Defence Bank

Office address: 10/31 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000 
Website: defencebank.com.au 
Year established: 1975 
Company type: mutual banking 
Employees: 230+ 
Expertise: home loans, banking, insurance, personal loans, defence finance, governance, reinvestment, wealth and superannuation advice, security and risk management 
Parent company: N/A 
Key people: Roberto Scenna (CEO), Dean Barton (CFO), Kristen Bugeja (chief people officer), Marnie Fletcher (chief member and growth officer), Sean O'Donnell (chief digital and technology officer), Mano Simos (chief risk officer) 
Financing status: corporation (member-owned) 

Defence Bank Limited is a member-owned bank based in Melbourne, serving the Australian Defence Force and the wider community since 1975. Profits are reinvested to improve products and services for its members, rather than paid to external shareholders. 

History of Defence Bank 

Defence Bank began in March 1975 at Victoria Barracks, Melbourne, as the Defence Forces Credit Union Co-operative to help returned servicemen and their families. After the Vietnam War, many veterans felt traditional banks did not meet their needs.  

They wanted a bank that understood Defence life and offered real support. Early growth came as more Defence families joined, looking for fair banking and a sense of community. Below are some of the most important events that happened after: 

• 1980s: moved head office to South Melbourne 
• 1987: reached 28,000 members and $65 million assets 
• 1995: changed name to Defence Force Credit Union 
• 1997: gave members wider ATM access 
• 1999: opened Navy branches at two bases 
• 2000: launched online banking for members 
• 2004: upgraded ATMs with stronger security 
• 2008: joined Defence Home Ownership panel 
• 2010: reached $1 billion in total assets 
• 2012: rebranded as Defence Bank 
• 2014: launched new branch design and mobile team 
• 2016: appointed first female board chair 
• 2019: won award for spouse employment 
• 2021: opened new office and flexible work 
• 2023: started virtual branch for loan help 

In July 2024, Roberto Scenna was appointed CEO. He brings experience in banking and leadership to guide Defence Bank’s next phase. 

Defence Bank’s products and services 

Defence Bank offers loans, banking, insurance, super and digital services. Their home loan range includes standard mortgages and DHOAS home loans, designed for Defence members and the wider community: 

Ultimate Package home loans 

• Essentials home loan – Ultimate Package (fixed or variable): owner-occupier, fixed or variable rates, extra features 
• Essentials home loan – Ultimate Package (investor - fixed): investor, fixed rate, package benefits 
• DHOAS Essentials home loan – Ultimate Package (fixed or variable): Defence members, fixed or variable, full benefits 

Premier home loans 

• Premier home loan: owner-occupier, variable rate, offset account 
• Premier Low Rate home loan: owner-occupier, low variable rate 
• Premier Investor home loan: investor, variable rate, simple features 
• Premier Investor Low Rate home loan: investor, low variable rate 

Specialist Defence home loans 

• DHOAS Premier home loan: DHOAS eligible, variable rate, offset account 
• DHOAS Premier Low Rate home loan: DHOAS eligible, low variable rate 

Defence Bank also supports the Australian Government’s Family Home Guarantee for single parents and legal guardians. The scheme lets eligible members buy a home using only a 2% deposit. 

Company culture and values 

Defence Bank values diversity, supports women with over 60% female staff, and creates a safe, open workplace for sharing ideas. Employees also enjoy a flexible and people-led environment. The bank offers a range of staff benefits, including: 

• flexible work locations: work from home, office, or Defence Force branches 
• workplace facilities: access to showers, lockers, bike parking and change rooms 
• recognition and rewards: vouchers, discounts at over 400 retailers and service celebrations 
• exclusive staff discounts: Defence Bank products, CGU and Navy Health insurance 
• leave benefits: paid pandemic leave, extra Thank You day, volunteer leave 
• career growth: 12-week induction, product training, leadership programs and eLearning 
• wellbeing support: EAP access, wellbeing programs, vaccination leave 
• financial perks: superannuation salary sacrifice, referral rewards and wardrobe allowance 
• study assistance: support for ongoing professional development and study 

Defence Bank celebrates individual talent and supports staff making a difference. This approach earned them the Best Reward & Recognition Program at the 2024 Australian HR Awards. 

About CEO Roberto Scenna and key people 

Roberto Scenna is the CEO of Defence Bank and leads the executive team. Before joining the bank, he was CEO of Catholic Church Insurance and held senior roles at ANZ. He also has experience in expatriate banking and auto finance. 

The Defence Bank executive team leads key areas of the business: 

• Dean Barton is CFO, managing financial reporting, budgeting, and capital for Defence Bank 

• Kristen Bugeja leads as chief people officer, shaping people strategy and supporting strategic goals 

• Marnie Fletcher directs as chief member and growth officer, guiding frontline member and lending teams 

• Sean O'Donnell is chief digital and technology officer, leading digital strategy and technology innovation 

• Mano Simos manages risk and compliance frameworks as chief risk officer 

This leadership group makes sure that Defence Bank runs smoothly and meets its goals. Their combined skills help drive growth and member satisfaction. 

The future at Defence Bank 

As a mutual bank, the firm supports frontline workers in Victoria by providing banking solutions and home loan options tailored to their needs. Its member-owned structure puts customers first and reinvests profits into better services.  

Defence Bank’s focus on its members builds trust and delivers practical banking for frontline workers. The bank’s community-first model also aligns with Victoria’s efforts to grow the co-operative sector and improve outcomes for people.