For more than 150 years, customer owned banks have served local communities with a 'people helping people' philosophy. Explore stories about the difference our members are making.
The IMB Bank Community Foundation has been supporting local initiatives in the communities the customer-owned bank serves since 1999. Now in its 25th anniversary year, the Foundation recently announced funding for another 58 diverse community projects. This brings the total number of grassroots initiatives supported to over 1,000 with more than $12m pledged in grant … Read more
In today’s technology-driven world, digital inclusion is more than just a convenience; it’s a necessity. Yet, a significant portion of the Australian population remains digitally excluded. A recent study by Good Things Australia shows that almost one in ten Australians are considered highly digitally excluded – that is, they do not have robust connectivity, skills, … Read more
Financial abuse is a form of domestic violence which affects one in six Australian women. It involves an abuser exerting control over the victim’s access to money and resources, which can manifest in various ways – from limiting access to funds and interfering with employment opportunities to racking up debt in the victim’s name. The … Read more
Reconciliation is an important focus for our sector and building on our grassroots community connections. Many of our customer-owned banks have formally committed to this via Reconciliation Action Plans. This week, in recognition of October being Indigenous Business Month, we are putting a spotlight on how one of our members, Great Southern Bank, is successfully … Read more
As Police Week honours the heroic efforts of police officers, we’re shining a light on a few Customer Owned Banking Association members who support police officers all year round. Every day, police officers across the country make brave choices to keep Australians safe. Police Week recognises these efforts and pays tribute to those we have … Read more
Each July, customer-owned banks join in on NAIDOC celebrations to recognise the history, culture and accomplishments of First Nations people. As we join the festivities, the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) has profiled a couple of member banks that are working consistently to build closer bonds with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. NAIDOC Week … Read more
As financial institutions centered on people and communities, customer-owned banks have a long history of leaving a positive impact on the communities they serve. The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters like floods and bushfires have spurred mutual banks and credit unions to amplify their sustainability efforts and find innovative ways to invest in … Read more
Many customer-owned banks have developed RAPs to better understand how to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We’ve profiled three of our member banks that are committed to change. The Australian financial sector is becoming more aware of its past mistakes, particularly around how First Nations people have been treated and excluded from banking … Read more
Almost two years on from the devastating 2022 floods, customer-owned banks have come together to offer a scholarship for students affected by the natural disaster. Few of us can forget the catastrophic floods of 2022, which devastated dozens of communities in NSW and Southern Queensland. The Northern Rivers region of NSW was hit especially hard; … Read more
