Our 37th KPMG Mutuals Industry Review shines a spotlight on how technology can drive a prosperous future for the mutual banking sector. We explore key industry metrics, strategic insights, and the digital transformation agenda, emphasising how artificial intelligence (‘AI’) and strong data quality can pave the way for sustainable growth.
In 2024, Australian Mutuals experienced continued growth in net assets and operating profits, improving their financial health. Higher net interest margins and consistent loan growth played an important role in this success, despite a deterioration in the cost-to-income ratio for the sector.
Despite the successes, customer-owned banks need to find a way to balance their support for communities during the current cost-of-living crisis with cost reduction, service expansion, process uplift and threat protection. But, the era of AI and advanced technology is here, and can help transform strategy and operations. Dive into our report for more insights, with special focus on digital transformation, AI, cyber security, ESG and trust and regulation.
The KPMG Mutuals Insights Dashboard
The KPMG Mutuals Insights Dashboard contains interactive charts and graphs to accompany this report. Underpinned by publicly available financial data collected from the mutual banks we surveyed, the dashboard enables you to filter key financial measures based on organisation and year.
Australian Mutuals financial results 2024
Key findings based on the 2024 financial results of 40 institutions in the mutual banking sector, when compared to 2023 data.
Operating profit before tax increased by 0.32% to $775.2m
Lending grew by 7.88% to $139.6b
Deposits grew by 5.11% to $137.8b
Net interest margin increased by 45bp to 2.45%
Cost-to-income ratio increased by 292bp to 78.51%
Explore the results in KPMG’s interactive insights dashboard
Mutuals Industry Review 2024 survey: key insights
Every year we ask leaders within Australia’s mutual banks, building societies and credit unions (‘the Mutuals”) to share their views on risks, challenges and opportunities within the customer-owned banking sector.
- 80% believe reducing points of customer friction will improve customer experience and costs.
- 60% feel confident about growth prospects (down 13% from 2023).
- 57% believe cost efficiency will improve.
Areas of focus for the Australian mutual banking sector
KPMG has identified five focus areas facing customer-owned banking in Australia.
A digitised future for mutual banks
In today’s fast-paced world, banking customers demand seamless, convenient digital experiences. Read our report to discover how mutual banks can enhance personal touch and foster deeper customer relationships for lasting loyalty through digital transformation.
AI, data and automation to enhance success
The idea of jumping into data, automation, or AI transformations can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be all or nothing for Mutuals.
A strategic approach can boost productivity, improve client and employee experiences, manage risks, and open up new opportunities, all while making digital progress manageable and smooth.
Navigating climate change and customer hardship
Explore how data-driven and AI-powered strategies can help mutual banks navigate climate risk and support customer resilience amidst financial stress. Read our report to understand how to meet regulatory obligations under the Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards (ASRS) and the role of innovative technologies in creating positive social impact.
Cyber and Mutuals: getting ahead of the curve
Proactive measures are always the best defence for cyber security. By taking a strategic and holistic approach, Mutuals can not only protect themselves from cyber threats but also strengthen their commitment to member trust and purpose-driven banking. Our report includes a roadmap for Mutuals in a cyber landscape.
The effect of upcoming regulatory updates
Compliance and regulation are high on the list of risks for many Mutuals.
In our report, we explore three key regulatory changes ahead and what steps Mutuals can take to stay compliant: CPS 230 Operational Risk Management, The Australian Privacy Act reforms and the Voluntary AI Safety Standard.
Explore further areas of focus by downloading our report.
Net interest margin (NIM)
In 2024, the market has continued to observe the impacts of the interest rate increases that started in May 2022. The NIM for the Top 10 Mutuals increased by 18bps to 1.97% (2023: 1.79%) compared to the broader Mutuals group which saw an increase of 57bps to 2.93% (2023: 2.36%)
Net interest income (NII)
In 2024, the Mutuals reported an increase in NII of 13.9% to $3,676.3 million (2023: $3,226.9 million), driven by the increase in interest rates and continued growth in lending.
Cost to Income ratio
Total reported operating costs for Mutuals increased in 2024 by 14.5% to $2.92 billion (2023: $2.55 billion). Costs continue to be a challenge across the sector and reflected in the increase in the cost-to-income ratio to 78.5% (2023: 75.6%). This remains critical for for achieving sustainable growth and a purposeful future. The majority of the survey respondents expected the cost-in-income ratio to improve by 2-5% over the next few years, driven by a reduction in customer 'points of friction' and digital/automated workflow.
Personnel expenses continue to account for the majority of operating costs at $1.560 billion (2023: $1.34 billion). With continued low unemployment, the hunt for talent remains highly competitive and a key focus for Mutuals.
Information technology and marketing were the next major cost. These increased to $475 million in 2024 (2023: $408 million). On average there was a 16% increase compared to 2023, reflecting the continued investment in technology and digitisation.
