Michael Lawrence

Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA)

Mike is the Chief Executive Officer of the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA), the industry body for Australia’s credit unions, building societies and mutual banks, a position he's served in since December 2017.

Mike became a WOCCU Director in April 2018, and was elected to serve as Chair of the Board in 2024. In 2019, he was also appointed a Director of the Australian Mutuals Foundation.

Mike has over 30 years experience in financial services, primarily gained with AMP Bank and National Australia Bank.

Mike was Managing Director of AMP Bank for eight years and was responsible for all day-to-day operations of the organization, together with the responsibilities associated with running an ADI. Prior to this, Mike undertook senior roles in all distribution channels of banking, namely, corporate, commercial and retail across three continents: Australia, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States.

Mike is passionate about community involvement and using his skills that have been acquired over a very fortunate career in playing his part in helping others. Most recently, Mike was the Vice Chair of Heart Research Australia, a board he served on for 13 years. He is also involved in many activities associated with Special Needs.