Swansea Building Society is to launch a £25,000 charitable fund across Wales to mark Alun Williams’ 25 years as chief executive.

Williams (pictured), who is the current longest-serving building society chief executive in the UK, has announced the fund alongside the release of a filmed interview reflecting on his quarter-century leading the society.

The money will be distributed to charities and community organisations during 2026 and is in addition to the society’s existing charitable work, including its support for Prostate Cymru, its official charity partner for 2026.

Williams was appointed in 2001, aged 36, making him one of the youngest building society chief executives in the UK at the time.

When he took over, Swansea Building Society had total assets of £34 million. By 31 December 2025, assets had reached £715 million.

The society said annual profits had increased significantly over the same period, while it had remained funded by members’ savings and retained profits, without relying on wholesale funding.

The milestone has also been marked by a filmed interview with Swansea-born musician and broadcaster Mal Pope, in which Williams reflects on the society’s development, its mutual model and the challenges faced over the past 25 years, including the global financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic.

During Williams’ tenure, the society has expanded its branch network across Wales while also investing in digital services, including the launch of a mobile banking app in 2025.

It has also supported a range of local charities and organisations, including Wales Air Ambulance, Maggie’s and Prostate Cymru, as well as regional institutions including Swansea City AFC, Ospreys, Swansea RFC and Glamorgan County Cricket Club.

During its centenary year, the society distributed £100,000 to local charities and community projects across South Wales.

Alun Williams, chief executive of Swansea Building Society, said: “It has been a privilege to lead Swansea Building Society over the past 25 years. When I joined, the priority was clear, to grow the Society in a sustainable way while staying true to its purpose as a mutual organisation.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together as a team. Our success is built on the trust of our members, the dedication of our staff, and our commitment to the communities we serve.

“Ensuring the Society remains strong for future generations has always been at the heart of every decision we’ve made.

“As we mark this milestone, it felt important to recognise the communities that have supported the Society throughout its history. The additional £25,000 charitable fund is a way of giving something back and supporting organisations that make a genuine difference to people’s lives across Wales.”

Williams plans to retire in the coming years but will remain focused on the society’s long-term performance and succession.

The full interview with Mal Pope is available to watch here.