Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Digital Growth Award?

The Digital Growth Award is presented annually 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. Winners are recognized at World Council's Annual General Meeting (AGM) during the World Credit Union Conference. This year's AGM will be held on Tuesday, July 21, at the 2026 World Credit Union Conference in Sydney, Australia.

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 goal of expanding digital transformation in the global credit union system.

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 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, or a credit union that belongs to a World Council member association. You can find a full list of members here.

Who selects the recipients?

A panel comprised of credit union professionals and digital finance experts will assess the applicants and select the recipients.

How do I apply?

Nominations for the 2026 Digital Growth Award are now open. Application materials are available here.

What if I still have questions after reading the FAQs?

Email: ceooffice@woccu.org

2025 Recipient

USF Credit Union (Florida - USA)

USF Credit Union, based in Tampa, Florida (USA), received World Council of Credit Union's 2025 Digital Growth Award for "FlexPay", its innovative and inclusive Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) product.

Launched in June 2024, FlexPay helped USF Credit Union expand its reach to underserved communities. By embracing digital transformation and prioritizing financial inclusion, FlexPay has empowered members with flexible, responsible lending options, setting a benchmark for other credit unions to follow.

Past Recipients

2024

PUSKOPCUINA (Indonesia), for ESCETE.
Sicoob (Brazil), for Sipag 2.0.

2023

Unitus Community Credit Union (USA), for its AZIE Mobile App.
Co-Operative Bank of Vietnam (Vietnam), for A Digital Ecosystem.

2022

Northpark Community Credit Union (USA), for its Virtual Branching initiative.
Sicredi (Brazil), for CPR Facil.

2021

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.