Community banking - the key to real financial inclusion?

​Community-focused banking providers have seen a resurgence in the past year – Nationwide, a business society, was voted Bank of the Year. Building societies attracted 27% of all UK cash savings in mid-2025, despite only holding 23% of the UK’s saving balances.

​But what is driving this shift?

​It’s not just about fintechs falling short on inclusion. While digital challengers have lowered barriers to access, they still rely on a degree of tech ability confidence. But the appeal of building societies and mutuals goes further.

​Consumers are redefining what financial inclusion means. Beyond digital access, it’s also about physical presence, human support and a sense of trust. The ability to walk into a branch, speak to a real person and build a relationship still matters. There’s also a growing focus on values and banking with those institutions than align. Mutuals offer a clear sense of membership, where customers benefit from the organisation’s success. This creates a feeling of shared interest, not just a transactional relationship.

​Together, these factors point to a deeper shift towards trust, service and belonging.

​What is it about community-focused banking, like building societies and mutuals, that are resonating so strongly with consumers? And how can other financial institutions keep up?

​Speakers:

• ​Gareth Griffiths, CEO of Ecology Building Society

• ​Laura Sneddon, Head of Sales and Distribution at Hinckley & Rugby Building Society (Intermediaries)

• ​Simon Yoeul, Head of Policy and Advocacy at Positive Money

• ​Benjamin Hunter Woollard, Head of Banking, Post Office

​Agenda

• ​9:00 - Arrivals, coffee and networking

• ​9:30-10:45 - Panel & Q&A

• ​10:45-11 - Networking and wrap-up