Filed Pursuant to Rule 42(b)(5)
Registration Statement No.333-260703
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(TO PROSPECTUS DATED NOVEMBER 3, 2021)
US$750,000,000
Westpac Banking Corporation
(ABN 33 007 457 141)
6.820% Subordinated Notes due 2033
Subject, upon the occurrence of a Non-Viability Trigger Event, to Conversion or possible
Write-off, as more fully described in the accompanying prospectus
We are offering US$750,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our 6.820% subordinated notes due November 17, 2033, which we refer to as the notes. From and including November 17, 2023, which we refer to as the Issue Date, to but excluding the interest payment date on November 17, 2033, which we refer to as the Maturity Date, the notes will bear interest at a rate of 6.820% per year. Interest will accrue on the notes from and including the Issue Date. Interest will be payable semi-annually in arrears on May 17 and November 17 of each year, subject in each case to the applicable business day convention set forth in this prospectus supplement, and certain solvency conditions described herein, beginning on May 17, 2024. We may redeem all, but not less than all, of the notes if specified events occur involving Australian taxation or regulation as described herein and under “Description of the Subordinated Debt Securities — Redemption of Subordinated Debt Securities — Redemption for Taxation Reasons” and “Description of the Subordinated Debt Securities — Redemption of Subordinated Debt Securities — Redemption for Regulatory Reasons” in the accompanying prospectus. Redemption is subject to the prior written approval of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, which we refer to as APRA (which may or may not be given and Holders should not expect that APRA’s prior written approval will be given for any redemption of Subordinated Debt Securities if requested by us). Any redemption of the notes does not imply or indicate that we will in future exercise any right we may have to redeem any other outstanding regulatory capital instruments issued by us. Any such redemption would also be subject to APRA’s prior written approval (which may or may not be given).
The notes will be our direct, unsecured and subordinated obligations as described under “Description of the Subordinated Debt Securities — Ranking”, “Description of the Subordinated Debt Securities — Additional Provisions — Status and Subordination” and “Description of the Subordinated Debt Securities — Additional Provisions — Winding-Up” in the accompanying prospectus. The notes will constitute a separate series of Subordinated Debt Securities as described in the accompanying prospectus.
The notes are complex financial instruments and are not a suitable or appropriate investment for all investors. In some jurisdictions, regulatory authorities have adopted or published laws, regulations or guidance that limit or prohibit the offer or sale of securities such as these securities to certain types of investors. By purchasing, or making or accepting an offer to purchase, these notes from us and/or the underwriters in the United States, each prospective investor represents, warrants, agrees with and undertakes to us and to each underwriter that it qualifies as a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A of the Securities Act. See “Plan of Distribution” in the accompanying prospectus.
The notes are subject, upon the occurrence of a Non-Viability Trigger Event, to Conversion or possible Write-off (each as defined in Section 4 under “Description of the Subordinated Debt Securities — Additional Provisions” in the accompanying prospectus), as more fully described under “Description of the Notes — Non-viability, Conversion and Write-off” in this prospectus supplement and “Description of the Subordinated Debt Securities” in the accompanying prospectus. If any notes are Converted following a Non-Viability Trigger Event, it is likely that the Maximum Conversion Number (as defined herein) will apply and limit the number of Ordinary Shares to be issued. In this case, the value of the Ordinary Shares received is likely to be significantly less than the Outstanding Principal Amount (as defined in Section 4 under “Description of the Subordinated Debt Securities — Additional Provisions” in the accompanying prospectus) of those notes. The Australian dollar may depreciate in value against the U.S. dollar by the time of Conversion. In that case, the Maximum Conversion Number is more likely to apply.
If Conversion of the notes (or a percentage of the Outstanding Principal Amount of the notes) does not occur for any reason within five ASX Business Days after the Non-Viability Trigger Event Date (each as defined in Section 4 under “Description of the Subordinated Debt Securities — Additional Provisions” in the accompanying prospectus), the notes (or a percentage of the Outstanding Principal Amount of the notes to be Converted) will be Written-off and the holders’ rights in relation to the notes (including with respect to payments of interest or accrued but unpaid interest, and the repayment of Outstanding Principal Amount and, upon Conversion, the receipt of Ordinary Shares (as defined in Section 4 under “Description of the Subordinated Debt Securities — Additional Provisions” in the accompanying prospectus) issued in respect of such notes) will be immediately and irrevocably written-off and terminated with effect on and from the Non-Viability Trigger Event Date, as described under “Description of the Subordinated Debt Securities — Additional Provisions” in the accompanying prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Investing in the notes involves risks. To read about certain factors you should consider before investing in the notes, see “Forward-Looking Statements” on page S-v and “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-10 of this prospectus supplement, and the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the financial year ended September 30, 2023 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to as our 2023 Form 20-F, and which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. The notes will not be protected accounts or deposit liabilities of Westpac Banking Corporation for the purpose of the Banking Act 1959 of Australia, which we refer to as the Australian Banking Act, or the financial claims scheme established under the Australian Banking Act (an Australian Government scheme that protects depositors of banks like Westpac from potential loss due to their failure), which we refer to as the FCS, are not subject to the depositor protection provisions of the Australian Banking Act, and are not insured or guaranteed by (1) the Commonwealth of Australia or any governmental agency of Australia, (2) the United States Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency or instrumentality of the United States, (3) any compensation scheme of the Commonwealth of Australia or the United States, or (4) any other entity.
| | | Per Note | | | Total | |
Public Offering Price(1) | | | | | 100.000% | | | | US$750,000,000 | |
Underwriting Discount(2) | | | | | 0.400% | | | | US$3,000,000 | |
Proceeds to Westpac (before expenses) | | | | | 99.600% | | | | US$747,000,000 | |
(1)
Plus accrued interest from November 17, 2023 if settlement occurs after that date.
(2)
The underwriters have agreed to reimburse us for certain of our expenses relating to this offering. See “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)” on page S-31 for further information.
The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange. Currently, there is no public market for the notes.
The underwriters expect that the notes will be ready for delivery in book-entry form only through The Depository Trust Company and its participants, including Euroclear Bank SA/NV and Clearstream Banking S.A., on or about November 17, 2023.
Joint Book-Running Managers
| BofA Securities | | | Citigroup | | | J.P. Morgan | | | Morgan Stanley | | | Westpac Banking Corporation | |
Co-Managers
BMO Capital MarketsCIBC Capital Markets ICBC ING Scotiabank
November 8, 2023