Customer Owned Banking

04/11/2026

COBA is pleased to welcome new CEO Yasser El-Ansary as he officially commences in the role this week.

"It's a privilege to step into this role, and I look forward to working with our members to champion and the people and communities the sector serves," he said.

"Customer-owned banks play a vital role in the financial landscape, providing a genuine alternative for millions of Australians while strengthening banking competition and supporting financial wellbeing. The values of mutuality that have defined customer-owned banking for more than 150 years remain as relevant as ever.

"With strong foundations and opportunities ahead, I’m optimistic about the sector’s next chapter of growth, innovation, and impact."

Read the media release on Yasser's appointment here: https://www.customerownedbanking.asn.au/coba-appoints-yasser-el-ansary-as-new-ceo/

COBA has announced the appointment of Yasser El-Ansary as incoming Chief Executive Officer, succeeding outgoing CEO Michael Lawrence.

30/10/2026

The history of is a story of communities achieving more when they work together. As Teachers Mutual Bank Limited marks its 60th anniversary in 2026, its story serves as a powerful example of this.

The institution was created in 1966, when a group of NSW teachers united for fair, affordable banking that understood their needs. Teachers volunteered their time to help other teachers achieve greater financial security and access to credit. Today, it serves more than 280,000 members, spanning education, healthcare, emergency services, transport and government.

This , CEO Anthony Hughes reflects on the organisation’s roots, its six-decade journey, and how it continues to be defined by a commitment to members and purpose: https://www.customerownedbanking.asn.au/teachers-mutual-bank-tmbl-60-years/

29/10/2026

COBA was proud to join our members Police Credit Union, Police Bank, BankVic, and QBANK at the National Police Bravery Awards on Wednesday, recognising the extraordinary courage and dedication of Australia's police officers.

With deep roots in the policing community, these customer-owned banks have long served police officers and their families, and stand alongside those who commit their lives to the service of others.

Congratulations to this year’s joint National Police Bravery Awards recipients: Senior Constable Bikash Bharati from Burwood Police Area Command; and the officers of Queensland Police Service, recognised for their response to the devastating Wieambilla shootings.

Their actions reflect the courage, selflessness, and unwavering commitment shown by police officers every day. We thank all officers for their service and congratulate this year's recipients on this well-deserved recognition.

28/10/2026

Is that a genuine message about your tax return - or is it a scam? ✉️

Many Australians are lodging tax returns, waiting for refunds, or checking their tax status ahead of the 31 October deadline. Unfortunately, scammers know this and use tax season to impersonate trusted organisations and trick consumers into sharing personal information or making payments.

"Scammers know many Australians are focused on their tax obligations at this time of year, and they rely on urgency and uncertainty to catch people off guard,” explained COBA's Head of Financial Crime and Cyber Resilience Martin Latimer.

"It may require a few extra steps, but taking the time to stop and check the authenticity of such messages can make all the difference in protecting your hard-earned money.”

Learn more about how to spot the warning signs: https://www.customerownedbanking.asn.au/tax-time-scams-ato-impersonation/

27/10/2026

COBA is pleased to announce Matt Gijselman as the new Industry Representative on the Customer Owned Banking Code Compliance Committee (COBCCC), with his term commencing immediately.

The COBCCC is an independent body that oversees compliance with the Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice, which sets standards for Australia’s mutual banks and credit unions. With over two decades of policy and advocacy expertise, Gijselman has a thorough understanding of the mutual sector and will provide the committee with expert insight into the operations and structure of the sector, ensuring oversight remains practical, effective, and informed.

“Customer-owned banks are driven by a people-first ethos and have a long history of putting customers and the communities they serve first, and the COBCCC helps ensure this commitment remains robust,” said outgoing COBA CEO Michael Lawrence.

“Matt’s deep background in regulatory engagement and financial services, combined with his strong ties to customer-owned banks, means he will bring practical and operational insights to the Committee’s work.”

Read more about the appointment in our media release here: https://www.customerownedbanking.asn.au/matt-gijselman-cobccc-industry-rep/

22/10/2026

October marks and this year's theme is 'Take a second. Stay secure'.

Whether it's using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, or stopping to verify before clicking a link, small actions can make a big difference in keeping you and your loved ones safe online.

19/10/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Hike the Hill 2026!

Last week, COBA’s annual advocacy event in Canberra saw representatives from 24 customer-owned banks meet with policymakers and parliamentarians to advocate for the strength and impact of our sector.

Customer-owned banks are delivering real benefits for members and communities, and with the right policy settings, we can continue supporting more Australians into homes, driving banking competition, and championing the benefits of the mutual model.

When customer-owned banks stand together, our collective voice helps drive meaningful progress for the people and communities we serve. Together, we are demonstrating the impact of .

16/10/2026

Each year, shines a spotlight on the impact of member-owned institutions around the world. It celebrates the simple but powerful idea of purpose, cooperation, and prioritising members over shareholder returns.

For years, The Capricornian Bank has enjoyed a successful partnership with fellow mutual Westfund, sharing a branch in Queensland’s Emerald to better serve their collective members. Last week, the mutuals marked another milestone with the opening of a second branch together, this time in Mackay.

Mutuality is built on the belief that we achieve more when we work together.

Learn more about the mutual difference here: https://www.customerownedbanking.asn.au/capricornian-bank-westfund-branch-mackay/

15/10/2026

On the eve of International Credit Union Day, COBA hosted member CEOs, Chairs, directors, and executives from 24 customer owned banks for Hike the Hill, our advocacy event at Parliament House.

The morning summit commenced with addresses from Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino and Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson – Federal Liberal Member for Goldstein, both of whom acknowledged the distinct purpose of customer-owned banks.

Through the day, members met with 27 parliamentarians and political stakeholders, highlighting the value of the mutual model, advocating for regulatory reform that is proportionate and risk-based, and reinforcing the sector's commitment to putting customers at the centre of banking.

Customer-owned banks exist to serve their members, not shareholders. We are proud to champion a sector that drives competition, expands consumer choice, and delivers long-term value and better outcomes for all Australians.

14/10/2026

Financial abuse is a harmful, and often hidden, form of abuse that can undermine a person’s independence and financial wellbeing. COBA and its members acknowledge the Government’s response to the inquiry into and are committed to driving meaningful change to continue protecting customers and communities.

At Beyond Bank, this includes initiatives designed to help victim-survivors access support safely and discreetly when they need it most – like discreet call-back forms in case phone calls are intercepted by a perpetrator, and utilising branches as safe spaces for victim-survivors to access support.

Customer-owned banks are dedicated to helping victim-survivors regain control of their finances and are actively working to detect financial abuse and stop perpetrators from misusing banking products and services.

Read more: https://www.customerownedbanking.asn.au/banks-disrupt-financial-abuse-australia/

Daniel Mulino Senator Deborah O'Neill Zaneta Mascarenhas MP