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Collaboration and mergers within the credit union sector may become more prevalent in future as credit unions in Ireland and Great Britain are navigating the challenges of maintaining their local identity while achieving economies of scale. This podcast, with expert commentary from Nick Money of the Swoboda Research Centre and Paul Norgrove, CEO of Serve and Protect Credit Union and Ronaldo Hardy from the USA association NACUSO, tackles the strategic decisions credit unions are facing as growth and efficiencies become needed. The guests share their perspectives on the importance of understanding member needs, the emotional and operational hurdles of mergers, and how Credit Union Service Organisations (CUSOs) offer a promising path for growth. Explore how tailored services can create win-win scenarios and why maintaining a focus on members is crucial in an ever-changing financial landscape.

This episode also sheds light on the emotional challenges faced by credit union boards and the critical balance of power in working with CUSOs, ensuring that you come away with an better understanding of the world of credit union collaboration.

Talking Credit Unions with Chris Smith is a regular podcast dedicated to informing credit union practitioners, leaders and opinion formers on variety of industry topics. To contact Chris Smith, smithowls@gmail.com

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Can credit unions truly be the gold standard of ethical finance? Join our enlightening exchange with ethics-man Barry Clavin, as we scrutinize whether these institutions are walking the talk of their cooperative principles. We traverse the complex terrain of credit union ethics, addressing their genuine commitment to these values, and the potential benefits of adopting a unified ethical identity. Are there any lessons to be learnt from landmark policy of the Cooperative Bank. Barry sheds light on the strategic advantages such alignment could offer, setting credit unions apart in a financial industry often marred by scepticism.

Step into the world of credit unions, where Louise Shields, at Claddagh Credit Union, describes the emotional bonds woven with members and community-centric values. She paints a vivid contrast to traditional banking models.

We explore the manifestation of Hey Credit Unions ethical values through the experienced lens of John Smith, and how it reflects a dedication to a wide array of stakeholders.

Mick McAteer's insights on economic and social justice underscore the importance of authentically presenting ethical standards to attract a diverse member base.

Rob Harrison explains how the Ethical Consumer Association sees credit unions and emphasises the need to ensure the business is effective and efficient (to its customers or members) as well as considering an ethical dimension.

Talking Credit Unions with Chris Smith is a regular podcast dedicated to informing credit union practitioners, leaders and opinion formers on variety of industry topics. To contact Chris Smith, smithowls@gmail.com

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Listen to a conversation with George Hofheimer, the advisor and author of "Banking on the Human Scale." As we navigate the challenges that credit unions face in the digital era, George illuminates the path ahead, offering strategic insight into blending technological investments with the human service that defines credit unions. The traditional face-to-face service is not lost, but rather enhanced as George makes a compelling case for a harmonious merge of the old and the new. This conversation is an essential precursor to the upcoming Manchester Swoboda Credit Union Conference, in November, that aims to unravel the challenge of credit unions and their digital appetite.

At the Swoboda Credit Union Conference, George Hofheimer shares his wisdom, this time focusing on simplifying operations in the digital era. George expounds on how credit unions can prioritise investments and redefine senior recruitment in the digital age. The digital transformation, laden with complexities, becomes less daunting as George guides us through. George gives us a taste on this digital landscape while retaining that unique human touch.

Talking Credit Unions with Chris Smith is a regular podcast dedicated to informing credit union practitioners, leaders and opinion formers on variety of industry topics. To contact Chris Smith, smithowls@gmail.com