WOCCU White Paper: Alternative Identification Methods Are Driving Financial Inclusion Globally

MADISON, Wis.—World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) International Advocacy today released Understanding How Credit Unions Are Using Alternative Identification Methods Globally, a new white paper that highlights the ways credit unions worldwide are leveraging non-traditional forms of ID to expand access to financial services for underserved communities.

At a time when millions remain excluded from the formal financial system due to lack of government-issued identification, credit unions are pioneering approaches that align with their cooperative mission of inclusion, equity and community development.

“Identity verification should be a bridge to financial access, not a barrier,” said Paul Andrews, WOCCU Vice President of International Advocacy. “This paper underscores the practical and innovative ways credit unions are adopting alternative identification to expand financial inclusion while still meeting global anti-money laundering and compliance standards.”

Andrews and Erin O’Hern, WOCCU International Advocacy and Regulatory Counsel, co-authored the white paper, which explores the intersection of technology, regulation and cooperative values in reimagining identity verification.

Drawing on examples from Brazil, the European Union (with a focus on Poland and Ireland) and the United States, the report examines how credit unions are using biometric verification, digital identity platforms and flexible regulatory approaches to responsibly onboard members who lack traditional identification documents.

“Credit unions are demonstrating that inclusive identification solutions not only expand access but also strengthen financial systems, reduce reliance on predatory informal markets and contribute to long-term economic resilience,” said O’Hern.

Key themes of the report include:

• Overcoming the barriers created by traditional Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements.
• Real-world approaches credit unions are adopting to balance compliance and inclusion.
• A set of guiding principles for successful alternative identification programs. These include including risk-based approaches, layered verification, regulatory dialogue and technological innovation.
• Future opportunities and challenges as digital identity frameworks evolve globally.

WOCCU International Advocacy also calls on policymakers, regulators and financial institutions to support flexible frameworks that enable credit unions to expand their inclusive mission.

Click here to read Understanding How Credit Unions Are Using Alternative Identification Methods Globally in its entirety.

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.

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