In a significant boost for the mutual sector, Nationwide Building Society has been crowned the gold award winner in the Retail Banking category of Britain's Most Admired Companies 2025. The announcement, made on January 16, 2026, brings good news to the society's over 16 million members across the UK.
A Prestigious Peer-Reviewed Honour
The accolade comes from the UK's longest-running corporate reputation study, now in its 36th year. Nationwide outperformed 11 other retail banking providers, including major high street names like Lloyds, Barclays, HSBC UK, Santander, and NatWest. The study is unique as it is the nation's only financial analyst and peer-reviewed survey of corporate reputation.
Chief Executive Officer Debbie Crosbie expressed delight at the recognition. "This award reflects the progress we’ve made in building an even stronger Nationwide – one that delivers banking that’s fairer, more rewarding, and for the good of society," she said. "We are delighted to receive this recognition from those who best understand our industry."
Topping the Charts in Four Key Areas
Nationwide didn't just win overall; it was rated the top performer in four specific critical categories. These areas demonstrate a broad commitment beyond pure financial performance:
- Quality of products and services
- Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)
- Reducing environmental impact
- Positive contribution to society
Sandra Macleod, Group CEO of Echo Research which runs the study, highlighted the rarity of this achievement. "To be rated #1 by peers and City experts for product and service quality - while also leading on inclusion, environmental impact and contribution to society - demonstrates a rare combination: performance with purpose, delivered consistently," she commented.
Building on a Foundation of Member Trust
This latest award builds on Nationwide's sustained record of customer satisfaction. The mutual has retained its customer satisfaction lead for the 14th consecutive year and was also recently named the Which? Banking Brand of the Year.
Macleod added, "Nationwide’s achievement is a standout result in a sector where trust is hard won and constantly tested. This gold award reflects not just strong execution, but a reputation built on credibility, care and long-term value creation."
For the world's largest building society, this peer-endorsed gold award serves as powerful validation of its mutual model. It underscores a strategy that balances commercial success with social purpose, directly benefiting its millions of member-owners across the country.
