Family First–Beyond Bank merger wins big member backing

Family First Bank is set to merge with Beyond Bank Australia after an overwhelming ‘yes’ vote from its members.

Announced in August, the merger will combine two customer-owned banks with a long-standing focus on member value and community outcomes.

After more than 50 years serving communities from Lithgow and Bathurst to the wider Central West, Family First has moved from a Memorandum of Understanding to a confirmed merger with Beyond Bank, known for its “Powering Communities” philosophy.

More scale, more support for regional NSW

With the merger, the combined organisation will:

• Support over 340,000 members
• Partner with more than 6,000 community organisations
• Manage $11.3 billion in assets under management (figures as of August 2025)
• Operate more than 50 branches across NSW, ACT, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia
• Deepen its presence in Lithgow, Bathurst, Blackheath, and Mudgee

Family First Bank members will gain access to Beyond Bank’s extensive regional and metropolitan network and a broader range of products, services, and digital capabilities. The partnership will also boost capacity to reinvest profits locally, strengthen grassroots initiatives and expand financial wellbeing programs across regional NSW, including a Community Rewards Program, tailored financial wellbeing sessions and a dedicated foundation for the Central Tablelands.

“Beyond Bank and Family First Bank have a long history of supporting the communities we serve,” said Beyond Bank chief executive David Marshall. “This merger strengthens that commitment and positions us to deliver even greater benefits to members across regional South Wales.

Jobs, systems, and what members can expect next

The merger will take effect from 1 March. As integration progresses, Family First and Beyond Bank will work to bring together systems, products, and services while maintaining a strong local focus.

“Importantly too, all Family First Bank employees have been offered roles within the merged organisation, and we’re excited to welcome them into the Beyond Bank team,” Marshall said.

The transfer of technology and banking systems will commence from June. According to Beyond Bank, this staged approach is designed to ensure a smooth transition with no expected disruption to members.

Throughout the transition, the bank has reiterated that its core promise to customers will remain: to know each member personally, provide support at every life stage, and grow alongside the communities it serves.

The move comes as other customer-owned banks rethink deals, with P&N Group and Great Southern Bank ending merger talks and wider consolidation reshaping Australia’s mutual sector.

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