“David has been CEO for close to nine years, and has decided that he would like to move to another role.  However, I am pleased that David has indicated that he will continue as CEO during the search for his replacement, so that there can be an orderly transition – his contracted period concludes in July 2010.  The ABA has initiated a search for a successor for David.”

"On behalf of the Council of the ABA, I would like to thank David for his service as CEO during a very challenging time both for the industry and the Association.  David and his ABA team have delivered a tremendous amount of support and value to the member banks during the term of his leadership," Mr Norris said.

David has thanked Mr Norris, the ABA Council and the ABA team for their very committed support during his time as CEO.

"The backing I have had from successive ABA Chairmen, their Deputies, the Council and banks over the last nine years, has been unstinting.  Australian banks are in a very strong position today because of the excellent leadership of bank executives and the hard work of bank staff.  During the global financial crisis, our Australian industry has been held out as a prime example of a well-run and regulated banking sector.”

"My own loyal ABA team has worked very hard to help banks achieve this result, and I would particularly like to thank them for their support and dedication.”

"I would also thank the numerous stakeholder groups for the positive and cooperative relationship that the ABA has been able to build with them. This includes Federal and State/Territory Governments, numerous ministers and MPs, regulators, other industry associations, and representatives from community and consumer groups.”

"While I have announced that I am stepping down, there still remains a lot of work for the ABA to do making sure that the numerous regulatory proposals and Parliamentary Committee reviews are dealt with in the best possible way.  I will continue working at full speed on these issues," Mr Bell said.