Over 200 Credit Union Professionals Gather at ABCUL Conference

Thursday 25 January 2024

Credit union delegates from across the country descended on the Midland Hotel this week to hear from a range of expert speakers and share best practice at ABCUL’s Annual Conference.

For the fourth year in a row, the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen MP addressed members as a keynote speaker at the ABCUL Annual Conference. He continued to praise credit unions for the movement’s authenticity and strong bond to local communities, Mr Glen said the sector could help parts of the society those other financial institutions cannot reach.

The Minister reiterated his admiration for the sector, specifically the works of Pennine Community Credit Union donating  much-needed funds to Burnley and Pendle charities struggling in the pandemic and Just Credit Union’s education grant to help young people continue in further education.

The topic of legislative reform was a key area of discussion during his address stating that Government will bring forward legislation which will enable credit unions to provide a wider range of affordable services to members than ever

The Minister spent time over lunch listening carefully to ABCUL staff and a group of credit union chief executives discussing legislative reform, capital requirements, regulatory reform, employer partnerships and financial capability.

There was a wide range of workshop sessions aimed at sharing best practice and raising awareness of key issues impacting credit unions and their members including digital marketing, employer engagement, and strategic business planning.

The conference welcomed a delegation of representatives of the US Community Development Credit Unions from their representative body, Inclusiv, as well as representatives of Georgia’s Own Credit Union, which created an additional buzz around the conference.

As the conference came to a close on Tuesday evening, delegates celebrated a double graduation for the 2021 & 2022 graduates of the CU Futures programme.

ABCUL CEO, Robert Kelly said: “ABCUL would like to thank all of our supporters, partners and sponsors for making the event a success.  In particular, we would like to recognise CMutual for their continued support and sponsorship at the ABCUL Annual Conference 2022.”