Minnows submerged by scale

Baby banking mutuals in New South Wales are facing up to the strains they are under and responding by exploring or cementing mergers.

Community First has announced a tie-up with Northern Beaches Credit Union in Sydney.

The latter tried a merger with Sutherland Shire Credit Union in 2013 but members voted it down.

Northern Beaches, with A$50 million of assets, lacks scale and this move comes as no surprise.
 
The Sydney basin remains the most likely location for mergers given half of all mutuals are NSW based, one third being in Sydney.

This seaside merger kicks Auburn-based Community First to 23rd, in one listing of industry hierarchy.

Credit Union SA and Mining, Maritime and Power Credit Union slip below them.