Talking Credit Unions from Swoboda Research Centre

Anca Voinea
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Talking Credit Unions delves into the latest trends shaping the financial landscape, equipping credit unions with the insights they need to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. This podcast also tackles key issues facing the movement, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration. Featuring a diverse line-up of credit union leaders, experts, researchers, and industry suppliers, it offers valuable perspectives to drive best practices, innovation, and success.  Talking Credit Unions is brought to you by the Swoboda Research Centre, which works to support positive change and transformation in the credit union movement. (https://swobodacentre.org/). The podcast’s current producer and host, Anca Voinea, is a trained journalist with over 13 years of experience in the co-operative and credit union sectors. To suggest a podcast topic or for any other inquiries, contact her at anca.voinea@swobodacentre.org.

  1. 12/09/2025

    EDITION 38: Outcome-driven innovation in credit unions

    Send us a text Purpose without delivery doesn’t move the needle. This podcast explores some of the key themes emerging from the Swoboda Research Centre - Autumn Conference in Liverpool. The podcast includes the recording of a conference session featuring Vicky Zuiderent, Jen Lothian and Joss Tasker, who unpacked how credit unions can innovate with confidence, cut through change fatigue, and build products members actually want.  Jen shares a field-tested approach to risk that turns fear into decisions: break it into impact and probability, separate good risks from bad ones, and run reversible tests in sandboxes before scaling.  Joss takes us inside a mission-led start-up mindset, where product–market fit is a moving target and distribution matters as much as features. Together, they show how leadership sets the tone—give teams air cover, define exactly what success looks like with the “red wine test,” and cut the project list so people have time and energy to deliver. We also explore when AI helps and when it harms, and how credit unions can trial modern tech stacks, APIs, and sandboxes, coordinating with peers and vendors. Talking Credit Unions is a regular podcast dedicated to informing credit union practitioners, leaders, and opinion formers on a variety of industry topics. The podcast is sponsored by the Swoboda Research Centre.

    39 min

  2. 10/10/2025

    EDITION 37: What’s in a name? Why some credit unions are rebranding as community banks

    Send us a text Swoboda Research Centre's recent paper on credit unions VS community banks explores whether the ads and marketing slogans make banks and credit unions indistinguishable from each other. We sit down with marketing strategist Daniella Russo from MP&Co Marketing Strategists to unpack the everyday language problem: how do you cut through misconceptions and make the benefits obvious? Daniela shares where values help and where they get in the way, why digital design equals brand trust, and how an audit-first approach avoids costly missteps.  Then, we go inside a full rebrand with Kathryn Fogg, whose team transformed Pennine Community Credit Union into Northern Community Bank. Kathryn explains why they changed “members” to “account holders,” replaced jargon like “shares” and “common bond,” and introduced interest-based savings to improve clarity. The payoff: more enquiries, bigger deposits, and people who finally understand what they do. From Ireland, Helen Carbery, the CEO of CUDA, outlines a different path: a widely trusted brand that embraces standardised mortgages and shared infrastructure to expand services without abandoning the credit union name.  And researcher Dr Paul Jones brings the long view—credit unions as part of the co-operative banking family—arguing that labels matter less than delivering competitive products through robust, digital-first experiences. Along the way, we explore collaboration as the real force multiplier, from mortgage CUSOs to shared platforms that make current accounts, payments, and lending feel seamless. Talking Credit Unions is a regular podcast dedicated to informing credit union practitioners, leaders, and opinion formers on a variety of industry topics. The podcast is sponsored by the Swoboda Research Centre.

    34 min

  3. 06/08/2025

    EDITION 36: The future of credit unions: growth, youth, and digital demands

    Send us a text The credit union landscape is transforming rapidly across Ireland and Britain.  Fresh legislation has created unprecedented opportunities for innovation – yet significant hurdles remain. How can credit unions balance digital transformation with their co-operative ethos? What strategies will attract younger members while serving existing ones? These questions took centre stage at the recent Swoboda Research Conference in Dublin, where experts shared insights and solutions. American credit union strategist George Hofheimer cut through the noise with straightforward advice: focus on "the boring stuff" – prioritising lending, optimising capital, aggressive expense management, and favourable pricing. This back-to-basics approach must underpin any future vision. Former EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness cautioned against uncritical digitalisation, highlighting cybersecurity as a "hair's breadth away" from creating serious problems while emphasising that younger generations may not inherently understand the credit union difference. The challenge of attracting younger members emerged as particularly urgent. Cédric Turini from the French co-operative banking network shared their multi-faceted approach: family-focused products, dedicated mobile apps, student loans without personal guarantees, and meeting youth on social platforms with accessible financial content.  As credit unions are considering how to engage with AI, Mark Kelly from AI Ireland shared his top tips for the sector. Looking ahead, two major strategic initiatives promise to shape the sector's future. A government-led project in Ireland will examine development paths with input from trade associations, while Swoboda's "United Vision Project" aims to map British credit union evolution through 2035. With collaboration universally acknowledged as essential, the challenge now lies in implementation – through credit union service organisations, potential corporate credit unions, and joint initiatives that can deliver services beyond what individual institutions can provide. As Dr. Paul Jones noted, credit unions aren't merely seeking research for academic purposes – they're looking for "a catalyst for transformation and change." He thinks the opportunity is immense, particularly given the millions who remain financially vulnerable.  Talking Credit Unions is a regular podcast dedicated to informing credit union practitioners, leaders, and opinion formers on a variety of industry topics. The podcast is sponsored by the Swoboda Research Centre.

