What is the Digital Growth Award?

It is an annual award presented by World Council of Credit Unions to recognize one or more member credit union associations or individual member credit unions for implementing digital solutions that promote financial inclusion, innovation and scalability. 

Why was the Digital Growth Award created?

It originated in 2021 as a way to recognize member credit union associations or individual member credit unions working toward World Council's Challenge 2025 goal of expanding digital transformation in the global credit union system. WOCCU presented the first Digital Growth Award at its 2021 Annual General Meeting to the Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU), the Philippine Federation of Credit Cooperatives (PFCCO) and the National Association of Credit Cooperatives (NATCCO - Philippines) for their collaborative work on the Kaya Payment Platform.

What are the selection criteria?

The nominated World Council member credit union association or member credit union must show it has implemented a digital solution(s) that is: 

Inclusive: It expanded financial inclusion by reaching members of underserved communities.

Innovative: It was groundbreaking for your organization by reducing costs, streamlining operations or improving member experience.

Scalable: The goal of World Council’s Challenge 2025 initiative is to spread digital transformation to credit unions around the globe. With that in mind, the digital solution must be scalable for use or replication by other credit union associations or credit unions in your country or region.

Who can nominate a credit union association or credit union for a Digital Growth Award?

Nominations must be submitted by a World Council member association. You can find a full list of members here. 

What are Digital Growth Award nominations due?

The application period for the 2022 Digital Growth award ended at 5:00 p.m. (17:00) U.S. Central Standard Time (CST) on Friday, April 1, 2022. 

Who selects the recipients?

An independent judging panel of digital finance experts – including fintech founders and financial institution leaders – will assess the applicants and select the recipients.

How do I apply?

Nominations for 2022 are now closed. 

When will the 2022 Digital Growth Award recipients be announced?

Nominees will be informed about the status of their application by May 6, 2022. Winners will be announced and awards will be presented at World Council's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday, July 18, at the 2022 World Credit Union Conference in Glasgow, Scotland. Nominees are not required to be present at the AGM to win. A delegate from the nominating member association will accept the award on behalf of the recipient organization if no one from that entity is present at the AGM. 

What if I still have questions after reading the FAQs?

Email: communications@woccu.org