International Credit Union Day has been celebrated on the third Thursday of October since 1948. It aims to create awareness of credit unions, showcasing how cooperative banking can help to improve the lives of members globally.
International Credit Union Day serves an important purpose, helping to educate people on what a credit union is and how they work. This annual day brings an entire movement of mutual banking together, a movement which is now more than 403 million members strong and served by more than 82,000 credit unions and mutual banks in almost 100 countries.
In 2024, we celebrate 76 years of International Credit Union Day. This year’s theme One World Through Cooperative Finance signifies how the cooperative banking model helps bring people and communities together, helping to grow financial inclusion and strengthen local economies.
Credit unions are member-owned and operated, and each member has equal ownership regardless of how much savings they have. Credit unions exist to serve their members, not to make a profit. This “people-first” philosophy is at the core of the cooperative banking model, aligning itself to socio-economic activities that benefit those otherwise unserved in the community. These activities may include providing assistance in the form of financial education or other community outreach programs which demonstrate commitment to giving back to the people they serve.
International Credit Union Day is also a day of reflection, recognising the proud history and the obstacles faced to provide cooperative finance. It is a day to acknowledge the achievements of pioneers who laid the foundation for ongoing credit union success and appreciate the role credit unions now play in creating opportunities for their members and communities. At Australian Mutual Bank, we're proud to be part of a global movement that’s building a better world for all. Since 1953, we have been a trusted financial institution, staying true to our cooperative principles and putting the financial wellbeing of our members at the core of our operations.
To celebrate International Credit Union Day, CEO of Australian Mutual Bank, Mark Worthington provided 2024 ICU Day 'One World' themed pins to Australian Mutual Bank staff as a symbol of unity, helping to recognise and appreciate the values that make credit unions special.
For more information about International Credit Union Day, visit https://www.woccu.org/member_services/engagement/icuday
