Summerland Bank CEO David Heine is calling for a fairer and more sustainable approach to essential face-to-face banking in regional communities.

For David, the issue is simple, where you live should not determine whether you can sit down with a real person when you need help with your banking.

That support can matter most when banking is not straightforward. It could be navigating a scam, managing a loved one’s finances through a power of attorney, opening or changing an account, or dealing with something that cannot easily be resolved through a machine or online.

Bank branches also provide important, secure services that ATMs and Bank@Post cannot, including account opening and closing, loan advice, small business and agribusiness banking advice, account problem-solving, technical and specialist scam support.

This is why David, alongside other regional banking leaders, has been advocating for a more sustainable way to protect face-to-face banking in regional communities.

Why is this being discussed now?

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has put forward a proposal that includes testing shared banking hubs which may provide some limited face-to-face and cash services.

The proposal is currently being considered by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). It includes possible standalone or partner-hosted banking hubs designed to provide face-to-face and cash services.

David believes shared hubs may have a role, but they do not answer the bigger question:

“How do we make sure regional Australians continue to have access to the full range of banking support they need from, dedicated and properly trained locals in a secure branch?”

Finding a sustainable solution

Summerland Bank knows how important face-to-face banking is for regional communities.

Customer-owned banks exist to serve their members rather than external shareholders. At Summerland Bank, our members are also our shareholders and our profits are reinvested into delivering value for members and communities.

David has been working to ensure the future of essential and secure face-to-face banking services through the Regional Banking Investment Alliance (RBIA), a group of regional banks and supporters advocating for sustainable access to face-to-face banking.

RBIA is calling for a cost-sharing model to support regional branches that continue providing these essential services.

Under its proposal, banks would have the opportunity to benefit from the model when they meet a required level of investment in regional branches. Its aim is to more fairly share responsibility for maintaining face-to-face banking services in regional Australia.

Why this matters to us 

This is not about choosing branches instead of digital banking. 

It is about choice and know you can have access to face-to-face services with trained staff when you need them.

For many everyday banking needs, digital banking is convenient. But sometimes people need someone they can sit down with in a secure location, particularly when the situation is complicated, sensitive or unfamiliar. 

For Summerland Bank, it is also about ensuring regional Australians do not receive a lower level of banking service simply because of where they live. 

We are proud to see David taking that message to industry and government and standing up for the communities Summerland Bank exists to serve.