IMB Bank

Office address: 47 Burelli St, Wollongong 2500 NSW
Website: imb.com.au
Year established: 1880
Company type: mutual banking
Employees: 620+
Expertise: home lending, personal banking, business banking, digital banking solutions, financial planning, insurance services, community funding, customer-owned banking
Parent company: N/A
Key people: Robert Ryan (CEO); Nathan Campbell (chief digital officer); Stephanie Hewitt (chief risk officer); Chris Goodwin (CFO); Lauren Wise, Michael Brannon and Rachael Heald (general managers)
Financing status: corporation (member-owned)

IMB Bank is a member-owned mutual bank based in Wollongong and serves over 210,000 clients across NSW, ACT and Victoria. IMB offers a wide range of personal and business banking products, known for its strong customer focus and community support. The bank reinvests profits to benefit members and local communities.

History of IMB Bank

IMB Bank began in 1880 in Wollongong as the Illawarra Mutual Building Society, created to help local people buy their own homes. Over the years, the bank grew across southern New South Wales. It stepped into the Sydney market in 1989 and then expanded to Melbourne in 2006.

In 1999, IMB set up its Community Foundation, which has since given over $11 million to more than 850 local projects and charities. The bank became a mutual in 2015, officially adopting the name IMB Bank. It then expanded in 2020 by merging with Hunter United Credit Union to reach the Newcastle and Hunter region.

In 2023, IMB Bank was recognised as one of Australia’s most trusted banks, showing strong consumer confidence in the customer-owned sector. In 2024, IMB joined other customer-owned banks to address financial abuse. Its management accountant, Adam Karayiannis, received national recognition for his leadership in supporting customers and driving positive change.

IMB Bank’s products and services

The bank has a long history of supporting Australians with a variety of lending options for home buyers and investors:

Home loans

• budget home loan: basic variable rate, free redraws, no monthly fees
• fixed rate home loan: fixed terms from 1 to 5 years, advance repayments allowed, free redraws
• essentials home loan: variable rate with 100% offset account, free redraws, unrestricted extra repayments

Investment loans

• budget home loan: variable rate, free redraws, no monthly fees
• fixed rate home loan: fixed terms of 1, 2, 3 or 5 years, advance repayments allowed, free redraws
• essentials home loan: variable rate with 100% offset account, free redraws, unrestricted extra repayments

Support and guidance

• mobile lenders: available anytime, anywhere for personal service
• home loan specialists: provide fast, reliable, no-obligation guidance
• refinancing and investment guides: help for first-time buyers and property investors

IMB Bank is one of the non-major lenders offering the Home Guarantee Scheme, which helps eligible buyers and single parents enter the market sooner. The scheme allows qualified applicants to avoid paying lenders mortgage insurance which makes home ownership more accessible.

Company culture and values

IMB Bank values a workplace where people are seen as individuals and teamwork leads to lasting friendships. Staff enjoy meaningful projects, career growth and a supportive environment shaped by personal goals and lifestyle needs, with benefits such as:

• staff banking perks: fee-free accounts, discounts on home and motor insurance
• wellbeing leave: two extra paid days each year
• purchase extra leave: buy more annual leave if needed
• paid parental leave: 14 weeks for primary, four weeks for secondary carers
• study support: financial help and leave for further education
• learning programs: ongoing training and development opportunities
• career advancement: support for progression and interesting projects
• inclusive team culture: focus on camaraderie and individual strengths

IMB champions diversity and fosters a sense of belonging for all staff. Recognised as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality since 2021, the bank values equal opportunity. And through the IMB Bank Community Foundation, it supports over 850 local projects and not-for-profits across its regions.

About CEO Robert Ryan and key people

Robert Ryan leads IMB Bank as CEO. He previously held senior roles at IMB, including deputy CE, CFO and company secretary. Earlier in his career, Ryan was managing director at Australian Resources Limited. Below are the people helping him lead the company:

• Rachael Heald leads as GM people and culture, focusing on staff wellbeing and workplace culture
• Nathan Campbell drives digital strategy as chief digital officer, overseeing technology and innovation
• Stephanie Hewitt manages risk as chief risk officer, ensuring compliance and operational security
• Chris Goodwin serves as CFO, responsible for financial management and planning
• Lauren Wise supports governance as GM corporate services and company secretary, handling compliance and administration
• Michael Brannon directs growth as GM sales and marketing, leading business development and customer engagement

Their combined skills help IMB Bank support members, drive innovation and maintain strong community ties.

The future at IMB Bank

The IMB Bank Community Foundation has supported local communities for over 26 years and has backed projects that create lasting impact. One Illawarra grant helped share a lifesaving message about water safety with 500 people.

In 2025, applications have opened for not-for-profits to access over $700,000 in funding. IMB Bank remains committed to helping local heroes build stronger, more sustainable communities.