    25 min

  4. 04/13/2025

    EDITION 35: How credit unions can navigate the AI revolution – Top tips from the experts

    Send us a text Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming financial services, with 75% of firms in Great Britain and 54% in Ireland already adopting the technology. For credit unions, this presents both opportunities and challenges as they seek to harness AI while staying true to their co-operative values and member-centric mission. In this podcast episode, Anca explores the role of AI in the credit union sector with four expert guests. David Fagleman, Co-founder and Director of Enryo Consulting, shares insights from his recent Swoboda Research Centre paper on AI. With a background in banking policy and innovation, David emphasises the need for inclusive and fair access to financial services as the sector evolves. He argues that credit unions can take the lead on this due to their member-centric approach. Joining from Ireland, Micheál O'Shea and Ciara Prendeville of Metamo discuss their work supporting 16 of Ireland’s largest credit unions. Micheál explains how Metamo's "sprinkling of AI" approach augments rather than replaces human processes. Ciara, Metamo’s Deputy CEO, brings nearly two decades of leadership experience and focuses on strategic innovation and member value across product and service development. She explores some of the challenges faced when implementing AI solutions, offering advice on how to address these. The episode also features Patrick Heaphy, CEO of Youghal Credit Union in Ireland, which serves over 17,000 members. Since taking on the CEO role in 2020, Patrick has overseen major growth and digital transformation, including launching mortgages and current accounts. With a background in accounting and risk management, he also serves on the board of the Swoboda Research Centre. For further insights, listeners can read the Swoboda Research Centre's recent paper on AI. Swoboda members can also take part in an AI webinar in May.  Talking Credit Unions is a regular podcast dedicated to informing credit union practitioners, leaders, and opinion formers on a variety of industry topics. The podcast is sponsored by the Swoboda Research Centre.

    43 min

  5. 12/11/2024

    Mergers, CUSOs and Collaboration

    Send us a text 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 is a regular podcast dedicated to informing credit union practitioners, leaders, and opinion formers on a variety of industry topics. The podcast is sponsored by the Swoboda Research Centre.

    30 min

  6. 04/24/2024

    Credit Unions are ethical...aren't they?

    Send us a text 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 is a regular podcast dedicated to informing credit union practitioners, leaders, and opinion formers on a variety of industry topics. The podcast is sponsored by the Swoboda Research Centre.

    27 min

  7. 10/03/2023

    Human touch versus Digital Banking for Credit Unions?

    Send us a text 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 is a regular podcast dedicated to informing credit union practitioners, leaders, and opinion formers on a variety of industry topics. The podcast is sponsored by the Swoboda Research Centre.

    14 min

  8. 07/24/2023

    EDITION 31 - Are credit union members rate tarts?

    Send us a text Several responses to this question by credit union leaders: *Rate tart is a term used in banking to describe someone who transfers balances repeatedly, chasing the best possible interest rates on savings. David McAuley, CEO, Donore CU, Ireland " Are our members 'rate tarts'* and leave the credit union, if we pay insufficient dividend? Our members in the main are not big savers.  So, while there will be one or two members disgruntled with no dividend and they do tend to be in the “older” category and not borrowing. For the last few years due to the prevailing low interest (or zero rate interest situation), there has been no clamour for dividends.  Also, the CBI has “encouraged” CUs not to give dividends.  This year some CUs have distributed but they have needed to justify that decision". Karen Farrow, Chief Officer, Just CU, England "Historically, we have always paid a min 2% dividend and used to be very proud of this. We were also worried that if we didn't pay it that members would leave and take their shares with them. However about 3 years ago, we changed this and since then have paid nil/low or capped dividend - we have seen virtually no detriment to the share balance".  John Smith, Governance Officer, HEYCU, England  "Are our members 'rate tarts'* and leave the credit union, if we pay insufficient dividend?  In our experience here at HEY Credit Union, that doesn't appear to be the case at all.  It would seem that very few of our members are saving with us because of the return, and more likely that other factors are the prime motivators, such as trust and safety (just want somewhere they trust to look after their money), ability to access funds without fuss, our customer care standards (they feel we look after them), habit, desire to support a local community enterprise, co-operative values, and perhaps lack of awareness of alternatives". Christine Moore, CEO, Manchester CU, England "No, I don’t think many of our members are ‘rate tarts’, in fact I think the contrary is true. Some people who joined specifically for the Gold Saver a few years ago did take their money out when it closed (less than half). A focus group of savers we spoke to in 2018 overwhelmingly agreed they were not interested in the rate but glad their money was being used for good and to help other people (very heart-warming to hear!)". Michael Byrne, CEO, Core Credit Union, Ireland  Are our members 'rate tarts' and leave the credit union, if we pay insufficient dividend? The vast majority of members are not. Reality is most members have modest savings which wouldn’t attract much interest no matter where they are held. A small number (but do hold proportionally more of the savings) would be rate sensitive and will be looking for a return. I would estimate that less than 5%of savings would be at risk of moving for better rates. Talking Credit Unions is a regular podcast dedicated to informing credit union practitioners, leaders, and opinion formers on a variety of industry topics. The podcast is sponsored by the Swoboda Research Centre.

    26 min
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About

Talking Credit Unions delves into the latest trends shaping the financial landscape, equipping credit unions with the insights they need to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. This podcast also tackles key issues facing the movement, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration. Featuring a diverse line-up of credit union leaders, experts, researchers, and industry suppliers, it offers valuable perspectives to drive best practices, innovation, and success.  Talking Credit Unions is brought to you by the Swoboda Research Centre, which works to support positive change and transformation in the credit union movement. (https://swobodacentre.org/). The podcast’s current producer and host, Anca Voinea, is a trained journalist with over 13 years of experience in the co-operative and credit union sectors. To suggest a podcast topic or for any other inquiries, contact her at anca.voinea@swobodacentre.org.

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