Matt Bland Begins Tenure as Chief Executive

Monday 2 June 2025

Matt Bland has officially stepped into the role of Chief Executive at ABCUL, bringing with him a distinguished 16-year career in the credit union sector. His appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Association, underpinned by a vast knowledge of the sector, a strong track record of leadership, and a commitment to innovation and growth.

“I’m truly honoured to take on the role of CEO at such a pivotal moment for our organisation and the wider credit union sector,” Matt said. “This is a time of great opportunity for credit unions across the country, and I’m incredibly excited about what lies ahead.”

Matt’s journey in the movement began with over a decade at ABCUL where he led its Policy & Communications team. During his time, he was instrumental in delivering significant sector-wide gains, including securing a proportionate regulatory framework and driving legislative reform.

In 2020, Matt took on the role of Chief Executive at The Money Co-op in Manchester. Under his leadership, the organisation underwent a strategic transformation, rebranding to reflect a modernised vision while implementing key investments in technology and governance to support sustainable growth.

As CEO, Matt is set to build on this foundation – championing innovation, enhancing member services, and shaping a bold future for the organisation and the wider sector.  Matt added: “Having spent much of my career advocating the values, resilience, and potential of credit unions, I’m passionate about the unique role we play in supporting our members and communities. I firmly believe that with the right vision and investment, credit unions can be at the forefront of inclusive, ethical finance in Great Britain.

“As I step into this role, my focus will be on driving meaningful innovation, accelerating sustainable growth, and ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional value to our members. That means embracing technology, strengthening governance, and building new partnerships—while staying true to our cooperative principles.

“I’m looking forward to working with our talented team, our Board, and our many stakeholders to build on the strong foundations already in place. Together, we’ll shape a vibrant, future-ready organisation that continues to put people at the heart of everything we do.”