British Credit Unions Travel to the US for Major Credit Union Conference

Friday 26 January 2024

Last week, on a sponsored trip by Citi, ABCUL credit unions travelled to Memphis, Tennessee in the United States for the largest gathering of community development credit unions in the US. This year’s contingent of British credit unions included representatives of Cardiff & Vale Credit Union, Enterprise Credit Union, HEY Credit Union and The Co-op Credit Union.

Attending the conference as a representative of ABCUL, Head of Member Engagement, John Haslam said: “It was another exhilarating experience to attend my third Inclusiv conference and a pleasure leading our British delegation across the globe to build great connections and learning from credit union experts. Memphis is an incredible city, but one of the most poverty stricken in the US, and it was inspiring to see how credit unions are able to improve the lives of the financially underserved.”

The conference brings together thought leaders, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in the fields of financial empowerment and community development to address the tough economic and social justice issues affecting credit unions today.

Joining the British delegation was Head of Community & Business Development at Enterprise Credit Union, Lynn Farrell, who described the week-long trip as an “invaluable experience that has provided me with insights into the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in the credit union industry.” Lynn added: “Attending this conference has not only enriched my knowledge and skills in the credit union industry but has also reinforced the importance of financial inclusion and accessibility. Thank you once again to ABCUL for this valuable opportunity.”

Chief Executive of Cardiff & Vale Credit Union, Caroline Richardson: “I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to share the week with ABCUL delegates in Memphis, TN at the Inclusiv conference. The organisers and attendees exude passion for the credit union movement and highlight why the work we do is critical to our communities.

“The conference offered informative sessions and great networking opportunities with a chance to learn directly from the US sector. During the breakout sessions we heard a recurring theme from employees of multiple CU’s that community involvement and partnership is at the forefront of member service. I look forward to using the knowledge gained from the conference to further GB credit unions.”

Also attending this week, were winners of the CU Futures Class of 2022 collaborative project. A key part of the CU Futures programme is for participants to work collaboratively in groups on a 12-month project to address the challenges that face the credit union sector. Joel Williams of The Co-op Credit Union and Maya Birr-Pixton of HEY Credit Union were both winners from their respective groups and made the journey to Memphis to attend the Inclusiv conference.

“During the conference I met with many peers from credit unions in the USA, all of which shared the same passion we have in the GB and that is people helping people,” said Joel. “The networking was incredibly easy, people were genuinely intrigued by the credit union movement in the GB, and I felt very welcome. Take home points for me were techniques on how we can collaborate, innovate, and have the greatest social impact to the communities we serve.  I’d like to thank ABCUL for providing the opportunity and experience.”