ANZ and CBA are eyeing up acquisitions in Asia and the UK respectively, but is it wise for the Big Four to be growing overseas?

Does the current market represent a unique opportunity for picking up cut-price businesses from credit-crunched foreign banks?

Or should our banks focus on the stable domestic market and not expand any more outside Australia? Will any Aussie commercial bank really be able to become a regional or global powerhouse?

Media reports have named CBA as a potential bidder for a $607m stake in the funds management arm of UK-based Lloyds Banking Group. CBA has also been linked to West Bromwich Building Society.

ANZ has been growing in Asia over the past few years and remains in the hunt for parts of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Asian assets. Which firm has the best strategy for growing abroad?

And are the banks being forced into all of this? The competition regulator has indicated that it may not allow more consolidation within Australia, which could be a big factor in banks looking offshore for acquisitions.

Home or away: which is better for growth? Let us know below.