Dermot O'Neill – Chief Executive, Scottish League of Credit Unions (#20)

Dermot O’Neill is the Chief Executive of the Scottish League of Credit Unions (SLCU), a role he has held for the past 15 years. The SLCU supports 26 of Scotland’s remaining 72 credit unions, helping them to become and remain Compliant, Sustainable and Cooperative.Dermot’s credit union journey began in 2002 when he was appointed General Manager of Taxi Trade Credit Union, where he spent eight years. He then moved into the community credit union sector as Development Manager at Ayrshire Credit Union, before taking up his current leadership role at the SLCU.A passionate advocate for the credit union movement, Dermot is a champion of community finance and the people-focused values that underpin it. He believes strongly in the power of cooperative finance to strengthen communities and improve lives.Outside of credit union life, Dermot prioritises family time, enjoys outdoor adventures and plays football; to the best of his (self-confessed) very average ability.Key topics in this episode include:What the Scottish League of Credit Unions is and how it supports its membersThe six key pillars of the SLCU, including guidance, education, networking and representationWhy it's important for credit unions to have this type of connection and supportDermot’s personal journey and leadership within the credit union movementHow credit unions have adapted and evolved in recent yearsDermot’s hopes for the future of the SLCU and the wider credit union sectorJoin us for an engaging conversation with someone at the heart of Scotland’s credit union movement.This episode was recorded in October 2025.