ABCUL Comments on Fair4All Finance Credit Union Transformation Fund

Friday 13 February 2026

The publication of Fair4All Finance’s Credit Union Transformation Fund consultation marks a significant moment for the credit union sector. The £30 million investment, funded through dormant assets and announced as part of the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy, represents one of the most substantial opportunities in recent years to accelerate the growth, resilience and reach of credit unions across Great Britain.

Commenting on the announcement, ABCUL Chief Executive, Matt Bland, said: “This consultation is not taking place in isolation. It sits alongside a wider set of commitments to expand the co-operative and mutual sector, Government plans for common bond reform, and the recently launched Credit Union Sector Growth Plan. Taken together, these initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the vital role credit unions play in supporting financial inclusion, community wealth and economic resilience. The Transformation Fund has the potential to be a powerful catalyst in turning these ambitions into practical, scalable change.

“ABCUL has engaged in the development of this consultation and continues to work closely with Fair4All Finance to help shape both the design of the fund and how investment is ultimately distributed across the sector. We are keen to ensure that the emerging proposals reflect the realities of operating in a diverse and highly regulated sector, and that funding is targeted in a way that supports long-term, sustainable growth.

“The consultation is the opportunity for credit unions to directly influence how the Fund is directed. The design of the fund, the types of activity it prioritises, and the mechanisms through which investment is delivered will have a lasting impact on how effectively the sector can grow its reach and improve services for members. It is therefore essential that credit unions engage directly with the consultation process and share their perspectives, priorities and practical insights.  We strongly encourage all credit unions to do so.

“While this investment focuses on England, there will be benefits to credit unions in Scotland and Wales too via enhanced sector infrastructure.  Nevertheless, ABCUL is clear that communities across Scotland and Wales should also benefit from comparable opportunities to unlock transformational investment from dormant assets funding. In a year of elections in both nations, we are actively advocating for support and policy frameworks in the devolved nations that mirror the ambition now being shown in England. Ensuring fair and inclusive access to transformation funding across all nations is a clear priority for the Association, and member engagement from credit unions in Scotland and Wales will be vital in strengthening the case for similar commitments.

“This is a moment for the sector to be ambitious. The Credit Union Transformation Fund offers a genuine chance to align investment with the sector’s long-term growth plans and to strengthen the infrastructure, capability and digital maturity needed to serve more people, more effectively. With collective engagement and a clear, shared vision, we can help ensure that this funding delivers meaningful, lasting impact for credit unions and the communities they serve.”