Our team had the opportunity to attend this year’s International Credit Union Day celebration, organised by the ABCUL London & South of England Forum. It was a fantastic day, full of interesting information, thought-provoking discussions, and plenty of opportunities for networking with passionate people from across the credit union movement.
It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces – and meet new ones too – all united by one shared purpose: to help credit unions grow, thrive and make a difference for their members and communities.
A Day of Learning, Inspiration and Connection
The event brought together credit unions from across the region to celebrate the global credit union movement and the positive impact it continues to make. ABCUL, which represents around 66% of all credit unions in the UK, led a truly inspiring day focused on collaboration, communication, and cooperation.
The theme of the day, “Cooperation for a Prosperous World,” perfectly captured the spirit of the event, coming together to share ideas, successes, and challenges so that, collectively, we can build stronger and more resilient credit unions for the future.
We were fortunate to hear from Matt Bland, Chief Executive Officer of ABCUL, who delivered an engaging keynote address. With over a decade of experience in the sector, Matt shared his insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. He spoke passionately about the Government’s commitment to doubling the size of co-operatives and mutuals and advancing a new financial inclusion strategy – a vision that credit unions are perfectly placed to support.
Matt reminded us that for credit unions to continue growing, collaboration is key. He encouraged greater cooperation between credit unions through joint investments, shared services, and mergers that strengthen our collective impact. He also spoke about the importance of diversifying our services and the consultation on the common bond changes, aiming to help us reach more individuals who can benefit from the credit union difference.
Celebrating the Role of Women and Financial Inclusion
We also enjoyed a powerful afternoon plenary session led by Rebecca Harvey from Co-op Women’s Voices. Rebecca explored the vital role women play in the co-operative movement and how their experiences and leadership continue to help businesses and communities flourish.
Working Together for a Stronger Future
Events like these remind us just how powerful the credit union movement can be when we work together. They strengthen our industry, deepen connections, and spark new ideas that drive us forward.
We were proud to have a number of the Wave Community Bank team in attendance, representing our organisation and learning alongside peers from across the sector. A special mention goes to Emma Norledge, our Deputy CEO, who also serves as a Board Member at ABCUL, a role that allows us to play an active part in shaping the future of the credit union movement in the UK.
We’re proud to work closely with ABCUL and our fellow credit unions to help develop the sector, share best practices, and ensure we continue to support financial wellbeing for everyone.
Get Involved – Be Part of the Movement
Credit unions are built on the principle of “people helping people.” Whether you’re an employer looking to support your staff through a workplace savings scheme, or someone who simply wants a fair, ethical, and community-focused way to manage your money, joining your local credit union is a powerful way to make a difference.
By becoming a member – or by encouraging others to do so – you’re helping to strengthen a movement that puts people before profit, supports local communities, and promotes financial wellbeing for all.
Together, through cooperation, we can create a more prosperous world.
