US Credit Union Delegation Visits Great Britain as Part of Learning Journey

Thursday 13 March 2025

This week, ABCUL was delighted to welcome a delegation of U.S. credit unions from The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates to Great Britain as part of an enriching “Learning Journey.” Hosted in partnership with ABCUL, this visit marks the continuation of a strong international relationship that has thrived for nine years, underpinned by the shared cooperative principle of “people helping people.”

The week commenced with an exclusive tour of the UK Parliament, hosted by Lord Roy Kennedy of Southwark, a long-standing advocate for credit unions and former Chair of the Credit Union Foundation. The visit provided the delegation with a unique perspective on the UK’s legislative landscape and the role policymakers play in supporting financial cooperatives.

Following the parliamentary tour, the delegation visited London Mutual Credit Union, where they were warmly received and gained valuable insights into the operations of British credit unions. The visit facilitated an exchange of best practices, highlighting the critical role credit unions play in today’s society by providing ethical and accessible financial services to communities.

The delegation will also be attending the ABCUL Annual Conference later this week in Leeds, where they will contribute to the vibrant cooperative spirit that the conference fosters each year. Their presence will add an exciting international perspective to discussions on the future of the credit union movement.

Paul Norgrove, President of ABCUL, expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, stating: “A huge thank you to all involved who have made this exchange possible. It is always inspiring to share experiences and learn from our U.S. counterparts. I look forward to catching up with the delegation again and welcoming our wider member credit unions at our Annual Conference in Leeds later this week.”

This ongoing collaboration between British and U.S. credit unions is a testament to the strength of the global cooperative movement and the impact of international knowledge-sharing in shaping the future of financial inclusion.