The merger provides the opportunity to do more for members by combining two member-driven and complementary businesses while also increasing support for community and environmental initiatives. By bringing our two like-minded organisations together, we have the scale needed to deliver more for members through better products, services, digital capabilities, and competitive pricing.

Are you still a mutual?

Yes. We remain 100% member-owned and totally focused on serving you, our members.

No. It has been a true merger of equals. This is reflected in the fact that we have dual head offices in Adelaide and Toowoomba, and that the new Board is made up of an equal number of directors from People’s Choice and Heritage.

What has happened to my membership?

Customers of both People’s Choice Credit Union and Heritage Bank are now customers of the merged organisation.

What does it mean for my accounts/products?

There are no immediate changes to current product features and services. As our systems are integrated, members will be able to access to a wider range of award-winning, competitively-priced products and services. Members will be fully notified of any changes which impact them.

What products and services will be available in a People First Bank rebranded branch?

Our rebranded branches will continue to offer the same range of People’s Choice branded products and services. All products, services and advice obtained in those branches will continue to be provided by Heritage and People’s Choice Ltd trading as People’s Choice Credit Union.

What’s happening to your name and brand?

We are now one single organisation, with the legal name of “Heritage and People’s Choice Limited”. However, we will continue trading under the existing brand names of “Heritage Bank” and “People’s Choice” for an interim period. In time, we will adopt a fresh, new brand name that reflects our aspirations to provide a compelling alternative to the listed bank sector for all Australians.

Who are the CEO and Chairman?

Michael Cameron, the former People’s Choice Chairman, has been appointed as Chairman and Kerry Betros, the former Heritage Chairman, has been appointed Deputy Chairman. Steve Laidlaw, the former CEO of People's Choice, has been appointed CEO. You can find details of our Board here .

Will there be any job losses or redundancies?

Our people are our strength. Their skills, dedication and commitment to our members are critical to our ongoing success. Both organisations have committed to no non-executive redundancies as a result of the merger.

Will the headquarters move?

No. We will operate dual head offices in Adelaide and Toowoomba. We remain committed to maintaining our presence in our existing communities, including continued support of local community programs.

We’re now working to fully integrate our products, services, technology and internal processes, and deliver benefits to members. Members will be fully notified of any changes which impact them.

Where can I find out more information?

More information is available on our websites at peopleschoice.com.au/merger and heritage.com.au/about/merger . If you have any other questions, you can locate a branch or contact us .

How will customers benefit?

FAQs

Why did you merge?
How will customers benefit?
The merger has provided the scale needed to ensure customers continue to benefit from competitive financial products, personalised customer service and modern, secure banking technology – all with the care that only a strong, sustainable, customer-owned banking organisation can provide.

We are now large enough to offer customers more but still small enough to retain the personal touch.

The benefits that customers will enjoy over time as a result of the merger include:

• Gaining access to one of Australia’s largest customer-owned branch networks of 95 sites.
• A wide range of competitively-priced products and services.
• Better payment options.
• The removal of a number of fees and charges.
• 24/7 Australian-based call centre support and Saturday trading in selected branches.
• Contemporary, secure digital banking, backed by ongoing investment to meet members’ evolving needs.
• A minimum of $50 million over five years in community support and environmental initiatives.
• Local knowledge, employment and investment from our permanent, dual head offices in Adelaide and Toowoomba.
Are you still a mutual?
Was this a takeover?
What has happened to my membership?
What does it mean for my accounts/products?
What products and services will be available in a People First Bank rebranded branch?
What’s happening to your name and brand?
We are now one single organisation, with the legal name of “Heritage and People’s Choice Limited”.

However, we will continue trading under the existing brand names of “Heritage Bank” and “People’s Choice” for an interim period. In time, we will adopt a fresh, new brand name that reflects our aspirations to provide a compelling alternative to the listed bank sector for all Australians.
Who are the CEO and Chairman?
Will there be any job losses or redundancies?
Will the headquarters move?
What happens next?
Where can I find out more information?

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How will customers benefit?

FAQs

Why did you merge?