Merger Plans

Regional Australia Bank lives and breathes the regional Australia spirit. They play an active and influential role in our communities and empower the people and businesses of regional Australia to achieve great things. Currently operating 47 branches across regional NSW, including the New England Northwest, Central West, Mid North Coast and Greater Newcastle regions – each of them staffed by local people who are committed to helping you succeed. Regional Australia Bank offices and call centres are local, all based in regional NSW. With head offices in Armidale and Port Macquarie, and multiple regional call centres reaching Coffs Harbour, Tamworth, Newcastle and Dubbo, they have proudly created more than 300 jobs for people from regional NSW.

Both banks believe this merger will deliver long-term benefits for members and regional communities. By coming together, we can protect local banking services, keep more branches open while remaining proudly customer-owned and community focused. Most importantly, the merger supports our shared purpose of helping regional Australians and the communities we live in to thrive.

If the merger proceeds, the combined bank would support around 145,000 members, operate more than 50 branches across regional Australia, and have combined assets of approximately $5.5 billion.

A merger is when two organisations combine to operate as one. Mergers are undertaken to strengthen services, share resources and ensure long-term sustainability while continuing to serve members in line with shared values.

A merger involves several steps, including signing a Memorandum of Understanding, completing a due diligence process, and seeking approval from regulators such as APRA. Each step ensures the merger is in members’ best interests.

SWSbank members are expected to vote on the merger in line with their constitution. At this stage, it is unlikely that Regional Australia Bank members will be required to vote, subject to regulatory approval.

Due diligence is a detailed review where both banks examine each other’s operations, risks and financial position to ensure the merger is well planned and in members’ best interests.

No. There will be no immediate changes. Both banks will continue operating as usual while the merger process progresses, and members will be kept informed.

The SWSbank brand will continue initially, with any future changes discussed with members.

No. There are no branch closures planned. The merger would expand the branch network by adding Regional Australia Bank's 49 existing branches across regional NSW as well as access to Bank@Post.

No job losses are planned. The focus is on retaining skilled people and creating more opportunities as the bank grows.

The CEO of the combined bank will be David Heine, the CEO of Regional Australia Bank.

If all approvals are received, the legal merger is expected to take effect in April 2027.

If the merger does not go ahead, both banks will continue operating as normal.

Members will be kept informed as key milestones are reached. Members can also contact their local branch with any questions.