"We saw significant financial benefits emerging from the strategic and tactical decisions we took in 2016 to simplify the business, improve productivity and increase capital efficiency," said chief executive Shayne Elliott. The restructure has seen ANZ move its focus away from Asia, selling stakes in Shanghai Rural Commercial Bank and retail and wealth management arms in six Asian countries. This has seen more emphasis on Australia and New Zealand as it strives to become "simpler, better capitalised and more balanced". "The reshaping of our business over the past year has delivered strong outcomes for customers and shareholders, and has established a foundation for future growth and better returns," added Mr Elliott. The bank reported strong customer deposit growth (up 7 per cent), small business lending (up 5 per cent), and home lending (up 5 per cent).