Regional NSW Newcastle Permanent headquarters has climbed higher on Forbes’ annual ranking of World’s Best Banks.

The local bank was named as the top Australian-owned financial institution and placed second overall in Australia by over 43,000 customers surveyed globally.

Newcastle Permanent CEO, Bernadette Inglis welcomed the result, saying it shows that the Hunter-led organisation has continued to focus on delivering the best banking services for customers and communities, despite the challenges of the last year.

“This is an incredible testament to the commitment of our people at Newcastle Permanent over the last twelve months and what they have done through fires, floods, and a pandemic to support our customers and our local communities,” Bernadette said.

“Newcastle Permanent is honoured to have been named in the Forbes’ World’s Best Banks in Australia and to also be the top customer-owned mutual bank in the country.”

At 118 years old, 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 our customers are highly satisfied with our service,” Bernadette said.

“To be recognised so positively, however, through this international award program alongside other major and mutual banks is quite a remarkable achievement for both Newcastle Permanent and for the Hunter region.”

The Forbes World’s Best Banks survey recognises Newcastle Permanent’s performance in the eyes of customers against a range of 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,” she said.

“We 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 Newcastle Permanent home loans even easier.

“Like many organisations, the needs of our customers have changed over the last year. At Newcastle Permanent we’re continually striving to introduce the banking services and innovative new technologies our customers want today, and will need tomorrow, so that we can reach our goal of becoming Australia’s favourite banking experience,” Bernadette concluded.

IMAGE | Newcastle Permanent branch.