Newsroom

Insight on the global credit union movement

The World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) newsroom is designed to provide you with easy access to educational and informational resources about the organization, its mission and the global credit union movement. WOCCU is the only organization representing credit unions in developed and developing countries on a global scale and we hope our Newsroom will become your key to understanding the operations and potential of this exciting movement.

Who we are

World Council of Credit Unions is the global trade association and development agency for credit unions. WOCCU promotes the sustainable development of credit unions and other financial cooperatives around the world to empower people through access to high quality and affordable financial services. WOCCU advocates on behalf of the global credit union system before international organizations and works with national governments to improve legislation and regulation. Its technical assistance programs introduce new tools and technologies to strengthen credit unions' financial performance and increase their outreach.

Worldwide, 54,000 credit unions in 97 countries serve 186 million people. In 2008, World Council's technical assistance programs reached 6.5 million people in 16 countries.

Media contact

Mike Muckian, Senior Manager of Communications
World Council of Credit Unions
Telephone: 608-395-2080
E-mail: mmuckian@woccu.org

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Credit Union World

Stay informed about the international credit union movement with
World Council of Credit Unions' bi-annual magazine.

Available in English and Spanish online.
Printed copies available only in English.

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Annual Report
In 2008, WOCCU realized its vision on various fronts. We expanded our reach to include new members and increased our influence among our global constituency. Credit unions worldwide are serving more members, in part due to WOCCU's support and influence. Despite the ongoing economic challenges, WOCCU never once lost its stride. Download

Statistical Report

The global credit union sector reported continued growth in 2008, according to survey results collected in WOCCU's 2008 Statistical Report, published in June 2009. In 2008, WOCCU surveyed 97 countries to measure credit union growth and member service trends worldwide. Results show that 53,689 credit unions serve an estimated 185 million members within those countries. WOCCU's 2009 Statistical Report is expected to be published in June 2010.

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Technical Guides
WOCCU's development programs are highlighted regularly in the Technical Guide series designed to inform readers about the unique situations and challenges each country presents WOCCU program developers, as well as chronicling each programs achievements. View Archives

Model Law & Regulations for Credit Unions

Model Law for Credit Unions provides a sample legislative framework to aid in preparing and seeking approval of laws.

Guide to International Credit Union Legislation contains credit union legislative and regulatory summaries for over 100 countries and political provinces.

Model Regulations for Credit Unions provides a starting point for implementing quality regulatory standards for credit unions. It is based on WOCCU's extensive international development experience and documented best practices. The regulation matrix contains real world examples of regulations from 18 developing and developed credit union sectors.

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Research
Research monographs present the findings of credit union research and studies carried out through World Council's credit union development activities. View Archives

FOCUS
Get a snapshot of the difference WOCCU programs are making in various countries throughout the world. View Archives

International Credit Union Principles
The International Credit Union Principles are the foundation for how credit unions differ from other financial institutions. The principles provide frameworks for credit union operations, governance and safety and soundness. Consumer Protection Principles \| Operating Principles Governance Principles \| Safety & Soundness Principles

Please e-mail publication requests to: mail@woccu.org.

Videos From The Field

Saving for Change in Mexico Watch Video	Subsistence to Sustainability: Kenyan Credit Unions Make the Link Quality: High	Peru: Value Chain Quality: High \| Low
Ecuador: A Reason to Believe Quality: High \| Low	Uganda: One Seedling at a Time Quality: High	Sri Lanka: Credit Unions Rebuild Quality: High \| Low
Cambodia: Communities Coming Together Quality: High \| Low	Bolivia: Credit Unions Reaching the Rural Poor Quality: High \| Low	USAID interviews Luis Jimenez Watch Video

WOCCU eCommuniqué - From the Field

	Romania - February 2010 Number of Photos: 5 Fokkus CAR Manager Ildiko Croitoru (right), pictured here with CU staffer and board member, says that members trust the CAR to honor its commitments. She credits that trust with helping the CAR grow dramatically over the years.
	New York - December 2009 Number of Photos: 4 Well-known Roosevelt Avenue, the bustling commercial and cultural center of Corona, New York. In the background, New York’s elevated metro line number 7 parallels Roosevelt while Spanish is heard on the streets below.
	Haiti - October 2009 Number of Photos: 6 Students from the St. Jude School.
	Sri Lanka - August 2009 Number of Photos: 7 Malika Deepani with the crops that she will rely on to support her family throughout the year.
	Mexico - June 2009 Number of Photos: 6
	Colombia - April 2009 Number of Photos: 4
	Peru - February 2009 Number of Photos: 5
	Kenya - December 2008 Number of Photos: 5
	Poland - October 2008 Number of Photos: 8
	Guatemala - June 2008 Number of Photos: 5

World Credit Union Conference 2009

	July 29, 2009 Number of Photos: 4
	July 28, 2009 Number of Photos: 13
	July 27, 2009 Number of Photos: 18
	July 26, 2009 Number of Photos: 17

Features

EU Network

Number of Photos: 10

Photos from the European Union Credit Union Network (See www.creditunionnetwork.eu for more information)

Programs

KOTELAM's Magoire Ambrose branch office in Port-au-Prince suffered severe damage. Staff members have set up a special office to aid members who have lost their records and identification.

WOCCU HIFIVE Haiti Album

Number of Photos: 18

Take a closer look at the realities faced by the MFIs and credit unions in Haiti as they continue to serve their members. Photos by Christian Kober.

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Insight on the global credit union movement

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Romania - February 2010

New York - December 2009

Haiti - October 2009

Sri Lanka - August 2009

Mexico - June 2009

Colombia - April 2009

Peru - February 2009

Kenya - December 2008

Poland - October 2008

Guatemala - June 2008

July 29, 2009

July 28, 2009

July 27, 2009

July 26, 2009

EU Network

WOCCU HIFIVE Haiti Album

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