Korean Credit Unions Successfully Conclude "Asian Credit Union Forum 2025," Emphasize Global Leadership

Korean Credit Unions Lead Asian and Global Credit Union Movement as ACCU Chair and WOCCU Board Member
Over 500 Delegates from 22 Asian Countries Join to Discuss Financial Inclusion, Youth and Women’s Leadership

Kim Yoonsik, Chairman of the National Credit Union Federation of Korea, delivering a welcoming speech at the opening ceremony. National Credit Union Federation of Korea

The National Credit Union Federation of Korea announced on September 15 that it had successfully concluded the "Asian Credit Union Forum 2025" and its annual general meeting, held from September 11 to 13 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Manila, Philippines.

This forum was hosted by the Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU) and jointly organized by the Philippines' NATCCO and PFCCO. Under the theme "Cooperatives Build a Better World," more than 500 delegates from 22 Asian countries attended to discuss topics such as financial inclusion, community development, youth and women’s leadership, and sustainability.

Kim Yoonsik, Chairman of the National Credit Union Federation of Korea and President of ACCU, stated during the opening ceremony, "Cooperatives are not just financial institutions; they are a movement that fosters human growth based on dignity, equity, and shared prosperity." He emphasized, "Let us work together to create a better world through inclusive leadership for our members and communities."

At this forum, Korean credit unions drew attention with their major case presentations and keynote speeches. During the breakout session on September 13, they introduced the Deposit Protection Fund and the Management Rationalization Support Fund system, sharing achievements in proactive recovery for credit unions in crisis and in protecting members’ assets. Lee Sangyun, President of the National Credit Union Training Institute, gave a keynote speech introducing the credit union’s education and training system and qualification programs, explaining the foundation for sustainable growth of the unions.

Currently, as the chair country of ACCU, Korean credit unions represent more than 36,000 credit unions and 55.3 million members across 22 Asian countries. As a board member of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), they are also closely cooperating with over 75,000 credit unions in 104 countries worldwide. The National Credit Union Training Institute serves as Asia’s leading credit union education institution and acts as an international training hub.

Chairman Kim stated, "The Asian Credit Union Forum is a meaningful occasion for cooperative leaders to strengthen solidarity and cooperation," adding, "Korean credit unions will continue to do their utmost to realize inclusive finance and advance the development of Asian credit unions."

Meanwhile, the Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU) is an international credit union organization established in 1971. It aims to foster cooperation and information exchange among Asian credit unions and holds the Asian Credit Union Forum annually.