MADISON, Wis.—World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) International Advocacy has released Understanding How Credit Unions Are Using Alternative Identification Methods Globally, a new white paper the organization said highlights the ways credit unions worldwide are leveraging non-traditional forms of ID to expand access to financial services for underserved communities.
The World Council said at a time when millions remain excluded from the formal financial system due to lack of government-issued identification, credit unions are pioneering approaches that align with their cooperative mission of inclusion, equity and community development.
“Identity verification should be a bridge to financial access, not a barrier,” Vice President of International Advocacy Paul Andrews said in a statement. “This paper underscores the practical and innovative ways credit unions are adopting alternative identification to expand financial inclusion while still meeting global anti-money laundering and compliance standards.”
Exploring the ‘Intersection’
Andrews, along with Erin O’Hern, WOCCU international advocacy and regulatory counsel, co-authored the white paper, which explores the intersection of technology, regulation and cooperative values in reimagining identity verification.
Drawing on examples from Brazil, the European Union (with a focus on Poland and Ireland) and the United States, WOCCU said the report examines how credit unions are using biometric verification, digital identity platforms and flexible regulatory approaches to responsibly onboard members who lack traditional identification documents.
“Credit unions are demonstrating that inclusive identification solutions not only expand access but also strengthen financial systems, reduce reliance on predatory informal markets and contribute to long-term economic resilience,” O’Hern said in a statement.
Key Themes
WOCCU said key themes of the report include:
- Overcoming the barriers created by traditional Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements.
- Real-world approaches credit unions are adopting to balance compliance and inclusion.
- A set of guiding principles for successful alternative identification programs. These include including risk-based approaches, layered verification, regulatory dialogue and technological innovation.
- Future opportunities and challenges as digital identity frameworks evolve globally.
WOCCU International Advocacy is calling on policymakers, regulators and financial institutions to support flexible frameworks that enable credit unions to expand their inclusive mission.
The full report can be found here.
