When it comes to community engagement, North Ryde Community Bank® Branch is head and shoulders above the rest.
Branch Manager for the past eight years, Pat Italiano, said the branch could support local groups and projects with its own profits, a point of difference from other banks.
This means local organisations can approach the branch directly for sponsorship, dealing with Pat face-to-face, rather than through an online form.
“I don’t think you can do that with most organisations. We’re very nimble on that front,” Pat said.
While North Ryde Community Bank® Branch offers predominantly financial support for local schools and sporting organisations, it also lends out several Bendigo Bank marquees for events, saving these grassroots organisations money on hire costs.
Branch staff have also volunteered their free time to assist in such events.
It’s the unique Community Bank® model that Pat is proud of most, with more than 310 branches like North Ryde across the country.
North Ryde Community Bank® Branch is a locally owned and operated company, which functions as a franchise of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, Australia’s fifth largest bank.
Profits are split 50/50 with the Bank, and the community company’s share is invested back into local groups and projects.
“We have 300 local shareholders who put up the original capital to start the business,” Pat said.
“The profits generated at the branch are returned to the community through grants and directly to the shareholders, so the community continues to spend its money locally.”
So what’s the catch? Well there isn’t one.
North Ryde Community Bank® Branch offers a full suite of financial products and services, including loans, deposits, insurance, wealth management and business banking.
“Whatever the big guys can do, we can do it as well, but with us you’ll have that personal relationship and great customer service,” Pat said.
It’s clear the personal touch is what sets North Ryde Community Bank® Branch apart – after all their shareholders are their customers. With them you know the work they do is done out of genuine care for the North Ryde community.
Boasting friendly face-to-face service, extended operating hours, and the fact you can contact the branch directly for a chat rather than a call centre, it is a truly community banking experience.
So it is fitting this Community Bank® Branch should be serving the North Ryde community at Cox’s Road Mall, where personal service comes standard.