An International Movement

Credit unions have always been part of a large international movement.

Today, there are 53,000 credit unions in 100 countries around the world, enabling 188 million members to access affordable financial services. 

ABCUL is a member of the World Council of Credit Unions, which represents the credit union movement globally. WOCCU's aim is to promote the sustainable development of credit unions and other financial cooperatives around the world to empower people through access to high quality and affordable financial services.

Through membership of WOCCU, ABCUL and ABCUL members benefit from best practice information from around the world.

Credit Union Statistics

In Ireland, over 70% of the population belong to a credit union. In America and Canada the figure is around 43%. Credit unions are also growing fast in Eastern Europe, parts of South America, Africa and the Far East.

Credit Unions and International Development

WOCCU promotes the sustainable development of credit unions and other financial co-operatives around the world to empower people through access to high quality and affordable financial services. WOCCU advocates on behalf of the global credit union system before international organisations and works with national governments to improve legislation and regulation.

Case Study - Afghanistan

In 2004, WOCCU began working in Afghanistan to build it’s first financial co-operatives. The vast majority of people in the country are unbanked and have been denied civic participation for many years. 

Credit unions provide Afghan men and women the opportunity to join a financial institution that is owned, controlled and operated by the members. 

Today there are 30 credit unions with over 63,000 members with access to affordable financial services.