REGIONAL Australia Bank has been named Most Recommended Customer Owned Bank at the 2026 RFI Global Australian Banking & Finance Awards, based entirely on independent customer advocacy research and recommendation data.
The award is determined exclusively by customer feedback and Net Promoter Score results, drawing on insights from more than 62,000 Australian consumers and 18,000 businesses each year, alongside real-world digital banking interactions.
Unlike traditional industry awards, winners are not selected by judging panels or submissions, but by how strongly customers recommend their financial institution.
The RFI Global Australian Banking & Finance Awards recognise financial institutions setting the benchmark for performance across service quality, product strength and digital experience, based entirely on the voice of the customer.
Regional Australia Bank chief executive officer, David Heine, said the recognition reflects performance and the trust built with regional communities.
“To be named Australia’s Most Recommended Customer Owned Bank is a powerful endorsement because it comes directly from our customers,” Mr Heine said.
“Recommendation is earned. It reflects consistent service, strong products, and the confidence our customers have in how we operate.”
Mr Heine said the result demonstrates that regional institutions can compete strongly at a national level.
“This award reinforces that a customer-owned model delivers real value. Our customers are our owners, which means our focus is long term. Every decision we make is centred on delivering sustainable outcomes for the communities we serve.”
As a customer-owned bank, profits are reinvested back into products, services and regional communities rather than paid to external shareholders.
In the past financial year alone, Regional Australia Bank reinvested over $2.89 million into community initiatives, partnerships and grassroots organisations supporting regional sport, health, youth services and local development across New South Wales.
“Our team works hard every day to deliver a banking experience that earns advocacy. Being recommended by our customers is the highest measure of success, and we remain committed to strengthening the financial wellbeing of regional Australians,” Mr Heine said.
