Challenge 2025

The Digitalization of the Global Credit Union System

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A New Decade, A New Goal

In 2014, World Council of Credit Unions set a goal of reaching 260 million credit union members worldwide by 2020.

Through a concentrated worldwide effort, credit unions were able to reach our "Vision 2020" goal by 2017. But that growth was not even across all countries or among all credit unions. The credit unions that grew were those that offered core services via online and mobile channels. That is why we are now addressing how we increase membership going forward—through the digitalization of the global credit union system by 2025.

Measuring Global Digitalization

World Council will measure the digitalization of credit unions in four key areas for Challenge 2025.

Digital Channels

Offering members core digital transaction services such as online and mobile banking, online payments and online loan processing.

Shared Platforms

Connecting your credit union to a shared payments system that allows for mobile payments and integrated with a national payments system.

Risk Management

Implementation of a cybersecurity system that complies with national regulations to protect members' identity and consumer data from digital attacks and intrusions.

Data Analytics

Employing data analytics to determine additional service offerings to members, and helping to identify those that need financial literacy or counseling services.

 

Follow Our Progress, Tell Us About Yours

Track the latest developments in digitization by subscribing to our Challenge 2025 Blog. You can also send us updates on how your credit union or credit union system is striving to help us meet Challenge 2025 at communications@woccu.org. 

Credit Unions in Ecuador are Taking Digital Transformation Global

2020-06-17

With a vision of innovation through new digital mechanisms that expand payments coverage within Ecuador, RTC COONECTA—a successful credit-union owned shared payments platform—has established an alliance with Visa International to connect with the largest global payments network at a time it has never been more needed to ensure public safety.

Formed in 2007 through a World Council of Credit Unions’ (WOCCU) project funded by USAID, COONECTA is the foundational organization for extending digital financial inclusion to the remaining 49% of unbanked people in Ecuador. 

Support of COONECTA continues to this day. With WOCCU providing facilities for the operation of a clearing account in the United States, the alliance with Visa International will allow members of financial institutions affiliated with the COONECTA Network to access to more than 46 million points of service (POS) and 2.6 million ATMs, as well as all the benefits of access to the world's largest payments ecosystem.

The channeling of transactions through electronic payments for more than 2.2 million account holders at 70 financial institutions affiliated with the COONECTA Network contributes significantly to the growth of financial inclusion in Ecuador. It is also a mechanism for reducing visits to physical branch locations and, consequently, avoiding the crowds that can be a risk for both credit union employees and members during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ecuador has one of the highest rates of COVID-19 infection and death in the western hemisphere. As of June 15, more than 47,000 people had been infected in the country, with over 3,900 dying from of the virus.

Since the first day of Ecuador's quarantine, and throughout the health emergency, COONECTA has not stopped its activities. The network has demonstrated its strength and capacity for action by maintaining the proper functioning of its ATMs, DeUna debit cards, BICOO mobile wallet and Points Coonecta.

Thanks to WOCCU’s support and RTC’s technical and operational capacity, the new service will take shape over the coming months to continue that trend, allowing people in marginalized rural and urban areas of the country to access safe and agile essential services as long as the COVID-19 pandemic persists.