Former Prime Minister the Hon Julia Gillard AC and globally recognised leadership expert Holly Ransom will headline the World Credit Union Conference 2026 (WCUC) as Australian keynote speakers. The conference represents the largest international gathering of credit unions and mutual banks, and is co-hosted by the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) and the World Council … Read more
Financial abuse is a form of domestic violence where money is used to control, track or trap someone, and it occurs in nearly all cases of domestic violence. Financial abuse may see victim/survivors lose access to their money, be manipulated into making financial decisions, or even be pressured to sign over documents or take on … 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
An independent review of the Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice (the Code) is officially underway with the release of a consultation paper inviting customers, advocates, and industry stakeholders to shape the future of the sector’s standards. “The consultation phase is critical to ensuring the Code remains robust and effective for the 5.4 million Australians … Read more
Australia’s banks and finance firms are joining forces with Australia’s leading financial safety by design expert, to prevent financial abuse, with the launch of the Financial Safety Alliance. The Financial Safety Alliance, founded by social enterprise Flequity Ventures, brings together the Australian Banking Association, the Australian Finance Industry Association, the Customer Owned Banking Association and … Read more
The Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) has commenced a comprehensive, independent review of the Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice (the Code) to ensure its standards remain robust and contemporary for the 5.4 million Australians the sector serves. “Customer-owned banks are driven by their people-first ethos and have a long history of putting customers first. … 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
The Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) is pleased to announce Patrick Ashkettle as the new Industry Representative on the Customer Owned Banking Code Compliance Committee (COBCCC), with his term commencing on 1 January 2026. “As a sector, we continue to work collaboratively to strengthen standards for the benefit of customers and communities. Mr. Ashkettle brings … Read more