Our sector is growing and our members are always exploring new ways to put customers first. Explore the latest news and updates from across the customer owned banking sector.
Customer-owned banks are built on a people-first philosophy that begins with their own teams. Prioritising employees creates a culture of care that directly translates into better service and outcomes for every member. This investment in their people is why customer-owned banks consistently outshine the major banks in customer satisfaction ratings. Amid an intensifying war for … Read more
Established in 2009, the Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN) is a global program that strives to advance women’s leadership within credit unions and financial cooperatives around the world. It focuses on numerous crucial initiatives such as: building safe, diverse spaces to collaborate and learn, empowering members with mentorship and education opportunities, narrowing gender inequity gaps, … Read more
The year 1966 was a watershed moment for the credit union movement in Australia. According to data from the Australian Mutuals Archives, 63 credit unions were formed in that single year. While the landmark Credit Union Act (NSW) was still three years away and federal income tax exemptions wouldn’t arrive until 1974, momentum was building. … Read more
The World Credit Union Conference (WCUC) is coming to Sydney next July for the first time in its history. This major international event will be co-hosted by the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) and COBA. If you’ve attended a COBA Convention but haven’t experienced the WCUC, you might be wondering what to expect. To … Read more
Now in its 38th year, KPMG’s latest review of the mutual banking sector in 2025 considers how innovation rooted in purpose can contribute to the long-term advancement of the sector. The sector is facing continued change, the report observes, as increased regulation, higher member expectations, and tighter margins drive strategic mergers in the industry. However, … Read more
A new global report from the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) offers new insights on the customer-owned sector, which now caters to more than 412 million people around the world. The report notes mergers and consolidation remain a major trend amid a growing global credit union movement, while regulatory reform further shapes the sector’s … Read more
Since 1948, International Credit Union Day has been celebrated on the third Thursday of October, commemorating the spirit of the global credit union movement. This year’s theme is “Cooperation for a prosperous world”, and according to Greg Patmore, Emeritus Professor of Business and Labour History at The University of Sydney, it’s pretty fitting. “Prosperity isn’t … Read more
As NSW communities grabble amidst record floods, customer-owned banks are ready to provide support. “We understand this is an incredibly stressful time, but customer-owned banks stand with their customers and communities, ready to assist where needed,” Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) CEO Michael Lawrence said. “If you’re experiencing financial hardship, please reach out to your … Read more
For customers impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred, customer-owned banks stand with their communities and are ready to provide support. If you’re experiencing financial hardship, please reach out to your customer-owned bank as soon as it is safe to do so. Some ways customer-owned banks may be able to help include: Don’t hesitate to contact your … Read more
