Abacus – Australian Mutuals is the industry body for mutual banks, credit unions, mutual building societies and friendly societies. On the Abacus website you can find useful information on mutual financial services, the Mutual Banking Code of Practice, consumer issues, and contact details for your credit union or mutual building society. www.abacus.org.au
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) regulates compliance with competition, consumer protection and fair trading laws. www.accc.gov.au
The Australian Financial Counselling and Credit Reform Association is the peak body for financial counsellors in Australia. The website contains links to similar bodies in each state and territory, which can help you to find an accredited financial counsellor in your area. www.afccra.org.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulates financial services, corporations and the financial markets. www.asic.gov.au.
There are two EDR schemes for the Mutual industry, which are approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). EDR provides an accessible and independent dispute resolution service as an alternative to legal proceedings for resolving disputes with a participating Mutual. The service is free to consumers. The Mutual must provide you with information about their EDR scheme, but you can also contact the EDR scheme directly to find out if your Mutual is a subscriber:
Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
Phone 1300 78 08 08, email info@fos.org.au, website www.fos.org.au
Credit Ombudsman Service Limited (COSL)
Phone 1800 13 84 22, email info@cosl.com.au, website www.creditombudsman.com.au