Credit Union Research Project Brings Sector Leaders Together to Shape the Future

Wednesday 17 September 2025

On 16th September, ABCUL was pleased to attend a key session of a major research and advocacy project aimed at shaping the future of British credit unions.

The two-year initiative, led by the New Economics Foundation and the Swoboda Research Centre, seeks to work closely with credit unions and sector stakeholders to develop a bold roadmap to double credit union membership by 2035. The project aims to expand access to fair and inclusive finance while ensuring that credit unions continue to adapt to the evolving financial needs of modern Britain.

The session offered attendees the opportunity to hear from leading voices in the sector, connect with senior practitioners and financial service stakeholders, and share perspectives on the future role of credit unions in the country.

ABCUL Chief Executive, Matt Bland, commented on the significance of the project: “It’s encouraging to see this project gaining momentum. With renewed enthusiasm from Government in expanding credit unions both to advance its agenda to double co-ops and mutuals and its financial inclusion strategy, the credit union sector must seize the moment and demonstrate its impact and potential.

“At ABCUL, we will continue to support this initiative and work collaboratively across the sector to shape an ambitious vision for future of our movement. ABCUL is committed to bringing the whole credit union sector together as we shape a stronger, more inclusive financial future—focused on engagement, innovation, collaboration, and leadership to deliver on our promise for British society.”