Nationwide bosses ‘delighted’ with the news
15:50, 17 Jan 2026
Nationwide is the world’s largest building society and has over 16 million members(Image: Peter Dazeley/Getty Images)
Nationwide has announced to its customers following the building society’s receipt of a significant and prestigious accolade this week. The UK’s largest and the world’s biggest mutual building society released a statement on Friday.
On January 16, Nationwide – which competes with TSB, Santander, HSBC UK, Lloyds, Barclays, NatWest and The Co-operative Bank, as well as First Direct and others – announced on its website that it had won gold in the Retail Banking sector in Britain’s Most Admired Companies 2025.
It outperformed 11 other retail banking providers to clinch gold in the UK’s longest-running corporate reputation study, topping the charts in four categories. With over 16 million members, Nationwide is the world’s largest building society.
Nationwide confirmed the news earlier this week(Image: Nathan Stirk, Getty Images)
Debbie Crosbie, Chief Executive Officer at Nationwide said: “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. We are delighted to receive this recognition from those who best understand our industry.”
Sandra Macleod, Group CEO, Echo Research, said: “Nationwide’s achievement is a standout result in a sector where trust is hard won and constantly tested.
Nationwide has millions of members across the UK(Image: Getty)
“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.
“This gold award reflects not just strong execution, but a reputation built on credibility, care and long-term value creation.”
The study, now in its 36th year, is the UK’s longest-running and only financial analyst and peer-reviewed survey of corporate reputation, reports Birmingham Live.
Nationwide was rated top performer in four categories
- Quality of products and services
- Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)
- Reducing environmental impact
- Positive contribution to society
Nationwide also retained its customer satisfaction lead for the 14th consecutive year and was named Which? Banking Brand of the Year.
