Global Leaders to Headline 2026 World Credit Union Conference
Shaping the Future of Cooperative Finance on a Global Stage
February 25, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Madison, Wis. — The World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) has announced the keynote speakers for the 2026 World Credit Union Conference (WCUC), taking place this July in Sydney, Australia. As the premier global gathering of the credit union movement, WCUC brings together leaders from across continents to exchange ideas, strengthen collaboration and advance cooperative finance on an international stage.
This year’s keynote speakers bring global perspective, bold thinking and a shared commitment to leadership in times of change.
Freddie Ravel, internationally known as “The Keynote Maestro,” blends world-class musicianship with powerful leadership insight. A #1 recording artist and collaborator with icons including Santana, Madonna, Prince and Earth, Wind & Fire, Ravel demonstrates how harmony, rhythm and alignment drive high-performing teams and resilient organizations. Having inspired audiences in 84 countries and leading organizations such as NASA, Apple and EY, he will challenge attendees to remain human-centered and connected in an AI-driven world.
Holly Ransom, globally recognized speaker, master interviewer and founder and CEO of Emergent, is known for transforming complexity into clarity. Named one of Australia’s 100 Most Influential Women, she has interviewed leaders including Barack Obama and Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus. A Fulbright scholar and Harvard Kennedy School fellow, Ransom equips leaders to ask better questions, challenge assumptions and accelerate meaningful change across sectors.
The Honorable Julia Gillard AC, the 27th Prime Minister of Australia and the first woman to hold that office, brings global statesmanship and reform leadership to the WCUC stage. Having guided Australia through the Global Financial Crisis and delivered landmark national reforms, she continues to shape global conversations through her leadership in education, mental health and women’s leadership. Her perspective on governance, resilience and inclusive economic growth speaks directly to the cooperative mission.
Each July, WCUC gathers thousands of credit union professionals from around the world to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and advance cooperative finance. It is where the global movement aligns strategy, shares innovation, and builds momentum for the year ahead.
Early bird registration is now open at a discounted rate through April 2. Credit union leaders are encouraged to secure their place and join peers from across continents in shaping the future of the movement.
Learn more and register at wcuc.org
World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) is the apex association for credit unions and other global financial cooperatives. World Council promotes the sustainable development of credit unions and other financial cooperatives around the world to empower people through access to high quality and affordable financial services. World Council advocates on behalf of the global credit union system before international organizations and works with national governments to improve legislation and regulation. Its technical assistance programs introduce new tools and technologies to strengthen credit unions' financial performance and increase their outreach.
World Council has implemented 300+ technical assistance programs in 90 countries. Worldwide, 74,634 credit unions in 104 countries serve 411 million people. Learn more about World Council's impact around the world at www.woccu.org.
Organization: World Council of Credit Unions
E-mail: lstanislawski@woccu.org
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