A Global Affair

In 1954, CUNA established an international services department (World Extension) to extend its reach beyond North America. There was, as yet, no central worldwide organization of credit unions.

This changed in May, 1964, when CUNA revised its charter to become CUNA International, taking under its wing credit unions and associations in Canada, Latin America, and elsewhere. But events called for the creation of an independent, worldwide organization for credit unions.

World Council Is Born

The rapid growth of credit unions in other parts of the world and in emerging nations led to the creation in 1970 of the World Council of Credit Unions. CUNA once again became a national organization and joined confederations in Canada, Africa, Asia, Australia, Latin America, and the Caribbean as members of the World Council.
National and regional confederations concentrate on development and guidance of credit unions in their areas; the World Council emphasizes overall progress and continuing unity of the worldwide movement.

Growth and Challenge The spectacular growth of credit unions in the United States in the past decade has made them an important part of the nation's financial system. But this new status has also increased the competitive pressure as other financial institutions have sought to offer more consumer services.

The role of CUNA and Affiliates and the state leagues is to protect the gains credit unions have made and to prepare them to operate in the new financial world of the future without losing their commitment to the unique credit union tradition of service to people. ............................................................................Back