Bank Australia named Customer-Owned Bank of the Year

Bank Australia has been named Customer-owned Bank of the Year in the Money Consumer Finance Awards.

It was recognised for its straightforward product range offering customer-focused features.

See the full list of winners in the Money Consumer Finance Awards 2026.

Bank Australia at a glance

• Winner: Customer-Owned Bank of the Year
• Why they won: A straightforward product range offering customer-focused features
• Top product: Clean Energy Home Loan

Putting customers at the centre

More than five million Australians choose a customer-owned financial institution, and Bank Australia's managing director, Damien Walsh, says the customer-owned banking model is important in today's market because "it puts customers at the centre of the decisions we make".

Walsh adds, "As a customer-owned bank, we exist to serve our customers rather than external investors, which means we're able to focus on meeting their needs and creating positive impact on their behalf. We don't prioritise profit for its own sake."

Supporting people and the planet

A key aspect of the customer-owned model is that our customers have a direct say in the issues they want the bank to act upon.

"This guides the projects we support through our impact fund," says Walsh.

"The fund supports initiatives that create positive outcomes for people and the planet, and we commit up to 4% of our annual after-tax profits to it."

Bank Australia offers what Walsh describes as "a simple range of products with competitive pricing, and excellent service through a range of channels. We embed impact into what we offer so customers can use their money in ways that help create a world where people and the planet thrive".

Features designed for real-life needs

Walsh explains, "One of the ways we support our customers is through features that respond to real-life needs.

"Our Parental Pause allows new parents to pause home loan repayments for up to three months, while our Eco Pause gives customers the option to redirect funds towards environmental home upgrades as part of their home loan.

Top product: Clean Energy Home Loan

"Our Clean Energy Home Loan offers incentives for customers who buy or build green homes, with a reduced variable rate for five years or a reduced fixed rate for three years.

"This helps customers decarbonise their homes.

"Our customers also have free access to the BOOM! Power Electrify Your Home tool for customers in Victoria, NSW, Queensland, Tasmania, the ACT and Greater Adelaide, enabling them to create a customised electrification plan and connect with BOOM! Power's network of trusted installers."

Helping Australians get ahead

Bank Australia offers reduced rates on loans for electric vehicles, and is on the panel of lenders for the Federal government's Help to Buy Scheme, aiming to make homeownership more achievable for more Australians.

Read more: View all winners in the Money Consumer Finance Awards 2026.

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