Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX:WBC) saw its shares surge 6.27% in pre-market trading on Thursday, following the announcement of its ambitious expansion plans in regional Australia. The banking giant revealed it would open three new banking service centers and significantly boost its business banking workforce, signaling a strong commitment to growth in underserved markets.

According to a statement released by Westpac, the new service centers will be located in Moree, New South Wales (opening later this year), and Leongatha, Victoria, and Smithton, Tasmania (both opening in early 2026). These centers will offer a range of services including face-to-face support for retail and business customers, digital banking assistance, and access to cash. This move is part of Westpac's broader investment strategy in regional Australia, with plans underway to expand services to additional locations.

In a bold move to strengthen its presence in regional areas, Westpac also announced plans to add 150 new business bankers to its regional network over the next three years. This significant increase in specialized personnel underscores the bank's focus on capturing growth opportunities in business lending and expanding its revenue streams in regional markets. Investors have responded positively to these expansion plans, viewing them as a strategic move to enhance Westpac's competitive position and long-term growth prospects in the Australian banking sector.