The Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) is pleased to announce Matt Gijselman as the new Industry Representative on the Customer Owned Banking Code Compliance Committee (COBCCC), with his term commencing immediately.
“Customer-owned banks are driven by a people-first ethos and have a long history of putting customers and the communities they serve first, and the COBCCC helps ensure this commitment remains robust,” said outgoing COBA CEO Michael Lawrence.
“Matt’s deep background in regulatory engagement and financial services, combined with his strong ties to customer-owned banks, means he will bring practical and operational insights to the Committee’s work.”
With over two decades of policy and advocacy expertise, Gijselman has a thorough understanding of the mutual sector. He previously worked with Abacus (the former name of COBA) and later served as an adviser for COBA during the 2018 Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry. While customer-owned banks were not called to appear before the Commission and none were subject to its criticism, the sector has been heavily impacted by the increase in legislation stemming from the inquiry’s recommendations.
His broader career includes serving as a Senior Adviser to a Federal Cabinet Minister, leading regulatory engagement on credit reporting reforms at Arca, and holding senior public affairs roles at Equifax, Infrastructure Australia, and the NRMA.
“Having seen firsthand the deep commitment customer-owned banks have to their communities, I am honoured to join the COBCCC. I look forward to contributing to the ongoing strength and integrity of the Code of Practice,” Gijselman said.
The COBCCC is an independent body overseeing compliance with the Code, which sets standards for Australia’s mutual banks and credit unions that go beyond legal requirements.
The Industry Representative provides the committee with expert insight into the operations and structure of the sector, ensuring oversight remains practical, effective, and informed.
COBA launched an independent review of the Code of Practice in December 2025 and is working closely with subscribers to develop the industry response to the recommendations.
ENDS
For further information or to arrange interviews, please contact media@coba.asn.au.
The Customer Owned Banking Association is the industry body for mutual banks, credit unions and
building societies. For almost 180 years our sector has put customers first, returning profits to more
than 5 million Australians who put their trust in customer-owned banks.