The Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) has opened applications for a new Industry Representative on the Customer Owned Banking Code Compliance Committee (COBCCC); the independent body overseeing compliance with the Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice.
“Customer-owned banks are driven by a people-first ethos and a long history of putting customers first. The COBCCC helps ensure this commitment remains robust by overseeing compliance with our industry code, while the Industry Representative brings practical operational knowledge and sector experience to the Committee’s work,” COBA Chief Executive Officer Michael Lawrence said.
The Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice is the industry code for Australia’s mutual banks and credit unions. It is a public expression of the sector’s commitment to its customers, establishing higher standards than the law requires and reflecting a deep dedication to serving member interests. The Code has recently been independently reviewed, with independent reviewer Eva Scheerlinck of Scheerlinck Consulting having delivered her Final Report to COBA on 31 July 2026.
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.
COBA is now inviting applications from qualified former senior leaders across the customer-owned banking sector, following the decision by current Industry Representative Patrick Ashkettle to step down to pursue other professional opportunities.
“On behalf of COBA, we thank Patrick for his dedicated input and valued expertise during his time with the COBCCC. We wish him all the best in his next chapter,” Mr Lawrence said.
The ideal candidate will bring deep knowledge of mutual banking operations and governance, combined with the ability to assess strategic issues holistically beyond the interests of any single institution.
Interested candidates are invited to view the position description here and submit a curriculum vitae along with a brief cover letter outlining their experience to code@coba.asn.au.
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.