Georgia Credit Union Affiliates and the Association of British Credit Unions Limited announced last week the formation of a mutual learning partnership among credit unions in Georgia and England, Scotland and Wales.
A delegation of credit union leaders from Georgia attended an ABCUL annual conference in Manchester, England, in March, when representatives from Georgia and British credit unions discussed opportunities to collaborate. They devised a list of areas of focus that include assessing the needs of members, underwritting and servicing secured loan products, developing and motivating staff, technology and automation, growth and brand strategies, digital distribution systems, and corporate governance.
During the summer, GCUA will assist ABCUL with legal and regulatory opportunities. British credit union representatives will visit Georgia again this fall, the organizations said in a joint press release Monday.
The collaboration was made possible by the World Council of Credit Unions, the global trade association and development agency for credit unions that encourages forming international partnerships for mutual benefit that will contribute staff resources in these efforts as well.
Mark Lyonette, ABCUL chief executive, travelled to Savannah, Ga., last week to speak at the GCUA annual convention, where he was joined by Richard Munro, treasurer of Commsave Credit Union in England.
"I was struck not only by how much we can learn from our counterparts in Georgia, but also by how many of the challenges around being vital for members, introducing new products, and technological change are common to credit union movements of all sizes," Lyonette said in a press release Monday. "I believe this World Council International Partnership is a very exciting opportunity for ABCUL members to learn, share and grow through co-operation with colleagues in Georgia."
The Georgia league is no stranger to international collaboration, as the state's credit unions have a long-standing relationship with credit unions in Poland, as well.
"We welcome the opportunity to strengthen our relationship with our counterparts in Great Britain," GCUA President and CEO Mike Mercer said in a press release.
