Insights from COBA 2025: Navigating the Future of Customer-Owned Banking in Australia

Over three days, Australia’s largest customer-owned banking conference was held in Brisbane from 10–12 August 2025, bringing together mutual banks, credit unions, and building societies from across the country. Representing close to half of all COBA members, Lextech was a proud sponsor and had the opportunity to showcase the latest innovations in mortgage processing and loan technology.

About COBA
The Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) is the industry association for Australia’s customer-owned banking institutions — mutual banks, credit unions, and building societies. Customer-owned banks account for around two-thirds of all domestic Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions (ADIs), delivering competition, choice, and market-leading levels of customer satisfaction in the retail banking market. More than 5 million Australians choose to bank with a customer-owned institution.

COBA25: Unite for Impact
Under the theme “Unite for Impact,” COBA25 welcomed over 1,000 delegates and 50+ inspiring speakers, including thought leaders and innovators from banking, finance, and technology sectors. Delegates explored purpose-led banking, connected with peers, and discovered new tools to drive positive change within their organisations and across the sector.

A Changing Landscape
Speakers highlighted Canberra’s new political environment and economic forces, from housing affordability pressures to demographic change. The key takeaway: agility and resilience are essential for sustainable growth.

Tech & Transformation Take Centre Stage
Innovation featured heavily, with sessions on AI, open banking, digital payments, and CDR. Delegates learned how technology must remain human-centred, balancing efficiency and security with community-first values. Collaboration across mutuals is critical to staying competitive.

Leadership, Trust & Resilience
Discussions emphasised that people and values remain the ultimate differentiator. Protecting vulnerable customers, tackling scams, and building trust in everyday interactions were central themes. Keynotes reinforced the importance of leading with courage in uncertain times.

Lextech in Action
Our Digital Mortgage Platform was demonstrated throughout the three day event, now used by one-third of Australian lenders, powers over $12 billion in property transactions annually, delivering smarter, faster, and more secure settlements nationwide.

Looking Ahead
COBA25 confirmed that customer-owned banks face both challenges and opportunities: regulatory change, economic headwinds, and rapid tech evolution are shaping the sector’s future. By putting customers first, embracing innovation, and working together, mutuals are well-positioned to thrive.