Sydney Welcomes the Next Generation of Global Credit Union Leaders

SYDNEY, Australia—More than 165 emerging cooperative finance professionals from 27 countries gathered Sunday for the inaugural WYCUP & COBA Emerging Leaders Summit, helping launch the 2026 World Credit Union Conference (WCUC) and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the World Young Credit Union Professionals (WYCUP) Program.

Hosted by the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU) and Australia's Customer Owned Banking Association’s (COBA) Emerging Leaders Committee, the summit brought together the next generation of cooperative finance leaders for professional development, global networking and conversations about the future of the movement.

The program opened with networking and facilitated icebreaker activities designed to connect participants from around the world.  Throughout the day, delegates explored what it means to lead in today's rapidly evolving financial services landscape through interactive sessions focused on leadership journeys, innovation, career development and the power of global collaboration.

Featured speakers included:

• Michael Lawrence, Chief Executive Officer of COBA and Chair of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU);
• Paul Treinen, WOCCU President & CEO;
• Jonathan Roberts, Vice President of Strategy at Together Credit Union;
• Miranda Flury, President of Hawkeye Strategies;
• Nick May, Chief Executive Officer of Police Credit Union;
• Dorwin Manzano, Corporate Secretary of the University of Trinidad and Tobago and Program Facilitator for the Caribbean Development Education Program (CaribDE);
• Kassandra Schroeder, Director of WYCUP and Global DE Programs at WFCU, and
• Mike Reuter, WFCU President.

Together, they encouraged participants to embrace lifelong learning, challenge conventional thinking, intentionally build their careers and strengthen the relationships that define the global cooperative movement.

“It is truly an international partnership and gives us a unique advantage and opportunity. It enables you to look beyond your own borders, to share common challenges and to bring world-class insights back home,” Michael Lawrence said. “We all know that when you get back into the office, you are focused on the task at hand, so make the most of this opportunity.”

The summit also marked a significant milestone for the WYCUP Program as it celebrates 25 years of developing young cooperative finance professionals into influential leaders across the global credit union movement. Since its inception, WYCUP has connected hundreds of emerging professionals through scholarships, leadership development and international collaboration, creating a worldwide network committed to advancing cooperative finance.

Dorwin Manzano, who is also a 2004 WYCUP Scholar, said: “WYCUP has exposed me to so many things. The sessions, the networking and the challenges of presenting ideas have all helped prepare me as a leader. One of the things I’ve been able to influence is encouraging our board to consider young people in every decision we make — whether it’s related to products, services or other initiatives.”

The day continued with a Connection and Intention Workshop, where participants reflected on how to make the most of their conference experience while building meaningful relationships with peers from around the world.

Delegates then joined thousands of attendees for the official WCUC Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception before gathering for the WYCUP & COBA Emerging Leaders’ Reception on Sydney Harbour. The reception provided another opportunity to build international connections at the start of a week focused on learning, innovation and collaboration.

The success of the inaugural WYCUP & COBA Emerging Leaders Summit was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors. WFCU extends its sincere appreciation to TruStage for its longstanding support of the WYCUP Program, to CGU Insurance for its sponsorship of the COBA Emerging Leaders Stream, and to Sicredi for financing the new community platform launching in 2027, which will connect emerging and women leaders across the global credit union movement.

The 2026 World Credit Union Conference continues Monday through Wednesday with internationally recognized keynote speakers, educational breakout sessions and networking opportunities focused on the future of cooperative finance. Conference attendees and their guests will also participate in several WFCU signature events throughout the week, including the Global Women's Leadership Network (GWLN) Lunch & Learn, the Global DE Social celebrating Credit Union Development Educators across the global movement, and the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions' signature UnWind Event at the iconic Sydney Opera House. Together, these experiences will provide attendees with opportunities to deepen their knowledge, strengthen international partnerships and celebrate the cooperative spirit that unites credit unions worldwide.

Emerging Leaders connect and collaborate during the summit.

Michael Lawrence addresses Emerging Leaders on the value of global collaboration.

Dorwin Manzano, 2004 WYCUP Scholar, shares his leadership journey and WYCUP experience.

Emerging Leaders gather to strengthen connections across the global cooperative movement.

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