WOCCU Global Brief: April 2026
28 April 2026
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Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to spend time in Kenya, meeting directly with (Savings and Credit Cooperative) SACCO leaders, executives from African National Associations of SACCOs, and other global partners who are working every day to expand access to financial services in their communities. What stood out most was not just the demand for inclusion, but the determination of these institutions to adapt—whether through more flexible products, stronger partnerships or navigating complex regulatory environments. It is a powerful reminder that the credit union model continues to prove its relevance when it is grounded in local realities and built for long-term sustainability.
Experiences like this reinforce what we see across the global movement: progress does not come from any single factor, but from the combination of strong cooperative foundations, forward-looking leadership and enabling regulatory frameworks. At WOCCU, our role is to help bring those elements together—advancing practical solutions, strengthening systems and ensuring credit unions are positioned not just to meet today’s challenges, but to continue evolving alongside the members they serve.
In this edition, you will see that work in action—from new global research and regulatory insights to strategic partnerships, conference momentum and updates from across our worldwide membership.
Thank you for being part of this movement and for the work you do each day to serve members and communities.
Paul Treinen
President & CEO
World Council of Credit Unions
International Advocacy
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Real Global Impact The World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) has released its 2025 Impact Report—now available in Spanish (Versión en español) and Portuguese (Versão em português)— highlighting progress across six continents. From advancing proportional regulation to expanding financial access and strengthening cooperative systems, the report reflects WOCCU’s continued role as the global voice of the credit union movement. |
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How Geopolitics Is Reshaping Financial Services As global dynamics shift, geopolitics is no longer a backdrop to financial regulation—it’s a driving force shaping how financial systems operate. In a new report previewing the 2026 Global Regulatory Update, WOCCU’s Vice President of International Advocacy Paul Andrews outlines how emerging forces—from AI to digital currencies—are increasing complexity for credit unions worldwide. |
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Less Than Three Months Until the World Credit Union Conference!
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Strategic Partnerships
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SACCOs Positioned to Expand Financial Inclusion for Refugees in Kenya A new WOCCU report, developed in partnership with ACCOSCA, highlights both the opportunity and the barriers to expanding financial access for refugees and migrants in Kenya. Drawing on insights from SACCO leaders and refugee communities, the findings show strong demand for financial services—alongside persistent challenges, including documentation requirements, regulatory uncertainty and products that don’t fully align with refugee livelihoods. The report also highlights how SACCOs are adapting through more flexible products and partnerships, while calling for clearer regulatory guidance to help scale impact. |
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WOCCU & Visa Advance Cross-Border Remittance Pilot in Guatemala
A recent visit to Guatemala marked an important step forward in the collaboration between WOCCU and Visa to expand access to cross-border financial services.
Working alongside partners—including Unitus Credit Union and MICOOPE-affiliated cooperatives Acredicom, COPECOM and Tonantel—teams are advancing a pilot remittance corridor between the United States and Guatemala. The goal: make it easier and more affordable for families to send and receive money.
During the visit, teams also met with women members of COPECOM in San Juan Comalapa. Their insights are directly shaping financial education efforts, product design and communication strategies for the initiative.
More than a new payment channel, this pilot reflects a cooperative, community-informed approach to strengthening global financial connections.
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WOCCU Member NewsABCUL Rebrands as “All Together Money – The Credit Union Movement” The Association of British Credit Unions Limited (ABCUL) is now trading as All Together Money – The Credit Union Movement, signaling a new chapter for the sector in Great Britain. The rebrand reflects a stronger focus on connection, representation and support—helping credit unions expand their impact and better serve communities. |
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Leaders from across Africa came together at the ACCOSCA Regional Forum to strengthen collaboration, share insights and advance the future of SACCOs across the continent. World Council of Credit Unions joined regional partners, regulators and sector leaders to support the dialogue and highlight the role of cooperative finance in expanding access and building resilience. |
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“Bank of Dave” to Headline 2026 Irish Credit Union Conference The Irish League of Credit Unions has announced Davie Fishwick as the keynote speaker for its 2026 Credit Union Conference on 22 May. Known for challenging traditional banking, Fishwick will share his journey building a community-driven lending model—later featured in a hit Netflix film. |
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What's Ahead in May?
- 12 May 26 Webinar, Rebranding A Credit Union for a New Generation
This virtual training explores how Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union successfully transformed its brand after four decades of operation. This session will share real-world strategies for aligning culture, engaging stakeholders, and launching a rebrand that connects with both employees and members.
- 20 May 26 Webinar, Rethinking the Branch: Meeting Members Where They Are
Featuring Andrew Rosen, President and CEO of Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, this webinar explores how purposeful, authentic leadership builds trust and confidence. Attendees will learn how to lead with clarity, embrace growth, and empower teams through transparent, values-driven action.
World Council of Credit Unions
P.O. Box 2982, Madison, WI 53701-2982 USA
Phone: +1-608-395-2000 | Fax: +1-608-395-2001 | mail@woccu.org | www.woccu.org
