriented individual. He is married and has two sons, one born in Spain and the other in Brazil, reflecting his international lifestyle.
Outside of work, Nuno Matos enjoys:
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Open-water swimming – a passion that demonstrates his endurance and discipline.
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Reading – particularly history, economics and geopolitics, which reflect his intellectual curiosity and global outlook.
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Spending time with family – a value he prioritises despite his demanding career.
The Future of ANZ Under Nuno Matos
Challenges Ahead
As CEO of ANZ, Matos faces significant challenges, including:
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Navigating global economic uncertainty.
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Driving digital banking transformation.
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Strengthening ANZ’s competitive edge in retail and business banking.
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Managing costs while maintaining service excellence.
Long-Term Potential
Given his proven record at Santander and HSBC, analysts expect Nuno Matos to bring decisive leadership and a long-term vision to ANZ. His international background positions him uniquely to lead ANZ in strengthening its presence across Asia-Pacific and beyond.
Conclusion
From his early days at Banco de Portugal to his global responsibilities at Santander and HSBC, and now as CEO of ANZ, Nuno Matos embodies the qualities of a modern banking leader. His career reflects adaptability, resilience and a strong commitment to diversity. As he leads ANZ through restructuring and transformation, his influence will likely shape not only the future of the bank but also the broader financial landscape in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
For ANZ’s millions of customers, investors and employees, the leadership of Nuno Matos signals a period of change, challenge and opportunity. His blend of global experience, strategic insight and personal values ensures that he will remain a central figure in the world of banking for years to come.
