THE BANKING + FINANCIAL SERVICES OATH
“At the end of the day, you may have to make a decision that's guided only by your moral compass. But a signatory to the Oath has many points on that compass to guide them."
JOHN LAKER, FORMER CHAIR OF BFSO AND APRA, BFSO SIGNATORY
“I find the Oath powerful because it is very much a personal commitment by individuals. While regulation and corporate systems work top down, these are individuals seeking to drive change bottom up.”
WAYNE BYRES, FORMER CHAIR APRA, BFSO SIGNATORY
“As the first line of the Oath says: ‘Trust is the foundation of my profession’. I encourage everybody in the finance sector to read this oath regularly and to live by it.”
PHILIP LOWE, FORMER RBA GOVERNOR, BFSO SIGNATORY
“We ask our staff members to take time to think about the Oath, to sign up on their own accord, and to incorporate it in their day to day life."
QUENTIN REEVE, CHIEF OF STAFF & PARTNER, KODA CAPITAL, BFSO SIGNATORY
The Banking and Financial Services Oath (BFSO) is a unique initiative that seeks to strengthen the ethical standards of financial services through the empowerment of individuals making a personal commitment of integrity.
This commitment guides ethical behaviour, encourages individuals to hold themselves to account and creates a supportive environment. BFSO produces regular content to promote ethical discussions, provides opportunities for Oath takers to connect, and has a dynamic Young Ambassador program to support and grow the capabilities of early career professionals.
6349
SIGNATORIES SINCE INCEPTION
57
YOUNG AMBASSADORS MENTORED THROUGH OUR PROGRAM
THE OATH
Trust is the foundation of my profession.
I will serve all interests in good faith.
I will compete with honour.
I will pursue my ends with ethical restraint.
I will help create a sustainable future.
I will help create a more just society.
I will speak out against wrongdoing and support others who do the same.
I will accept responsibility for my actions.
In these and all other matters;
My word is my bond.
PROJECTS
Life and Debt
A podcast series that takes a deep dive into debt, what role it has in our lives and how we can make better decisions about it.
This podcast was presented by The Ethics Centre, with the generous support of Ecstra Foundation – helping to build the financial wellbeing of Australians.
AI-driven marketing for financial services
Little attention has been given to issues around AI-driven marketing, and the related risks and opportunities.
This report was produced by The Ethics Centre in partnership with the Gradient Institute.
Life and Shares
Thinking about investing? Chances are, you’re already playing the game. This podcast unpicks the share market so you can better understand how the system works.
This podcast was presented by The Ethics Centre, with the generous support of Ecstra Foundation – helping to build the financial wellbeing of Australians.
GET INVOLVED
The BFSO supports discussion and exploration through a range of initiatives and a program of regular events. Got a question? Contact us at bfso@ethics.org.au



