Sydney, 20 November 2025: The Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) is pleased to announce Patrick Ashkettle as the new Industry Representative on the Customer Owned Banking Code Compliance Committee (COBCCC), with his term commencing on 1 January 2026.
“As a sector, we continue to work collaboratively to strengthen standards for the benefit of customers and communities. Mr. Ashkettle brings extensive experience to the Committee and will play a key role in continuing to uplift sector standards and ensure robust code compliance,” said COBA Chair Elizabeth Crouch AM.
“The COBA Board appointed Mr Ashkettle for his expertise in codes of practice and his deep knowledge of the customer-owned banking sector, gained through his leadership in compliance and governance across key executive roles,” she said.
Mr. Ashkettle is the former Chief Risk Officer of Bank Australia, where he served for over 10 years. He has 35 years of experience in financial services, including extensive expertise in risk management, regulatory compliance, and governance within the mutual sector.
“I’m honoured to join the COBCCC and look forward to contributing to the ongoing strength and integrity of the Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice. Having worked with dedicated people across the sector whose commitment to responsible and sustainable banking naturally embraced the Code, I’m excited to broaden that connection. I look forward to applying my three decades of financial services experience to our shared objectives,” Mr Ashkettle said.
The COBCCC is an independent body overseeing compliance with the Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice, which sets standards for Australia’s mutual banks and credit unions. The Code goes beyond legal requirements, reflecting the sector’s commitment to a people-first approach and prioritising customers’ best interests.
The Industry Representative provides the COBCCC with expert insight into the operations, structure, and challenges of the customer-owned banking sector, ensuring the Code’s oversight remains practical, effective, and informed by industry experience.
“Customer-owned banks are guided by a people-first ethos and a longstanding commitment to prioritising customers. As a sector, we strive to uphold the highest standards and remain dedicated to raising industry benchmarks through the Code,” said COBA CEO Michael Lawrence.
Mr. Ashkettle will succeed Cindy Hansen as Industry Representative.
“We thank Cindy for her dedication and significant contributions since 1 January 2020. Her leadership within the COBCCC has advanced sector practices and improved consumer outcomes,” Ms. Crouch said.
ENDS
For further information or to arrange interviews, please contact media@coba.asn.au.