CU Futures Programme Celebrates a Decade of Success as Applications Open for 2026

Friday 4 April 2025

The Credit Union Foundation has officially opened applications for the 2026 CU Futures programme, marking the 10th consecutive year of this prestigious initiative. Since its inception in 2016, CU Futures has played a pivotal role in developing young professionals within the credit union sector, equipping them with the skills and experience to advance their careers and shape the industry’s future.

This milestone follows a momentous celebration at the ABCUL Annual Conference 2025, held at The Queens Hotel in Leeds, where the CU Futures Class of 2025 graduated in style. The event not only highlighted the programme’s enduring impact but also secured vital funding to ensure its sustainability. Generous contributions, including $25,000 from Peach State Federal Credit Union, $25,000 from The League of Credit Unions and Affiliates, and an impressive £28,000 from ABCUL member credit unions, brought total donations to £78,000.

CU Futures Programme Manager Jake Hatch, himself one of the 91 graduates from the past decade, expressed his excitement for the next chapter: “Having experienced firsthand the transformative impact of CU Futures, I am thrilled to be launching the next cohort for 2026. The programme has been instrumental in my professional growth, and I have no doubt it will continue to develop the future leaders of our sector. Applications are always in high demand, and I encourage aspiring credit union professionals to seize this incredible opportunity.”

The official launch event will take place on Wednesday 21 May, in Manchester.

For further information, interested applicants can download the programme information document or reach out to ABCUL Project Manager Jake Hatch at jake.hatch@abcul.org.