Credit Union Stories

Amplifying voices, inspiring the future

#Accelerate Action is 2025’s International Women’s Day theme, calling for bold steps to advance gender equality. While progress has been made, there is still work to do. The co-operative system has long been leading the way in fostering inclusive and empowering workplaces within the financial industry. A 2023 study by DBRS Morningstar found that women hold 44% of executive leadership...

International Credit Union Day Special: The future of cooperative banking through the eyes of young leaders

The 2024 International Credit Union (ICU) Day is celebrated with World Council of Credit Unions’ theme of “One World through cooperative finance”. As the financial sector undergoes rapid transformation, attracting and nurturing young talent is crucial for our continued evolution. As we celebrate ICU Day, we spoke with Chris Inniss, President & CEO of Mainstreet Credit Union, and Rachel Palaci,...

YNCU: Serving the community beyond their member base 

Only 13% of Canadians are considered financially literate, according to a recent study, where only one in 10 could correctly answer five basic questions on financial knowledge. Credit unions have a long history of supporting members with education and training, so the recent launch of a dedicated financial literacy hub by Kitchener, Ontario-based Your Neighbourhood Credit Union, makes perfect sense....

Kindred Credit Union – Sixty years of banking with purpose

Sixty years ago, 22 forward-thinking members of the Waterloo community united with a bold vision: to embody mutual aid in practice. With just $22 in a cash box, Waterloo County Mennonite Credit Union was born. These humble beginnings, rooted in principles of mutual aid, economic justice and shared personal values, continue to shape and impact how Kindred Credit Union serves...

Taiwanese Canadian Toronto Credit Union: A pillar of prosperity in the community

May is Asian Heritage Month — a time to celebrate and learn more about the history and contributions of Asian communities in Canada. Amidst Canada’s financial landscape, where big banks often take centre stage, the Taiwanese Canadian Toronto Credit Union (TCTCU) stands out as a beacon of community empowerment. This month, we take immense pride in spotlighting this member credit...

Money made better: Libro Credit Union’s journey of purpose-driven banking

One of the main commitments credit unions work toward is to grow prosperity of their member-owners and support businesses to create a thriving economy in their communities. The principle of "purpose beyond profit" isn't just talk – it's a standard practice for credit unions. Libro Credit Union is one of Central 1’s member credit unions and the largest credit union...

Pigeon Park Savings: A credit union serving the unique needs of Vancouver Downtown Eastside community members

One of the foundational principles of credit unions is that they exist for their community. That means they’re acutely aware of the economics, circumstances, and needs of their community and offer services in a manner that reflects all those factors. While some credit unions serve large and diverse populations, others are deeply embedded in small and distinct communities of people....