Newcastle Permanent, with branches at Lake Haven, Gosford and Erina, has climbed higher on the Forbes annual ranking of World’s Best Banks, named as the top Australian owned financial institution and second overall in Australia by over 43,000 customers surveyed globally.
Lake Haven Branch Manager, Michelle Densem, said the announcement was fantastic news.
“We really value our customers and it means so much to our team at Lake Haven to know that our customers really appreciate how much we help them with their banking needs and provide support to the local community,” Densem said.
“This result is incredible for Newcastle Permanent.
“The Lake Haven team are thrilled that we’ve been recognised this way as not only the best customer owned bank in our community but in all of Australia
“That makes us feel pretty proud.”
Newcastle Permanent CEO, Bernadette Inglis, said the news showed that the Hunter led organisation has continued to focus on delivering the best banking services for customers and communities across its regional NSW footprint despite the challenges of the last year.
“This is an incredible testament to the commitment of our people at Newcastle Permanent over the last 12 months through fires, floods and a pandemic, to support our customers and our local communities,” Inglis said.
With a 118-year history, Newcastle Permanent supports over a quarter of a million customers across regional and rural NSW, Sydney, interstate and overseas.
“Our own customer satisfaction surveys regularly indicate that our customers are highly satisfied with our service.
“However, to be recognised so positively through this international award program alongside other major and mutual banks, is quite a remarkable achievement,” Inglis said.
The Forbes World’s Best Banks survey takes in a range of customer considerations, including general satisfaction, trust, fees, digital services and financial advice.
“Over the last year in particular, we have adapted our business operations to support our customers, moved swiftly to offer assistance packages and made banking with us easier through the introduction of new technologies and practices such as digital verification of identity, which has made applying for our market competitive home loans even easier, regardless of where you live,” Inglis said.
“Like many organisations, the needs of our customers have changed over the last year.
“We’re continually striving to introduce the banking services and innovative new technologies that our customers want today, and will need tomorrow, so that we can reach our goal of becoming Australia’s favourite banking experience.”
Source:
Media release, Apr 19
Newcastle Permanent