Esanda Finance’s journey, particularly its association with Peat Marwick (later KPMG), reveals interesting aspects of the Australian financial services landscape and the role of professional services firms in shaping corporate strategies. Esanda, established in 1955 as a subsidiary of the ANZ Banking Group, quickly became a prominent player in the Australian finance industry, specializing in vehicle and equipment finance. Its growth was fuelled by the burgeoning post-war economy and the increasing demand for credit. While the exact nature and extent of Peat Marwick’s involvement in Esanda’s early days are less documented publicly, the firm, like other major accounting and consulting entities, likely provided audit, tax, and advisory services to Esanda as it navigated the complexities of a rapidly changing financial environment. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the relationship between Esanda and Peat Marwick/KPMG would have intensified. This was a period of deregulation in the Australian financial sector, leading to increased competition and a greater focus on efficiency and profitability. KPMG, with its expertise in financial modeling, risk management, and strategic planning, would have been well-positioned to assist Esanda in adapting to these changes. This would likely have included advising on areas such as: * **Risk Management:** Assessing and mitigating risks associated with Esanda’s lending portfolio. The complexities of asset-backed financing required sophisticated risk analysis. * **Process Improvement:** Identifying opportunities to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer service. * **Technology Implementation:** Assisting with the selection and implementation of new technologies to improve efficiency and data analysis. * **Regulatory Compliance:** Ensuring Esanda met the increasingly stringent regulatory requirements of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and other regulatory bodies. The relationship between a large finance company like Esanda and a firm like KPMG is typically multifaceted. While KPMG acts as an independent auditor, it can also provide consulting services on a variety of business matters. Maintaining independence and objectivity is critical in these situations. Professional services firms like KPMG have ethical obligations to ensure that their audit function remains impartial and is not compromised by their consulting work. The ultimate acquisition of Esanda by ANZ Banking Group in 2015 marked the end of an era. While the Esanda brand is no longer prominent, its legacy lives on within ANZ. KPMG, undoubtedly, played a supporting role throughout Esanda’s history, offering expertise and insights that contributed to its growth and success. While the specifics of their interaction may be confidential, the general nature of the relationship reflects the important role that professional services firms play in the Australian financial landscape, helping businesses navigate complexity and achieve their strategic objectives. The partnership demonstrates the interconnectedness of the financial services sector with firms offering advice, audit services, and strategic guidance.