Community Sector Banking Franchise Expiry

After 17 years of operating as a franchisee of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank (BEN), the Community Sector Banking franchise has come to an end, following expiration of the franchise agreement.

Community Sector Banking is a wholly owned subsidiary of Community Sector Enterprises Pty Ltd, a joint venture between BEN and Community 21 Limited. Community Sector Banking is not a bank but has operated as a BEN franchise distributing BEN products and services and is independent from BEN’s Community Bank network.

BEN and Community 21 have been unable to reach mutually agreeable terms upon which to continue to operate under the current structure. With the expiry of the franchise agreement on 30 November 2019, BEN and Community Sector Banking are now working through a transition period which will have a strong focus on the interests of our customers and our people.

Customers who are currently serviced by Community Sector Banking are already customers of BEN and their banking experience will continue despite the expiry of the franchise agreement.

BEN has a long history of supporting and engaging with Community Enterprise, Not for Profit and Profit for Purpose organisations and remains committed to engaging with the sector.