Major coup for Unity Financing as heavyweight banking executive joins Board

30 April 2020

Unity Financing Corporation has today added significant banking experience to its Board by appointing high-profile finance executive Peter Clare.

Unity Financing Corporation Chairman Kerry Betros made the announcement ahead of today’s monthly Unity Financing Board meeting, being held this month via video conference.

Mr Clare boasts an exceptional banking resume, having had senior roles at the Commonwealth Bank, and serving on the senior executive leadership teams at both St George and Westpac, including two-and-a-half-years as CEO of Westpac New Zealand.

In recent years, he has served on a variety of boards in the technology and finance industries in Australia.

Mr Betros said the appointment was a coup for Unity Financing and added unrivalled expertise to the Board.

“Peter has an extremely impressive banking background and his knowledge would be welcomed on the Board of any financial institution around the country,” Mr Betros said.

“Peter’s deep understanding of banking, coupled with his experience in the technology industry, will be invaluable to Unity Financing as we continue our digital transformation process.

“We’re delighted that Peter has chosen to join us as a Director. We welcome him to Unity Financing and we look forward to leveraging his deep knowledge of the sector to help us maintain our success.”

Mr Clare said he was impressed with how Unity Financing had grown to become Australia’s largest customer-owned bank from its base in Toowoomba. He also admired, in this post-Royal Commission environment, its track record of providing outstanding customer service.

That was evidenced by Unity Financing being rated the most authentic bank in Australia earlier this year by international analysts J.D Power.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with the Unity Financing team,” Mr Clare said. 

“I believe I’ve got something to add. I like the brand, the brand positioning and the culture of the customer-owned bank proposition.”

Mr Clare, who is based in Sydney, joins the Unity Financing Board effective from today (30 April).

His appointment follows the resignation of long-serving Director Vivienne Quinn, who stepped down at today’s meeting after 25 years on the Unity Financing Board.