Global Insights and Local Impact: Celebrating Credit Union Collaboration

Thursday 8 May 2025

Credit union members of ABCUL, gathered in Manchester for a dynamic and inspiring morning hosted by The SoundPound Group, bringing together voices from the global and national credit union movement to reflect on progress, share ideas, and look ahead to a more inclusive financial future.

The event featured Michael Lawrence, Chair of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) and CEO of the Customer Owned Banking Association, who delivered an engaging keynote session. Michael offered valuable insights into WOCCU’s current initiatives and spoke to the evolving landscape of credit unions worldwide, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for the movement in a changing financial environment.

Debbie Smith-Hands, ABCUL’s Head of Member Engagement, attended the event and praised the quality of the discussions and the inspiration it offered to those in attendance: “It was a truly valuable experience for our members to hear from such an accomplished global leader like Michael Lawrence, who provided real insight into how the credit union sector is evolving internationally. We were also inspired by the incredible work of The SoundPound Group, not just within the credit union community but in their collaboration with the Mayor’s Office and Co-operatives UK to drive meaningful financial inclusion across the region.”

Also presenting to attendees, Rose Marley, CEO of Co-operatives UK spoke passionately about the vital role credit unions play in the wider co-operative movement. Rose emphasised that, during the International Year of Cooperatives, the sector should be proud of the work being done to embed fairness, equity, and community ownership at the heart of the financial system.

“A huge thank you to Rose Marley, Ciara Davies, and Michael Lawrence for presenting and helping showcase the strength and potential of our sector,” Debbie added. “ABCUL is proud to continue working alongside partners such as WOCCU, Co-operatives UK, and The SoundPound Group to amplify the voice and impact of credit unions both locally and globally.