CommBank backs First Nations-led financial abuse solutions in new RAP

CommBank is deepening its commitment to tackling financial abuse in First Nations communities, announcing new innovation partners and launching its FY26-28 Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). 

The bank’s 2025 Next Chapter Innovation program will support two First Nations-led organisations – Mudgin-gal Aboriginal Corporation in NSW and Mookai Rosie-Bi-Bayan in QLD – with grants of up to $200,000 each, plus tailored non-financial support such as executive mentoring and capability-building resources from CommBank teams. 

Backing solutions led by the community, for the community 

Now in its third year, the Next Chapter Innovation program supports local programs that help victim-survivors on a path toward long-term financial independence. 

Recent research from the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) shows financial abuse can manifest differently for First Nations peoples, with exploitation of cultural obligations and financial control within relationships being key drivers. The research highlights the importance of culturally safe and community-designed responses. 

“The Next Chapter Innovation program was established to help break the cycle of financial abuse and empower people to rebuild long-term financial independence,” said Mitchell Heritage, CommBank executive manager for First Nations business banking, in a media release. 

“This year, we are pleased to support First Nations communities through the program by investing in innovative, culturally informed programs. We are proud to back community-led organisations that are delivering real change on the ground.” 

Introducing the 2025 Next Chapter Innovation partners 

This year’s partners were nominated by members of CommBank’s First Nations Employee Network and selected for their strong, community-based approaches. 

• Mudgin-gal Aboriginal Corporation (NSW): Meaning “Women’s Place,” Mudgin-gal is an Aboriginal women-led sanctuary in Redfern that has long supported cultural healing and intervention for family violence. Their new initiative, Sacred Circles, will deliver trauma-informed sessions blending cultural practice with practical financial education. 
• Mookai Rosie-Bi-Bayan (QLD): With over 35 years supporting women and children from Cape York and Torres Strait, Mookai Rosie is launching Building Futures, Building Communities—a social enterprise combining traditional plant-based medicinal knowledge with economic empowerment for women. 

CommBank, which recently unveiled a major brand campaign, Doubt Never Did, designed to encourage Australians to push past uncertainty and pursue their personal and financial goals, will also continue supporting its 2024 innovation partners: Strong Women Talking and the Council of Aboriginal Services Western Australia (CASWA). 

Elevate RAP sets out 12 new reconciliation priorities 

Coinciding with the Innovation partner announcement is the release of CommBank’s eighth Reconciliation Action Plan, outlining 12 new priorities from FY26 to FY28. These are grouped into four key focus areas: reconciliation and community, education and careers, business success and growth, and financial inclusion. 

“Commonwealth Bank’s FY26-28 Elevate RAP sets out their priorities in further strengthening their engagement with First Nations peoples,” said Karen Mundine, CEO of Reconciliation Australia. 

“It builds on the bank’s previous reconciliation commitments; through listening to the voices and expertise of First Nations people and using that knowledge to continually expand their strategies, the bank demonstrates a sustainable approach to their reconciliation program, now and into the future.” 

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