Nationwide today secured gold in the Retail Banking sector in Britain’s Most Admired Companies 2025, reinforcing its position as one of the UK’s most trusted and respected institutions.
Britain's biggest building society topped a list of 11 retail banking providers to take gold in the UK’s longest-running corporate reputation study. It 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
The Britain’s Most Admired Companies study, run by Echo Research in partnership with the London Stock Exchange, is now in its 36th year and is the UK’s longest-running, and only, financial analyst and peer-reviewed survey of corporate reputation.
This year’s study gathered insight from 350-plus board-level executives, financial analysts and City commentators, who assessed 260 leading UK companies across 28 sectors. Participants rate sector peers against 13 drivers of corporate reputation, including quality of products and services, leadership, competitiveness, long-term value potential, capacity to innovate, and environmental responsibility.
Nationwide’s sector win reflects growing recognition of its ability to deliver strong commercial performance while maintaining a clear focus on customer value, social responsibility and long-term sustainability. High ratings across multiple criteria point to a business model that is not only competitive, but increasingly viewed as a standard-setter for values-led banking.
Debbie Crosbie, Chief Executive Officer, 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. 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.”
Nationwide unveiled market-leading growth across mortgages and savings in its half year results, and attracted more current account switchers than any other bank. It also retained its customer satisfaction lead for the 14th consecutive year1 and was named Which? Banking Brand of the Year. Over the last two years, Nationwide has returned £4 billion in total member value. This includes £1.4 billion in Fairer Share Payments and The Big Nationwide Thank You.
