In 2026, the financial services sector finds itself at a pivotal crossroads where traditional market drivers are increasingly eclipsed by the reality and gravity of global geopolitics. For financial institutions, this shift means that regulatory compliance is no longer just about financial stability or consumer protection; it is now a front-line instrument of statecraft, with sanctions, tariffs, and investment restrictions serving as primary tools for navigating great-power competition.
WOCCU International Advocacy hosted a virtual event earlier this year, talking more in depth about the 2026 Global Regulatory Update. From stablecoins to digital assets to anti-money laundering, 2026 is shaping up to be as active as ever. You can now watch a recording of this webinar to learn about the developments likely to impact the global credit union movement in the months ahead.
WOCCU Board Chair Michael Lawrence (Australia) promoted International Advocacy as job one for the organization in a July 14 speech that detailed a new three-year strategy for the organization at the 2025 World Credit Union Conference in Stockholm, Sweden.
World Council of Credit Unions submitted a letter to the European Commission urging policymakers to ensure that efforts to strengthen the competitiveness of Europe’s banking sector recognize the unique role of credit unions and financial cooperatives.
The letter, submitted by Paul Andrews, WOCCU’s Vice President of International Advocacy, emphasizes the need for proportionate regulation based on institutional size and risk profile; protection of cooperative financial models and member-owned governance; support for financial inclusion, community-based lending and digital accessibility; and policies that preserve local economic resilience while avoiding excessive market consolidation or one-size-fits-all rules designed for large commercial banks.
Paul and Erin are gearing up to join the European Network of Credit Unions (ENCU) for a trip to Brussels this fall, where they will engage with representatives of the European Union to push for more proportional regulations for EU credit union systems.
Erin O'Hern in September sat on a panel at the Iowa Credit Union Convention where she discussed regulatory topics ranging from artificial intelligence, stablecoin, cyberfraud and more. It was a great way to give representatives from one of the largest U.S. state credit union movements a look at why our international advocacy matters at the local level.
The Model Law for Credit Unions provides a sample legislative framework to movement leaders, legislators, regulators and others in preparing and seeking approval of laws that will strengthen the safety and soundness of credit unions without imposing unreasonable regulatory burdens.