The Customer Owned Banking Code Compliance Committee (COBCCC) welcomes the appointment of Ms Karen Cox as its new Consumer Representative, bringing decades of consumer advocacy experience and deep expertise in banking reform to the Committee’s oversight of the Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice.
Ms Cox has been appointed by the Consumers’ Federation of Australia and will commence her role on 1 March 2026, succeeding outgoing Consumer Representative Mr Philip Cullum, who completed six years on the Committee.
Ms Cox joins the COBCCC following an exceptional 25-year tenure at the Financial Rights Legal Centre, including time as its Chief Executive Officer. She has been a leading voice in major policy reforms, including the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry, and has extensive experience engaging with government, regulators and industry on consumer protection and financial services accountability.
Chair of the COBCCC Ms Danielle Press said Ms Cox’s appointment is an important addition to the Committee and reflects the ongoing role of strong consumer representation in the governance of the Code.
“Karen Cox is one of Australia’s most respected and influential consumer advocates in financial services,” Ms Press said.
“Her depth of experience, her credibility across the sector, and her long-standing commitment to fair outcomes for consumers will be a real asset to the Committee.”
Ms Press said Ms Cox’s background coordinating consumer input into Code reviews was particularly valuable, as the Code continues to evolve and respond to consumer and industry expectations.
“Karen has played a pivotal role in ensuring consumer voices are heard when industry codes are reviewed and strengthened,” Ms Press said.
“That experience will strongly support the Committee’s work to promote good practice and drive continuous improvement in customer-owned banking.”
The COBCCC also thanked outgoing Consumer Representative Mr Philip Cullum for his contributions over six years, including his commitment to strengthening compliance and improving outcomes for customers of customer-owned banking institutions.
“The Committee is grateful to Philip Cullum for the expertise and diligence he brought to the role,” Ms Press said.
“His six-year tenure helped support an important focus on improving compliance and ensuring that the Code continues to deliver meaningful protections for consumers.”
Ms Cox’s appointment marks a new chapter for the COBCCC as it continues its work monitoring compliance with the Code, identifying industry-wide issues and promoting improvements that build trust and accountability across the sector.
The appointment of the Consumer Representative is made by the Consumers’ Federation of Australia.
About us:
The Customer Owned Banking Code Compliance Committee is an independent body that monitors compliance with the Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice. Its purpose is to ensure consistent and high-quality service standards are maintained for the benefit of customers.
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