International Collaboration as Vital as Ever at Global Credit Union Conference

Friday 9 May 2025

Natalie McQuade, Head of Advocacy and Regulatory Affairs at ABCUL took to the stage this week at the prestigious Inclusiv Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, to share insights on collaboration and innovation within the credit union movement in Great Britain.

The annual conference, hosted by Inclusiv—the leading network of credit unions committed to community development and financial inclusion—brought together a diverse group of thought leaders, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners. “This year’s theme, Transformation with Purpose, not only speaks to embracing change but also driving it with intention,” said Natalie. “From adopting innovative technologies to promoting clean energy financing, this transformation ensures that the communities credit unions serve are at the centre of every decision.”

Natalie participated in the panel session titled Expanding Horizons: How Global Experiences Inspire Local Credit Union Success, alongside Mike Mercer of COOPR8 Consulting, Renee Sattiewhite, CEO of the African-American Credit Union Coalition, and Erin O’Hern, International Advocacy and Regulatory Counsel at the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU).

“It was a great opportunity to highlight the importance of staying connected to the global credit union movement,” Natalie added. “The impact, growth and learnings become possible when we come together—this is more important than ever.”

Natalie shared a range of international initiatives spearheaded by ABCUL and its members, including partnerships through the League of South Eastern Credit Unions, study trips focused on developing Community Development Credit Union (CDCU) accreditation, and participation in the global Development Educator (DE) programs.

In addition to her speaking engagement, Natalie visited the Rid-All Green Partnership, a non-profit urban farming initiative that has transformed a former dumping ground in Cleveland’s Kinsman neighbourhood into a vibrant food ecosystem. “Their mission is not just about growing nutritious food,” she said, “but also about educating the next generation to build sustainable businesses in the food industry.”

Natalie also toured Faith Community United Credit Union, where she engaged with staff, board members, and volunteers about the initiatives and challenges shaping their work in today’s economic climate.

“The message throughout the conference was clear in relation to advocacy-given the turbulent times many are facing in America right now, credit unions need to ‘stick together and push back,” Natalie said. “The visit underscored the vital importance of international collaboration in the credit union sector and the shared mission to drive meaningful, community-led transformation on both sides of the Atlantic.”