ABCUL CEO Matt Bland Speaks on Global Credit Union Collaboration with CU Broadcast

Friday 22 August 2025

ABCUL Chief Executive Matt Bland recently joined CU Broadcast to discuss the importance of collaboration across the credit union movement – not only within Great Britain, but also internationally.

In the interview, Matt highlighted how the GB sector is working closely with partners in Ireland and the United States, particularly through ABCUL’s partnership with The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates.

“International collaboration is vital,” said Matt. “In Great Britain, we have a strong and growing movement across England, Scotland and Wales, but when we look beyond our borders, there’s so much we can learn from one another. Working with colleagues in Ireland and the U.S. reinforces that while our contexts differ, the challenges and opportunities we face are remarkably similar.”

Reflecting on what he has taken from these collaborations, Matt pointed to the reassurance of shared experience and the potential for innovation. “The biggest lesson for me is the reassurance you get from that commonality – it reminds us that we’re not tackling challenges alone,” he explained. “It also underlines the importance of collaboration, innovation, and embracing digital advancement. We’re only at the beginning of seeing how artificial intelligence will transform the economy and our sector has to be ready to harness those changes.”

When asked what international colleagues can learn from credit unions in Great Britain, Matt highlighted the political environment. “One of the real strengths of the sector is the level of political support we enjoy,” he said. “In some parts of the world, advocacy is much harder, but here, across all parties, we have benefitted from strong relationships with government. The current government’s inclusion of credit unions in its financial inclusion strategy, and its ambition to double the size of the co-operative sector, are signs of that continued support.”

However, Matt was clear that government support alone is not enough. “We can’t just rely on what government does for us,” he concluded. “This is a moment we have to seize – through our own collaboration, consultation and innovation. We have the power in our own hands to shape the future of our movement.”

Watch the interview here.