The World Credit Union Conference, held in Sydney last month, gathered more than 2,400 credit union and co-operative finance professionals from 39 countries to discuss issues such as AI, digital banking, cybersecurity, fintech, advocacy and membership growth.
The event, jointly organised by the World Council of Credit Unions (Woccu) and the Australian Customer-Owned Banking Association (Coba), saw the sector urged to prepare itself for a rapidly changing financial landscape.
In his address to the conference, Woccu president and CEO Paul Treinen (main picture) drew on conversations with leaders across regions to highlight the shared pressures facing the movement, including regulation, technology, cybersecurity, competition, demographic change and rising member expectations.
If credit unions and finance co-ops are to stay relevant, he warned, they will have to strengthen global advocacy for the movement, and balance the needs of innovation with the need for trust.
“We do not have to choose between innovation and identity, or between technology and trust,” said Treinen. “Our opportunity is to bring all of those together – to use innovation to deepen trust, technology to expand access, growth to strengthen communities and advocacy to protect the cooperative difference.”
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Former Australian PM Julia Gillard AC, the 27th prime minister of Australia, gave a plenary address and also spoke at a session of the Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN). She talked about the potential of values-led organisations to elevate diverse voices, strengthen trust and unite communities around shared purpose.
Michael Summers, executive vice-pesident and chief culture officer at Velera – the GWLN’s annual sponsor – also addressed attendees.
“We are striving to create a culture of belonging, and I’m proud of the organisation for being intentional about those efforts,” he said. “As a white male, being a positive force for me means encouraging other men to be part of this effort. Seeing more men in the audience here than last year is a really positive thing.”
Attendees joined an educational session led by Bryn Conway, of BC Consulting, LLC. Through practical leadership strategies and interactive discussion, participants explored how authenticity, credibility and strong relationships can strengthen their leadership brand and inspire others.
The event also recognised the 2026 GWLN Scholars, celebrating emerging women leaders from Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Malawi and the USA.
The day continued with breakout sessions examining the challenges and opportunities shaping credit unions and financial co-ops around the world.
During a session the challenges of geopolitics, speakers looked at how trade restrictions, sanctions, shifting payment systems, cybercrime and growing political fragmentation are affecting credit unions and their members. The sector needs to strengthen risk planning, protect global interoperability and adapt to members’ increasingly borderless financial lives and expectations, the panel said.
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A session on cross-border payments explored how credit union-to-credit union collaboration and strategic partnerships can reduce cost, complexity and access barriers. Speakers shared lessons from a digital remittance pilot involving Visa, Woccu, Unitus Community Credit Union and Micoope, along with practical guidance to help other financial co-ops implement member-centred solutions.
“In this pilot, we have proven that the process, technology, and security are in place to connect credit union members from Guatemala through international remittances to the rest of the world,” said Steven Stapp, Unitus president and CEO. “This opens the door for financial inclusion goals to be realised worldwide.”
Addressing delegates at the end of the four-day event, Treinen said: “The strength of the global credit union movement comes from our willingness to learn from one another, confront shared challenges and work together toward solutions.
“The ideas and relationships built this week in Sydney will help credit unions remain relevant, resilient and ready to meet the changing needs of their members and communities around the world.”
Before Wednesday’s general session, former Woccu chair Michael Lawrence formally welcomed his successor Joe Thomas during a ceremonial transfer of leadership.
“I want to thank you for all you do for your credit unions and leagues, and for your support and unwavering commitment to our shared vision,” said Thomas, who also serves as executive president of Apple Federal Credit Union in Fairfax, Virginia, USA. “Together, let us forge a brighter future for our members and the communities we serve around the globe.”
Wednesday’s programme also marked 25 years of the World Young Credit Union Professionals Program (Wycup), highlighting its impact on developing emerging leaders and strengthening professional networks around the world.
The next World Credit Union Conference will be held 25–28 July 2027 in Dublin, Ireland.
