People First Bank (a trading name of Heritage and People’s Choice Limited) is a leading Australian customer-owned bank, formed in March 2023 through the merger of two of the country’s strongest mutuals. With deep local roots stretching back to 1875 in Toowoomba and 1949 in Adelaide, the bank combines 150 years of history with the scale of a national institution.

Customer ownership means that profits are reinvested in delivering greater value to customers through lower fees, competitive rates, award-winning service, and leading digital experiences. Its purpose is to deliver positive change through banking for customers, employees, communities and the environment.

Today, People First Bank serves over 750,000 customers with $25.3 billion in assets and the support of 2,100 employees, who deliver products and services through branches, contact centres, broker networks and digital banking platforms – all connected to dual head offices in Adelaide and Toowoomba.

Its six values – Passion, Integrity, Trust, Care, Authenticity and Respect – underpin a ‘people first’ ethos along with a commitment to driving positive risk behaviours. These values guide the expected behaviours of employees and align directly with the company’s strategic pillars of doing good, simplicity, and digital enablement.

People First Bank is committed to supporting its people in performing at their best and building their capabilities to deliver for its customers. It provides opportunities by driving career development, offering ongoing training, coaching, and on-the-job support to enhance the career potential of employees further. This includes an array of employee development programs, leadership development programs, secondments, and industry partnership and accreditation programs.

People First Bank places strong emphasis on the health, safety and wellbeing of its people. It fosters a safe, secure and supportive environment through a dedicated Workplace Health and Safety team, an active Health and Wellbeing Committee, and year-round initiatives. Employees have access to a Mental Health Ambassador program and a free, confidential Employee Assistance Program, which also extends support to immediate family members and leaders. Psychological safety is a key priority, with risk assessments conducted to identify and manage potential hazards. Paid leave entitlements offer flexibility and support across the workforce. The bank continues to evolve its hybrid working model, championing a work-from-anywhere philosophy backed by work-from-home safety assessments to ensure employees are protected beyond the office.

As a carbon-neutral certified organisation, and through its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, People First Bank is delivering on commitments to sustainability, inclusion and reconciliation. The bank has a strong community and environmental focus, supporting a wide range of charitable, community and philanthropic causes. This is actioned in partnership with its people, who are given opportunities to contribute through the employee volunteering and positive impact program (the Good Squad), its Foundation and Community Lottery, and numerous community partnerships and initiatives.

For more information about People First Bank, visit peoplefirstbank.com.au.