ABCUL Annual Conference 2025 to Bring Credit Union Sector Together in Leeds

Thursday 6 March 2025

With just over a week to go, the ABCUL Annual Conference 2025 is gearing up to be an unmissable event for the British credit union movement. Taking place on Friday 14 & Saturday 15 March at The Queens Hotel in Leeds, the conference will bring together credit union leaders, policymakers, and industry experts for two days of discussion, networking, and key policy engagement.

The conference will also welcome a delegation of U.S. credit union peers, adding an exciting international perspective to the discussions. These guests will be hosting sessions designed to inspire and inform ABCUL members, fostering collaboration between credit unions across borders.

Debbie Smith-Hands, ABCUL’s Head of Member Engagement, expressed her enthusiasm ahead of the event: “The ABCUL Annual Conference is the largest gathering of credit unions in Great Britain, and we are thrilled to welcome our members from across the country for what promises to be an engaging and insightful weekend. This year, we’re especially excited to welcome a delegation of U.S. credit union peers, who will share their knowledge and expertise with our attendees. Their presence adds an extra layer of inspiration to what is already shaping up to be a landmark event.”

The two-day programme will feature plenary addresses and breakout sessions tailored to credit unions of all sizes. A key moment on Friday afternoon will be a special video address from the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Emma Reynolds. With the recent regulatory changes announced in November designed to drive growth and competitiveness, this session will be a crucial opportunity for the sector to continue its dialogue with the Minister and reinforce the importance of credit unions in financial inclusion.

Attendees will also hear from Helen Ainsworth, Senior Manager for the Credit Union Team at the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), who will discuss key regulatory expectations, including operational resilience and governance, as outlined in the PRA’s Annual Assessment Letters to Category 4 Credit Unions. Additionally, Helen will cover the PRA’s role in HM Government’s broader mutuals agenda.

With the ABCUL Annual Conference just around the corner, delegates will also have the chance to meet ABCUL’s incoming CEO, Matt Bland, and hear directly from him during a Friday afternoon plenary session.

“We look forward to working with Matt in his new role and continuing to support our members in driving the credit union movement forward,” Debbie added. “The ABCUL team is excited to welcome attendees to Leeds for what promises to be a transformative and inspiring weekend for the credit union sector.”