At Wave Community Bank, we believe in putting people before profit — and our 2025 Social Impact Report shows exactly what that means in action.
This year, we’ve reached more people, supported more families, and deepened our impact across East Sussex, Brighton & Hove, Kent, Medway, and now the London Borough of Bexley. With over 15,000 members, £4.7 million on loan to local people, and new services launched in workplaces and communities, we’re proud to share how we’re helping our members build brighter financial futures.
💬 Real Lives. Real Impact.
From consolidating unaffordable debts to supporting first-time savers, our members say it best:
“I feel I have been given a second chance… and started saving for the first time.”
“Not only am I paying it back, but I’m also saving! I was so shocked I got accepted.”
These stories reflect the heart of what we do: offering ethical, affordable credit and a path to financial resilience.
💡 Reaching More Communities Than Ever
2024 saw the merger with Kent Savers Credit Union — a milestone that brought over 5,000 members to Wave CB and expanded our footprint into Bexley. Our lending in Kent, Medway and Bexley has grown by an incredible 170%, showing just how vital accessible finance is in these areas.
We’ve also launched a new member benefit of discounted bus travel with Arriva, supported local football teams, and continued our deep community engagement through events, outreach and education.
👨⚕️ On the Front Line of Financial Wellbeing
One of our proudest innovations this year is our Financial Wellbeing Support Officer role, launched at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust. Tracy Cox-Horton — or “Money Tracy” to many — has helped NHS staff with budgeting, debt, savings, and financial planning. Her support has transformed lives.
👥 Saving at Work, Building Financial Health
Our Chorus Workplace Savings Scheme continues to grow, with lending through payroll reaching £1.5m and new Employer Partners coming on board. From councils to buses to the NHS, employers are seeing the difference payroll saving and borrowing can make to staff wellbeing.
💚 Community First, Always
We’ve stayed close to our roots by working with local authorities, charities, and schools. Whether it’s supporting residents at cost-of-living events or helping young people at college freshers’ fairs, we’re there — listening, supporting, and offering a better alternative to high-cost credit and loan sharks.
🌍 Looking Forward
As we look to 2026 and beyond, our mission remains the same: to serve our members with compassion, trust, and practical support. Whether it’s your first savings account or help through a financial crisis, we’re here for you.
📖 Read the full Social Impact Report 2025
Download the full report here
