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.
Credit Union and mutual customers usually know their financial institution of choice operates to help others. Unlike regular banks, whose profits are redirected to shareholders, customer-owned banks were established to give back to their members and the community in a multitude of ways. Globally, the trend is no different. For the past three-quarters of a … Read more
Customer owned banks put people before profits, and that builds a strong foundation to build social equality. This is perhaps best reflected in the workplace, where COBA members are at the forefront of best practice. IMB Bank was recently awarded the Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) citation from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency … Read more
Summerland Bank have seen how disaster can bring communities closer more than ever this year. Like many of their neighbouring businesses, they lost their Lismore branch and head office to flooding in the New South Wales Northern Rivers region a year ago. “Last year was a year unlike any other. The size of the 2022 … Read more
Newcastle Permanent employees have made the Empowerment Circle initiative possible. Created by Got Your Back Sista, the program will be used to build community, strength and healing among survivors of domestic violence. The 90-minute support sessions are led by a registered counsellor, participants learn skills such as resilience, self-care and kindness to self and others … Read more
WorldPride is a global event that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and promotes their rights and visibility around the world. It is a festival of diversity, equality, and inclusion that brings together people from all walks of life, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. With WorldPride celebrations well and truly underway across the … Read more
Queensland Country Bank customers, Abbey Walters and Corhan Remfrey have become the first recipients of the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee (RFHBG). Under the RFHBG, the government guarantees up to 15 percent of their deposit, meaning eligible regional Queenslanders, such as Abbey and Corhan, can purchase their first home with a deposit of as little … Read more
The Mutual Bank is switching away from the traditional plastic credit card and taking an exciting step towards reducing their carbon footprint. The Bank recently launched their new Mutual Visa Debit Card, which is made of 90% plant-based material. Not only is the card non-toxic and industrially compostable, but the packaging is made of 100% … Read more
While Christmas is a merry time for many, for those most vulnerable in our community it can be lonely and difficult. This year, COBA members are using their unique connections with local communities to go above and beyond to make sure Christmas is meaningful for everyone. Newcastle Permanent With Christmas right around the corner, The … Read more
Staff at Credit Union SA are thriving under new wellbeing initiatives designed to promote greater work/life balance. They recently implemented ‘thrive day’ leave, where staff are given an extra four days off a year to pursue any activity they choose. The additional leave program introduced by the customer-owned bank is helping staff take time out … Read more
