Michael Lawrence – Chair of the World Council of Credit Unions (#1)

Thank you for tuning in to the very first episode of the Money Made Human podcast! Your host, Gayle Adnyana, welcomes Michael Lawrence, Chief Executive of the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) and Chair of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), the global peak body representing the credit union movement.Michael shares insights from his extensive 40-year career in the financial sector, including a stint in Glasgow, the home of 1st Class Credit Union, and discusses his current role in leading the global credit union movement. He emphasises the importance of emotional intelligence, empathy, and compassion in leadership, and explains the enduring value of mutuality—people helping people.Key topics in this episode include:Michael’s role within the World Council of Credit Unions and his hopes for making a lasting impactThe global credit union movement and growth in the sectorUpcoming events, including the next World Council Forum in Sydney, Australia, in 2026, and reflections on the 2024 WOCCU conferenceThe role of credit unions in Australia’s housing market and home lendingThe pathway ahead for credit unions, including advocacy with international standard-setting bodiesA fun “Would You Rather: Australian edition” segmentJoin us for a thoughtful discussion on how credit unions are shaping the future of banking while remaining true to the principle of 'people helping people'.Watch the video Gayle shared with Michael during the interview: https://youtube.com/shorts/KbO-vfkgI3E?feature=shared