Profit before tax
In 2024, profits before tax (PBT) for the Mutuals increased by 0.32% to $775.2 million (2023: $772.7 million). The marginal increase in PBT is due to the increase in interest rates offset by the cost and inflationary pressures across the sector. The Top 10 Mutuals saw PBT increase by 13.58% (2023: 20.8%) which was offset by a decrease of 12.8% for Mutuals outside of the Top 10 (2023: 41.7% increase).
Total asset growth
Total assets for the Mutuals increased in 2024 by 6.4% (2023: 2.5%) to $169.2 billion (2023: $159.1 billion), reflective of a competitive lending market that continues to be subject to uncertain economic conditions, high interest rates and high inflation, digital disruption and an evolving regulatory and compliance landscape.
In 2024, the Australian economy faced the continued challenge of high inflation resulting in significant cost-of-living pressures causing an increased number of households to face mortgage stress. The Mutuals’ commitment to maintaining a strong focus on their customers and their communities was identified by our survey respondents as a key contributor to remaining competitive within the broader banking industry.
The sector outlook remains positive in the face of ongoing market and economic uncertainty, with 60% of survey respondents revealing they feel confident in their three-year growth prospects (compared to 73% in 2023). Total asset growth across the sector was primarily driven by lending growth with average growth of 7.9% for survey respondents, compared to the Majors who grew 1.6% (2023: 2.9%). The differing levels of asset growth achieved across the sector is reflective of varied strategies adopted by the Mutuals in addressing market conditions.
Based on APRA data, the Mutuals comprise 2.7% (2023: 2.7%) of total assets across all authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) in Australia at 30 June 2024. As customer-owned banks, the sector has a strong focus on supporting members in the current economic environment. 70% of survey responses see this differentiation as a competitive advantage and central to their purpose.
Asset quality
Asset quality has improved during 2024 with the sector observing a provision for doubtful debts to gross receivables ratio of 0.12% in 2024 (2023: 0.16%). The provision levels are now returning to pre-Covid period levels. The significant increase in interest rates observed since May 2022, combined with high inflation, is expected to cause pressure on asset quality in the medium to long term.
Provisioning and asset quality
In addition to any specific provisions, accounting standards require the estimation of a forward-looking general provision called the ‘expected credit loss’ (ECL). In 2024, the Mutuals collectively observed a net increase in provisions of 4.4% (2023: 13.7% increase).
We observed that collective impairment charges continue to be the most significant component of total provisions at approximately 91% at the end of 2024 (2023: 92%).
Capital
The Mutuals’ average capital adequacy ratio increased by 11bps to 17.71% (2023: 17.6%). Improved interest margins resulting from higher interest rates, combined with asset growth, has acted to stabilise and improve capital positions compared to the decline seen in recent years.
Watch: KPMG Mutuals Annual Review Webinar 2024
Our 2024 industry review from Thursday, 28 November 2024 provides commentary and insight on the mutual banking industry. This year’s theme is the role of technology supporting a prosperous future for mutual banks and their customers.
During the webinar, we were shared a demonstration of our KPMG Compliance Tracking AI tool and hosted a Q&A session with Michael Lawrence, Chief Executive Officer of Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) who provided commentary on the issues and opportunities for the sector.
Mutuals Industry Review 2024
Insights into the performance and trends of Australia’s Mutuals sector for 2024.
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Mutuals banking sector insights
FAQs
What is the mutual banking sector in Australia made up of?
The mutual banking industry in Australia is made up of Australia’s mutual banks, building societies and credit unions, and are collectively known as the mutual banking sector. They are regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA).
What is included in the KPMG Mutuals Industry Review 2024 report?
KPMG’s review of the mutual banking sector examines financial performance and trends of Australia’s mutual banks, building societies and credit unions.
Our report includes the financial results of 40 mutual banks for the 2024 Australian financial year, which represents over 98 percent of the mutual banking sector by total assets. The financial information, analysis and observations have been compiled from publicly available financial reports, APRA statistics and includes information from the prior year. In certain circumstances, data has been obtained directly from survey participants.
Included are the results of our qualitative survey. The Mutuals were asked to share their views on risks, challenges, and opportunities faced by customer-owned banks and how the community banking sector is responding to key issues.
This year, we’ve streamlined our report significantly, with detailed financial analyses available directly on this webpage and through our interactive insights dashboard.
What is KPMG’s Interactive Mutuals Dashboard?
KPMG’s Mutuals Insights Dashboard examines the performance and trends of Australia’s mutual banks, building societies and credit unions.
The dashboard contains interactive charts and graphs that are underpinned by publicly available financial data collected from the Mutuals surveyed. Users can filter financial data based on preferences and analyse or benchmark the data of the mutual industry participants for specific years or segments.
Who are Australia’s top 10 mutual banks?
The top 10 mutual banks by total assets in Australia for 2024 are:
- People First Bank
- Newcastle Greater Mutual Group
- Great Southern Bank
- Bank Australia
- Teachers Mutual Bank
- Beyond Bank Australia
- P&N Bank
- IMB Bank
- Qudos Bank
- Defence Bank