MADISON, Wis.—World Council of Credit Unions said its newly released 2025 Impact Report shows the organization pushing credit unions further into the global policy conversation, while also delivering on-the-ground results in markets ranging from Ukraine to Kenya as it worked to expand financial inclusion and strengthen cooperative finance systems worldwide.
The report highlights WOCCU’s role in helping shape the regulatory and operating environment for credit unions across six continents, pointing to wins that included G20 recognition of cooperative financial institutions, the incorporation of WOCCU-backed recommendations into international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force, and lending and savings initiatives that supported consumers and small businesses in multiple countries.
Three key takeaways from the report, according to WOCCU:
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Influencing global policy to expand financial inclusion
WOCCU elevated the credit union model in global policy conversations, with the G20 recognizing cooperative financial institutions and FATF incorporating WOCCU-backed recommendations into international standards, advancing proportional, risk-based regulation. -
Delivering measurable impact in communities worldwide
WOCCU expanded financial access in Ukraine, Guatemala and Kenya, including 430+ loans totaling $1.2 million, 6,300+ new savings accounts and $2 million in SME lending. -
Strengthening the global credit union system through connection and collaboration
WOCCU convened more than 2,000 participants at WCUC and reached 3,000+ virtually, driving peer exchange and cross-regional learning that is shaping governance and innovation across systems.
Beyond individual programs, the report highlights WOCCU’s broader system-level impact, mobilizing 186 credit unions for a global climate finance study, strengthening peer learning across countries and advancing advocacy efforts that influence how financial systems evolve worldwide.
“The impact reflected in this report is not just about what we achieved in 2025, it’s about the foundation we are building for the future. Through WOCCU 2.0, we are strengthening our ability to amplify advocacy, deliver greater value to our members and demonstrate the cooperative difference on a global scale,” said WOCCU President and CEO, Paul Treinen.