Our Purpose

 

World Council of Credit Unions works to advance financial inclusion through the credit union and cooperative model by engaging in international advocacy, development, education and networking that empowers underserved populations, and promotes more equitable and resilient communities.

 

Mission and Vision

OUR MISSION Promote more equitable and resilient communities through financial inclusion powered by credit unions and financial cooperatives.

OUR VISION Expand financial inclusion worldwide through a vibrant and growing global credit union movement. 

OUR BELIEF All people should have access to affordable, reliable and sustainable financial services. Credit unions are member-owned, democratically-controlled and operate for the purpose of maximizing economic benefits to members by providing financial services at competitive and fair rates.

Value Proposition

On behalf of its members, World Council:

  • Advocates for credit unions and other financial cooperatives in front of international standard setting bodies to reduce regulatory burden and promote growth.
  • Serves as the bridge that connects all credit unions to the global movement through both face-to-face and virtual engagement and networking.
  • Invests in learning opportunities for credit union professionals, with an emphasis on empowering youth and women.
  • Grows financial inclusion by reaching out to underserved populations, with a focus on attracting more young credit union members and advancing gender equality and empowerment.
  • Promotes shared digital platforms and solutions that address common credit union challenges.
  • Harnesses the power of the global credit union movement to provide financial products and services that promote sustainable, climate-resilient communities.
 

Why Credit Unions?

Credit unions worldwide have members, not customers. They offer those members from all walks of life needed financial services and much more.

 

WHAT IS A CREDIT UNION

A credit union is a customer/member owned financial cooperative, democratically controlled by its members, and operated for the purpose of maximizing the economic benefit of its members by providing financial services at competitive and fair rates.

FINANCIAL INCLUSION

Access to affordable, reliable and self-sustainable financial services improves lives on many different levels. Credit unions work to expand services to people of all income levels.

GLOBAL BENEFITS

87,914 credit unions in 118 countries improve the lives and communities of 393 million members.

 

The Credit Union Difference

How do we differ from banks and other financial institutions?

 

CLIENTELE

Members share a common community, occupation or place of work.  Service to the working poor is blended with service to a broader spectrum of the population, which allows a credit union to offer competitive rates and fees.

GOVERNANCE

Credit union members elect a board of directors from their membership. Members each have one vote in board elections, regardless of their amount of savings or shares in the credit union.

EARNINGS

Net income is applied first to adequacy requirements.  Member owned capital structure, compared to stockholder capital, allows the credit union to manage surplus to lower interest rates on loans, higher interest on savings or new product and service development.